Emotional Freedom Techniques

Emotions are a part of the human condition, and they can be both fulfilling and productive. However, there are some negative emotions that can pull us into an eddying swirl of doubt, fear and pain. To find relief from these destructive emotions, holistic healer Gary Craig developed the Emotional Freed Techniques (EFT).

Not all negative emotions are to be avoided as harbingers of destruction. In fact, all emotions bring their own type of healing and wisdom, if we allow ourselves to experience them fully without holding onto them as they pass through our systems. Pain teaches us that certain situations are best avoided or that we need to take a healthier approach. Grief allows us to accept and process the passing of people or circumstances that we loved. Anxiety can keep us alert in a dangerous situation.

The problem comes when individuals store up a negative emotion and don't allow it to move through at its appropriate pace. We build up reserves of negativity that eat away at us like a cancer. We can become immobile, isolated and afraid, cutting ourselves off from the things and the people that we love.

EFT is an alternative, holistic approach that allows for a release of these painful and destructive emotions. EFT incorporates a sequence of tapping on specific points on the body while repeating a phrase for focus. A person doesn't need to have faith in this process sin order for it to be effective. In fact, this technique can even accomplish freedom from both emotional and physical pain when the sufferer is at a great physical distance from the one performing the tapping. By tapping on one's own body, a person using EFT can affect relief on another.

The techniques are very simple and can be used by anyone at anytime. Start by rubbing the "sore spot" - an area on the chest that is about three inches down and three inches over from the hollow of the neck. You can rub either the left or right side. While you rub, repeat a focus phrase to yourself. You may choose to say, "Though I currently have this [emotion], I am deeply and completely accepting of myself." Repeat this phrase three times while rubbing the "sore spot."

After completing the above programming exercise, you may proceed immediately to the tapping. With the index and middle finger of one hand, tap each of the EFT points about five times while repeating "this [emotion]" to remain focused on the problem. The EFT points are the inside point of the eyebrow, near the outer corner of the eye, directly under the nose, the chin, the inside of the collar bone, under the arm on the ribs, and the inside edge of each fingernail on one hand.

One round of tapping is frequently enough to offer complete or partial relief for most people. However, if you find that you need to repeat the tapping sequence, you may do so.