EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques and it is a self-help method that combines tapping with your fingertips on acupressure points on the face, hands and body while focusing on a problem or issue you wish to resolve.
The EFT process allows you to change and release the way feelings like guilt, fear, or anger may be affecting your body and your health.
EFT can also be used to help transform the thoughts and beliefs behind your emotional experiences.
The vast majority of people who try EFT report feeling calmer, more balanced and able to breathe more easily after just a few minutes of tapping on various acupressure points.
Now let’s get down to the real skill behind applying EFT.
5 EFT tapping tips
You will be introduced to some of the most tapping tips that have proven to be highly effective.
The basics below will get you started with some essential skills, but to get the best results possible, it is recommended that you download and familiarize yourself with one of the many EFT Beginner’s Guides that are available for free on the web (eftuniverse.com, garythink.com, eftfree.net, tappinginternational.com, tappingqanda.com, abundance-tapping.com).
1. Sneak Up On Intense Issues
If you would like to work on a big issue , one that you anticipate will trigger a lot of intensity for you, tap for your feelings of anticipation, before actually focusing on the upsetting issue.
If you dread having to think about, or talk about, a certain memory related to the upsetting issue – use tapping to calm your intensity down and put yourself at ease before actually facing the intense issue.
Carefully construct your Set-Up and Reminder Phrases to help you sneak up on intense issues.
For example, you could use a Set-Up Phrase like: “Even though I can’t think about this because it would upset me too much, I deeply and profoundly love and accept myself.” Reminder Phrase: “It would upset me too much…” After tapping, you will be much less upset as you talk about the details of the issue itself, and proceed with tapping for the remainder of your issue.
Never force yourself to proceed until you are comfortable doing so.
If intense feelings come up anyway, you will most likely be so tuned in to the issue that words may not be necessary for tapping to work. Just tap all the EFT points over and over and keep breathing deeply until the uncomfortable feelings subside. When you are ready, proceed with tapping as you focus on the remainder of the issue at hand.
2. Be Aware of Cognitive Shifts
During, or after, tapping you may not immediately realize that you have begun to see your situation differently – that is, in a different light. It is important to note that EFT helps create “cognitive shifts,” or changes in thinking, attitude, or perspective.
After tapping, ask yourself: “Has anything changed in the way this whole problem looks to me now” and “How might I see this (or myself) differently now?”
A cognitive shift has happened when you:
- Understand another person’s point of view for the first time
- Have more compassion for yourself, or for others
- Acknowledge and/or accept that you did the best you could
- See the bigger picture
- See yourself differently
3. Use Your Intuition
When practicing EFT, YOU are an integral part of the equation.
Whether you’re working with someone else, or doing EFT on yourself, whatever comes to mind during the process is probably important. Any hunches or intuitive thoughts or feelings that arise are worth your attention and exploration, and may probably be worth throwing into your Set-Up phrasing.
Keep in mind, if you are working with another person, it is most respectful to ask whether your intuitive guess feels right to them. When in doubt, ask.
4. Dig Deeper to Address Core Issues
If you pay attention to the thoughts and feelings that arise during tapping for any issue, you are effectively following an emotional trail that will often lead you into the actual core of the problem.
A few simple questions can take your tapping to a much deeper level, and perhaps reveal the emotions, thoughts or beliefs that are driving the whole problem.
The best way to uncover core issues is to keeping asking: “What does this emotion I have right now remind me of?”
Whatever comes to mind is worth exploring.
You may not consciously know what the core issue is, but this simple question will uncover clues. Even if you think you’ve already worked on an issue, there may be many layers, including issues of identity (limiting beliefs) that have yet to be thoroughly addressed. After a round of tapping, always pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. What comes to mind?
- When was the first time you can remember feeling that same kind of feeling?
- When was one of the worst times that you felt this?
- If anyone in your life contributed to this problem, who might that be?
- If there were a deeper emotion underlying this problem, what might it be?
- If you could live your life over again, what person or event would you like to skip?
- In what way might you be identifying with this problem?
- Could this problem be protecting old ideas about who you think you are?
If your answer is, “I don’t know,” just take a guess – your subconscious mind knows and your guesses will usually be right on target.
5. Be Persistent
Although EFT often yields impressively rapid results, some of the deepest and most lasting healing is achieved by being persistent with tapping over time.
Many of life’s issues are complex and multi-layered.
It may take time to achieve the state of well-being that you desire, but remember, patience is key. Keep tapping as often as possible, and try tapping for lots of different aspects. Try approaching things from different angles, and asking more questions that may lead to core issues.
Persistence really can make all the difference!
Remember, you can use EFT on issues as serious as chronic medical conditions, but addressing these types of issues often requires long-term tapping, as they involve many emotional components. It is beneficial to view EFT as a tool to be used on a daily basis to improve mental and physical wellness, and not a 5 minute miracle cure.
Apply EFT to any problem
These tips can help you apply EFT effectively – but it is not enough to just read about EFT – you have to try EFT for yourself!
In fact, EFT enthusiasts often say: “Try it on everything!”
You can apply EFT to any kind of problem: the annoying and uncomfortable kind you encounter in a typical day and the kind that have been around for a long time and don’t seem like they’re going anywhere.
Applying EFT to your own personal issues can help you neutralize the negative thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that are weighing you down – a process every part of your life can benefit from. Many people benefit from professional EFT coaching to help guide them as they attempt to fit EFT tapping into their daily routine.