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What is EFT?

EFT means “Emotional Freedom Techniques” and is a powerful self-help method based on research showing that emotional trauma contributes greatly to disease. Clinical trials have shown that EFT tapping is able to rapidly reduce the emotional impact of memories and incidents that trigger emotional distress. Once the distress is reduced or removed, the body can often re-balance itself, and accelerate healing.

EFT uses elements of cognitive therapy and exposure therapy, and combines them with acupressure, in the form of fingertip tapping on 12 acupuncture points. Clinical trials published in peer-reviewed medical and psychology journals have demonstrated that EFT is effective for phobias, anxiety, depression, PTSD, pain, and other problems.

Here are a few ways to get started with tapping right now!​

Daily Dump

Every day spend a few minutes verbalizing any negative emotions, thoughts or physical issues while tapping. End by tapping on any simple positive, true statement or using the Choices method.

Choices Method

When you only have a few minutes to tap but want to change your perspective on a problem, use the choices method. Identify the problem or issue. Construct a statement about how you would choose to feel about the problem. Do one tapping round while stating the negative, a second round while stating the positive, and a third round while alternating between the negative and the positive, ending on the positive.

Personal Peace Procedure

The Personal Peace Procedure involves making a list of every bothersome, specific event in one’s life and systematically tapping their impacts out of existence.

Tapping Points

Tap throughout the day on any of the following:

  1. Negative Emotions: Any time you have a negative emotional experience, you can tap on that experience. This might include reactions to emails, phone calls, interactions with others, news, family and friends or employers.
  2. Negative physical symptoms: You can tap any time you experience a physical symptom since there are likely emotions underlying the physical symptoms.
  3. Negative thoughts: You can tap if you notice yourself having negative thoughts.

Friends / Family / Children

You can help others when they are experiencing negative emotions. Explain to them that EFT is a simple stress-reduction technique. Invite them to tap along as they talk to you about what they are experiencing. If appropriate, explain the EFT basic recipe.

Previously published on janwatkins.com; reprinted with permission.