What is EFT?

“The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system."
(EFT discovery statement.)

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a process developed by Gary Craig, an engineer from Stanford, USA; that works with the body's energy system to help 'rewire' it and remove the disruption, thereby healing the negative emotions.

And EFT does exactly what it says on the tin. It brings us freedom from the emotional (and physical issues) that trouble all of us from time to time. And it's nothing new to say that most, if not all, of our physical symptoms stem from emotional causes so it stands to reason that EFT can help us in many ways.

Using EFT to clear a phobia or emotional issue doesn't necessarily mean that you will 'forget' all those issues. If, for instance, you had a fear of heights, you wouldn't go straight to the tallest building and throw yourself off after a session of EFT! You don't lose your natural caution, only the fear you previously had. The difference would be that you would be able to stand in a high place and not feel the usual sweating, palpitations etc. that you normally associate with your phobia.

And if your problem has been a past traumatic memory you can find that you are more easily able to come to terms with what has happened and remember the story without the emotional attachment that usually comes with it (this technique's called emotional freedom technique, remember.) You don't lose the memory, just the emotional attachment you had to it.

EFT works simply and easily by 'rewiring' our energy system to remove the 'zzzzzt' that's associated with a negative memory or phobia. So, for instance, you could face a huge and hairy spider and have a massive reaction to it because your energy system is set up to do that whenever you see a spider. Someone else may see that same spider and not have a reaction at all. If you do have a reaction, then EFT can help to remove that reaction and make it easier for you to confront your fears. And it's not just limited to spiders. EFT can help with any phobia you may have. If there's some fear or phobia that is getting in the way of you living a full and fulfilled life, then EFT can help you.

And now for the science bit! Energy travels through our bodies via channels known as 'meridians'. These meridians can become blocked at times and it is these blockages, which cause us both emotional and physical problems. The knowledge of these meridians has been in existence for thousands of years and it is along these, that acupuncturists will place their needles in order to facilitate healing.

Needle phobics can rejoice however, because EFT works without needles. (Or you could have an EFT session to help you deal with your needle phobia!) Put simply, all EFT involves, is tapping on various parts of the face and upper body, at the ends or turning points of these meridians, while repeating a 'reminder' phrase to tell the energy system what you're currently working on. This tapping helps to remove the energy disruption in the body. Doing this can help to bring the body's energies back into balance and promote health and a feeling of well-being.

EFT is non-invasive and safe, and the perfect complement to any treatment or therapy you may already be receiving and can be helpful for:

Addictions
Emotional issues
Fears and phobias
Physical issues/symptoms
Self-esteem and confidence issues
Traumas caused by past events
Weight loss

Please note: Whilst EFT is very effective and can produce wonderful results very quickly, it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical treatment or therapy if that is what is needed.

For me, EFT really is ‘magical’. I have never seen anything work so quickly or effectively over such a wide range of problems and symptoms. And EFT often works where nothing else will. So if you’ve tried all the usual healing or personal development avenues and resigned yourself to living with your problems or symptoms, then why not give EFT a try. After all, what have you got to lose (except your problems?)

Comments about EFT from my own clients:

“I went to bed with something personal bothering me last night so I woke up several times, but went straight back to sleep again each time. Normally something like this would keep me awake all night. I definitely think something shifted in me yesterday and I was really impressed with EFT.”

“Absolutely amazed.” “Dumbfounded.”

“I couldn't go to my doctor and get that!”

“I haven't felt this good in a year!”

“The pain in my hip was down to 50% of its normal level last night, and now it’s down 80%.”

“I feel much more positive as a result of the EFT and I’m sure it will continue.”

To find an EFT therapist in your area, you could consult one of the wide range of alternative therapy directories that are available now on the Internet. Or you could ask around for a recommendation and see if anybody you know has already tried it. You could ask at your local library or check your local phone directory too.

And when you've decided which one to use, give your chosen therapist a call first, to see what he/she charges and how well you get on with them before you go. Follow your instincts on this and you will be sure to find a therapist who is right for you.

There is much information regarding EFT on the Internet too. Gary Craig's own site (Google his name) will give you lots of free advice and information as will the numerous other sites out there.

Whichever way you go. I wish you happy EFT'ing!