TAP DANCING

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is commonly referred to as psychological acupressure or Tapping. The therapy aims to release emotional blockages within the body's energy system.

As with many other therapies, EFT works on the premise that the body contains energy channels. When these energy channels become blocked or unbalanced, it is believed to lead to emotional and physical illness.

Using tapping techniques, Emotional Freedom Technique looks to correct these imbalances.

What is Emotional Freedom Technique?

Emotional Freedom Technique incorporates theories from holistic therapies such as acupressure, energy medicine and neuro-linguistic programming.

Many eastern medicine models are founded on the belief that there are channels of energy within the body. It is thought that when these channels (known as meridians) become blocked, energy becomes unbalanced. When this happens, it is thought to lead to physical and emotional symptoms.

In the western world, we are beginning to catch up with the premise that emotional health is imperative to physical health. As well as affecting our health, emotional blocks can lead to limiting beliefs and behaviours. This may result in phobias, anxiety, depression or even addictions.

EFT acknowledges this and combines energy medicine with psychological interventions for a truly holistic approach to health.

In a similar way to acupuncture, EFT looks to release blocked energy by stimulating the meridian points. Rather than using needles however, this therapy uses tapping techniques.

Tapping (using the fingertips) on certain points on the body, combined with voicing positive affirmations is thought to neutralise the emotional block in energy.

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How does EFT work?

EFT practitioners believe negative emotions and illness are interlinked. Physical problems create emotional responses and emotional problems often manifest as physical symptoms. For this reason, it is important to approach healing in a holistic manner, looking at both emotional and physical energy.

Emotional Freedom Technique aims to tackle both the negative emotions and unbalanced or blocked energy. This is done by tapping meridian points on the body while focusing on the issue and repeating positive affirmations.

This combination of stimulating meridian points whilst thinking about root causes enables the energy system to 'straighten out'. This is believed to eradicate the 'short circuit' to the body's learnt response or negative emotion.

The basic technique involves repeating a positive affirmation then focusing on the concern (for example anxiety) while tapping on each meridian point. This is a very basic method and your EFT practitioner may advise you on variants of this depending on what you are addressing.

The best way to learn EFT and to gain tailored instruction for your specific concern is from an EFT practitioner.

@mrsunflower94

What are the tapping points?

The tapping points within EFT are located in the upper part of the body. To ensure you are hitting the right points, be sure to consult with a professional. The locations are as follows:

• top of the head

• eyebrow

• side of the eye

• under the eye

• under the nose

• chin

• collarbone

• under the arm

• the side of the hand

@cajugos

When you are tapping these points, try to keep the following in mind:

Be specific - The language you use during EFT is important. It is the combination of language and the kinetic energy raised that makes Emotional Freedom Technique effective. The more specific you can be with your language, the better.

Stay focused - Sometimes carrying out EFT brings up difficult thoughts and feelings. You may feel an urge to recoil or distance yourself from this, but being tuned in and focused is key. If you are finding it too difficult, tell your EFT practitioner.

Notice any changes - After each round of tapping, come back to your thoughts and note your thoughts and feelings. Has anything changed?

Stay hydrated - Emotional Freedom Technique is thought to access electrical energy, and as water conducts electricity it is considered helpful to be well hydrated when tapping. Drinking enough water is generally beneficial to our health anyway, so ensure you are getting the recommended amount of water each day. 

In any form of therapy it is advised that you search for someone suitably qualified. As Emotional Freedom Technique addresses psychological concerns, it is important to ensure the practitioner you see has had the necessary training.

One wellness expert is championing this technique she swears beats anxiety and stress in minutes. Jody Shield, author of 'Self-Care for the Soul', swears by EFT, which she describes as an 'easy and effective self-help tool that helps quickly release negative emotions such as anxiety, stress or fear.' Judy is trained in EFT plus Advanced Business Coaching, LightGrids(TM) and Meditation with Damien Wynne. Find out about her techniques and what else she can do for you.