What Makes EFT So Effective, Anyway? Breaking down this powerful technique.
What is EFT?
EFT is a Powerful DIY somatic processing tool that uses gentle, percussive tapping on certain end points of the meridians, or energy pathways of the body. I like to think of it as emotional acupuncture!
It combines the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with concepts based in modern psychology, while breathing love and acceptance into areas where, often, there has been none. EFT addresses issues at their root, by focusing on the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs associated with an issue. This equation neutralizes issues permanently!
There is an unmistakable connection between our emotional states, and our physical and mental well being. When something stressful or traumatic happens, the body must process this, sooner or later.
Often, we don’t have the tools to process such instances as soon as they occur. The body stores this information away till we are able to deal with it. In the mean time, beliefs are formed about our experiences in the world. When too many of these unprocessed instances and beliefs accumulate, physical, emotional and mental issues and even disease can take root, severely impacting our quality of life.
That is where EFT comes in.
And the best part is that this technique, once learned
can be practiced by an individual on themselves,
can be practiced anywhere,
is free, and
can be applied to anything!
How does it work?
There are a few major components in a tapping session which make the technique so effective.
Set Up
It is important to pick a specific issue to work on to get the best results. Then, determine the intensity of the issue and its impact on your life, before beginning to tap, to track your progress.
Name the issue
Speaking our issues, our thoughts, beliefs, and feelings out loud may seem odd at first, but this component actually stimulates the activation of mirror neurons, rapidly speeding the healing process.
Tapping
Using your own two hands, you tap on the meridian end points to stimulate the flow of energy in the body. This wakes up the flow of energy, and gets trapped stress and trauma moving. Tapping is also a great way to self-regulate the nervous system.
Breath
During a tapping session, deep, full inhalations and exhalations are encouraged. This further speeds up the process by offering yet another way to self regulate the nervous system.
It seems so simple, often people are surprised by its effectiveness! Regardless of its simplicity, EFT works where other modalities often wont.
What to Expect in a Tapping Session…
In a tapping session, I guide you through a process of inquiry relating to your specific issue. I walk you through the points, and then, we tap as we talk about your issue in a style of call and response.
EFT works best when your actual words about your beliefs and experiences are used. I facilitate my tapping sessions in a way where the client is in charge, where everything that is said is lined up with the clients truth about their experiences.
Intense emotions and sensations can surface during a tapping session unexpectedly. Whether you are practicing with a practitioner, or going it alone, make sure you have the resources to get you through these intense moments and to the other side. Remember, on the other side of that intensity is peace and a greater sense of well being.
It is my belief that genuine love and acceptance is the healing elixir for all wounds, and I make sure to create a safe environment for you to delve into your issue so that you can experience the healing for yourself.
Self Tapping
Regardless of if you seek external support or want your process to be a solo mission, tapping is a wonderful + helpful tool!
Here are some tips to make your self-tap easy and effective:
Journaling. Self reflection is the name of the game with this one. Once you have picked a specific topic or issue you wish to give attention to, grab a pen and some paper, and write about it for a bit. When did this issue start? What are the feelings it brings up? Does it remind you of anyone you are close to, possibly a parent, grandparent, sibling, or caretaker? Write out as many details as you can think of. If you are good at multi-tasking, try writing while you tap, to get the juices flowing quicker!
Set and Setting. Yes, this is a drug free experience! Make sure you are somewhere where you will not be disturbed, and where you feel comfortable and safe. Pillows, layers of clothing, blankets, (or maybe a fan, if it is hot,) some water, and a box of tissues are generally good things to have on hand. To get the most out of any session, you want to make sure that all of your needs will be thoroughly met for the duration of time you set for yourself to do the deep dive! Which brings us to…
Time. Pick an amount of time and try to stick with the process for that entire period. Often, in the beginning, especially if we are delving into particularly difficult or uncomfortable issues, there can be a tendency to want to distract, numb out, or run away. Lovingly remind yourself that it is totally okay for you to want to do this! No body likes to feel uncomfortable. It is natural and normal to want to avoid this issue. Then reassure yourself by setting aside a reasonable time frame. If you are just starting out, 15-20 minutes of tapping will probably feel much more doable than an hour.
Self acceptance. Tapping is easy, when you break it down. Tap on some of the points shown on this fun graphic, and acknowledge what you are thinking and how you feel, out loud, while breathing. An example of this could be something like: “I feel angry because my partner lied to me. *Deep breath* This pisses me off! It’s just like my dad used to lie to my mom all of the time. *Deep breath, continueing to tap* I am open to accepting myself, even with all of this anger.”
Start with emotions. Address the most intense or prominent emotions, first. This means, if you feel numb, work on accepting the numb feeling! Check out if there is any resistance to fully allowing yourself to be where you are, and notice where that may be coming from. Start with the present moment.
Self Love. Lastly, sprinkle in a little bit of good, old fashioned love. Practice saying out loud, “I love and accept myself!” If that feels impossible, say “I am open to loving myself, one day…” or “I am willing to learn to love myself,” or “even though I don’t think I deserve to love myself, I want to.” The truth is, accepting and acknowledging where we are, even when we don’t feel loving towards ourselves, IS self love. You tricky human, you!
Tapping is an easy technique…
One that works for anyone, when applied with a little know how and willingness. I hope the information and tips shared in this post bring you some clarity and confidence to try it out for yourself. Many thanks for reading, for seeking a deeper and more loving connection with your self.
Wishing you beauty in your day, and through your life,
Caitlin Austin