On the surface, tapping, the popular term for EFT-Emotional Freedom Techniques- looks like we are tapping on certain parts of our body. We are. When we feel distressed in some way, our body becomes activated. All kinds of stress hormones are released. We feel a physiological response such as tension or nervousness or pain. Tapping on our subtle energy centers while focusing on that distress stimulates the flow of a neutralizing and calming response to the brain.
Often, you will begin to yawn and notice a sense of release and relief just by beginning the process. And that may be all you need at that very moment. More often than not, however, it is just the beginning and deeper work is required to achieve the greatest benefit and desired results.
There is much more to it…
Imagine an iceberg.
Your distress is the tip. It is what you see, what you feel, the torment, the procrastination, the fear, the tension. But beneath this tip is a vast underwater mountain of past events, unkind words spoken to you, demands for perfection, and other experiences which may or may not have anything to do with your current issue.
Yet, these negative experiences from our past still affect us because they carry an energy, a “charge” that is triggered in certain circumstances. Talking helps. But without a means to neutralize the energy within, we still feel that anxiety.
Our energy system is like subtle electrical circuits. When they overload (too much stress), they trip a circuit breaker…. and the easy and smooth flow of energy shuts off, until it is reset. EFT is a modality that “resets” our energy system in a gentle, yet powerful, way.
Here, you see an illustration of our subtle energy systems, including the meridians, or energy pathways.
Tapping on certain acupuncture points along those meridians, while we focus on a specific emotional or physical pain or limiting belief, releases stuck energy, stimulating and balancing the flow of our subtle energy system. Doing so aids the body’s natural ability to heal emotionally and physically.
Research suggests that there’s a physiological response to the stimulation of these acupoints — they’re not simply random sites on the body. After examining acupoints under a microscope, scientists discovered that they contain a high density of nerve endings, nerve fibers that control heat and cold, and a high concentration of white blood cells, according to a review.
Other research found that stimulating acupoints produces a variety of brain chemicals, including endogenous opioids (pain-relieving chemicals), serotonin (which helps regulate sleep, mood, and memory), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (which has a calming effect on the body), according to a past research article (PDF).
EFT safely and gently releases and neutralizes the root causes of our present day distress. As our energy system is balanced in a deep and lasting way, we are able to experience greater calm, confidence, and new perspectives.
“So Mrs. Bobb and I went to work with EFT… I began to feel calmer and that I could actually do this…the recital came around… When I went up for my turn though nervous,I felt a strange calm wash over me….I was so happy afterwards that it barely mattered that I had made mistakes. I never would’ve been able to do that without her help and the EFT…”
