The Power of EFT aka Tapping: Emotional Freedom Technique
In the last week I've used EFT at least 5 times with clients (stress, disappointment, emotional upset, distressing event, and overwhelm), and so I wanted to share it with you all.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping, is a powerful tool that combines ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology to help release negative emotions and promote healing. By tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on the issue at hand, EFT can help alleviate emotional distress, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
It sounds a little woo-woo at first, and yet, it's such an effective technique, that I used it very often by myself and with clients.
One of the key benefits of EFT is its simplicity and accessibility. Anyone can learn and practice this technique to manage stress, overcome fears, and enhance emotional resilience. By tapping on points like the top of the head, eyebrow, side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, chin, collarbone, and under the arm, individuals can stimulate the body's energy flow and bring balance to their emotions. It's not quite as simple as that. We are also adding a way to help the mind process the emotions in a new way and not let it get flooded by them.
It's a lot easier to explain in in a video, but since I don't do videos yet :) I'll send you to youtube. If you search for EFT, you'll find thousands of videos. There are different approaches
YouTube Videos for EFT Examples:
EFT Tapping for Anxiety Relief with Nick Ortner
EFT Tapping for Stress Management with Robin Bilazarian
EFT Tapping for Self-Love and Acceptance with Julie Schiffman
Why I Love Tapping
What I love most about EFT is how empowering it is. Once you learn the basics, you can use it whenever and wherever you need it. Got a big meeting? Tap in the car beforehand. Feeling overwhelmed at home? Sneak into the bathroom for a quick round.
Why does it work?
EFT works because it interrupts the brain’s stress response at its root—the amygdala—while combining this with the cognitive power of acknowledging and reframing emotions. It’s like giving your nervous system a signal that says, Hey, it’s okay. We’re safe now.
As the amygdala calms down, the brain’s frontal cortex (responsible for reasoning and higher thinking) can step in. This allows the brain to reprocess memories or thoughts from a less reactive place, leading to a sense of resolution. Over time, EFT can help "unlink" the emotional charge from memories or triggers, so they no longer cause distress.
Scientific Support
There are over 100 peer-reviewed studies supporting the effectiveness of EFT. They prove that it significantly reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms by calming the amygdala, lowering cortisol levels, and improving emotional regulation. It has received approval or is widely accepted for professional use in countries such as the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is recognized as an evidence-based treatment for trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD and such.
This is just a quick introduction. If you’re curious or want more guidance, let me know—I’d be happy to share more tips or resources. EFT has made such a difference in my life and my clients' lives, and I hope it can do the same for you.
Give it a try!
