by Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a self-administered, fast and effective self-treatment tool for emotional and physical distress. You can complete a ’round of EFT’ in 1 minute!
EFT uses brisk tapping on specific spots (*acu-points) that aid in the stimulation of energy flow through blocked or disrupted energy channels (meridians). The underlying philosophy is that “the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system.” Exactly! All the points are at the beginning or end of the meridians (called entry or exit points) and are easily accessible. [* Most patterns use 9-points. Regardless of the number, ALL patterns are beneficial.]
A typical tapping method follows this:
- Where in your body do you feel the emotional issue most strongly?
- Determine the distress level in that place in your body on a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 is maximum intensity and 0 is no intensity:
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 - The Setup: Repeat this statement three times, while continuously tapping the Karate Chop point on the side of the hand (large dot on hand diagram below.
“Even though I have _____________ (name the problem [e.g., a huge tax bill] or emotion [e.g. stressed, sad]), I deeply and completely accept myself.” I prefer to name the emotion rather than the problem or issue. - The Tapping Sequence: Tap about 7 times on each of the energy points in these two diagrams, (use the video links below for the correct point sequence) while repeating a brief phrase that reminds you of the problem.
5. Determine your distress level again on a scale of 0 to 10. If it’s still high, say:
“Even though I have some remaining __________ (problem/emotion), I deeply and completely accept myself.”
6. Repeat from Step 1 until your distress level is as close to 0 as possible.
Here are some links to get you started or review what you have previously learned:
Nick Ortner Tapping I like his tapping affirmations – more about acknowledging and letting go!
Let me know if you would like to learn about tapping during any session (btw – I do have EFT Certification Level 1 & 2). I can give you handouts with the actual acu-point names/location detailed diagrams and practice a ’round’ or 2 with you!
You may also know about or come across … 9 Gamut Procedure
This tapping technique is used when we are severely distressed, focused/fixated on a stressful situation or thought, and thus, cannot see our way out (stuck or blocked). The 9 Gamut Procedure helps balance brain functioning and connections aiding in lessening resistance and accepting change. It uses Triple Warmer-3 (TW-3) as the sole acu-point with a variety of eye movements (which create bi-lateral brain stimulation [like EMDR does!]).
Here is a great link with explanation of when (and not) to use the 9 Gamut Procedure, followed by a demonstration of the procedure.
