EFT – Emotional Freedom Technique

EFT is a simple self help tool which can be learnt in a single session – either in a one–to–one or group session. It only takes seconds to do and can be used to tackle many different problems such as phobias, anxiety and fears, work related stress or physical illness, which makes it a tool for life. For example, I have used it when preparing for exams, or when I have a particularly busy day.

Meridians

Meridians are lines of energy on the body used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. A body from 5000BC has been found in a glacier and it shows that Neolithic people in central Europe tattooed acupuncture points on their bodies. So there is a long history of using these lines. Stimulating one point on the line stimulates other parts of the body on the line.

EFT uses 14 major body meridian points which either start or end a major meridian.

How EFT Works

The theory is that distressing memories or thoughts cause a disruption in the body’s energy system, which in turn causes negative emotion.

Tapping with your fingers on specific meridians on the body can help to reset them thus eliminating the negative emotion. It does sound overly simple but you may have seen it used on TV programmes eg I have seen a hypnotist use some sort of tapping technique to help someone get over a phobia in the course of the programme.

It works directly on the problem so you do not have to explore why you have the problem e.g. if you fear spiders, you do not have to relate that back to, say, a childhood incident involving a spider.

The session lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

For more information visit the Association for Meridian Therapies Website.