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EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a brief self-applied stress reduction technique using elements of cognitive therapy, with physical stimulation of acupuncture points.
It is often referred to as ‘Tapping’ as it uses a two finger tapping process on known acupuncture points. EFT can address a range of issues by simply focusing on the issue you would like to address with an acceptance statement, along with a simple two finger tapping technique. Research, including randomised clinical trials and meta analyses has established effectiveness for phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, pain and more. |
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An evidence based modality, it is used widely as both a self-help tool and therapeutic treatment option to help reduce and often totally eliminate emotional and physical discomfort.
It is one of the new "Power" Therapies, also known as ‘Energy Psychology’ and 'Cognitive Somatic Energy Techniques' which are developed from the ancient Chinese medicine system Sometimes called "acupuncture without needles", it is the most widely researched of all these modalities. EFT is a method for safely releasing unwanted negative or painful, emotions, thoughts and feelings such as sadness, fear, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, hurt, grief, bitterness etc. EFT relieves the emotional intensity associated with anxiety, fears, phobias and is used to “neutralize” unpleasant or traumatic memories. |
The proposed mechanisms behind EFT include deactivation of the amygdala (stress centre in the brain) and hippocampus (memory centre), as well as recent research into vagal nerve improvement. Ultimately the research to date points to regulation of the autonomic nervous system. |
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How Does EFT Work?
There's what we know as a result of the scientific studies carried out at universities around the world over the past 10+ years (we can call that "hard science") and then there's what science hasn't quite figured out yet, which we can call "blue sky".
According to the hard science, based on RCTs that employed functional MRIs, blood testing and other methods, Tapping reduces arousal in the amygdala. That's a small, almond-shaped part of the brain that plays a key role in our fight-or-flight response. When the amygdala calms, the body stops experiencing a stress response and all its associated symptoms. One of those symptoms is the production of cortisol, the body's major stress hormone. EFT has been shown to reduce cortisol in saliva up to 24% after only one hourlong session. As of August 2016, thanks to a study published in The American Journal of Health Promotion, we can also say that EFT produces positive changes in the expression of genes associated with stress, so that the body is better equipped to handle future stress as a result of the Tapping done to address existing stress.
As for the "blue sky" possibilities, while there's plenty to validate it (like over 3000 years of Chinese Medicine for example) we can't say with the same degree of confidence (yet) what role the meridians play or how EFT affects what can be called Chi - vital energy - and how that, if at all, changes emotional and physical states. All we can say at this point is that tapping on the end points of the body’s energy meridians (while thinking of a specific issue), seems to send pulses of energy to rebalance the body’s energy system in relation to that thought/specific issue.
In both cases, shifting energy changes the way the brain processes information about a particular issue, and so tapping while tuned in to the issue is like rewiring or rerouting the brain’s conditioned negative response.
There's what we know as a result of the scientific studies carried out at universities around the world over the past 10+ years (we can call that "hard science") and then there's what science hasn't quite figured out yet, which we can call "blue sky".
According to the hard science, based on RCTs that employed functional MRIs, blood testing and other methods, Tapping reduces arousal in the amygdala. That's a small, almond-shaped part of the brain that plays a key role in our fight-or-flight response. When the amygdala calms, the body stops experiencing a stress response and all its associated symptoms. One of those symptoms is the production of cortisol, the body's major stress hormone. EFT has been shown to reduce cortisol in saliva up to 24% after only one hourlong session. As of August 2016, thanks to a study published in The American Journal of Health Promotion, we can also say that EFT produces positive changes in the expression of genes associated with stress, so that the body is better equipped to handle future stress as a result of the Tapping done to address existing stress.
As for the "blue sky" possibilities, while there's plenty to validate it (like over 3000 years of Chinese Medicine for example) we can't say with the same degree of confidence (yet) what role the meridians play or how EFT affects what can be called Chi - vital energy - and how that, if at all, changes emotional and physical states. All we can say at this point is that tapping on the end points of the body’s energy meridians (while thinking of a specific issue), seems to send pulses of energy to rebalance the body’s energy system in relation to that thought/specific issue.
In both cases, shifting energy changes the way the brain processes information about a particular issue, and so tapping while tuned in to the issue is like rewiring or rerouting the brain’s conditioned negative response.
EFT Theory & Principles
EFT is based on the idea that unresolved negative emotions have a profound effect on ones personal psychology and this in turn interferes with the body's ability to maintain optimal levels of health.
“Tuning in” to the negative emotion, thought or feeling whilst tapping or rubbing a sequence of body energy points, tells the body to switch from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system and tells the brain to disconnect the stress response from the memory.
When this happens, emotions come into balance and are neutralized. When this occurs it becomes virtually impossible to get upset about the circumstance no matter how hard you try. The memory of the event remains but the negative emotional “charge” is gone.
Typically, the result is lasting and a person’s awareness (cognition) usually changes and new perceptual insights (cognitive shifts) into the problem become apparent as a natural result of the application. It is therefore an ideal personal healing tool for letting go of unwanted and/or repressed feelings and emotions. This has enormous implications for bringing about profound and lasting personal changes.
EFT IN THE NEWS
Fox NewsDr. Joseph Annibali, a chief psychiatrist and author of “Reclaim Your Brain,” talks about EFT
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CBS NewsA veteran with PTSD shows remarkable improvement with EFT
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9 News AustraliaThe results of an EFT trial in Australian schools
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What Can EFT Be Used For?
EFT is regarded as a “universal healing aid” which means it is a personal healing tool that can be applied to improve any human condition, both physical and emotional. The process is completely natural, painless, versatile and simple to learn and apply. Extensive application of EFT has shown impressive improvements in a wide variety of issues, including those listed below.
EFT is regarded as a “universal healing aid” which means it is a personal healing tool that can be applied to improve any human condition, both physical and emotional. The process is completely natural, painless, versatile and simple to learn and apply. Extensive application of EFT has shown impressive improvements in a wide variety of issues, including those listed below.
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PERSONAL PERFORMANCE
EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES
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PHYSICAL DISEASE
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EFT Background
EFT was developed in the early 1990s. Many of the concepts underlying EFT come from Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Thought Field Therapy (TFT). TFT involves the use of 10 or 15 individualized tapping routines (algorithms). EFT differs in that it employs only ONE comprehensive tapping routine, the Basic Recipe, which is used for ALL emotional and physical problems. Because of this, it is easy enough to be mastered by most people, including children, making EFT far more accessible and immediate.
EFT was developed in the early 1990s. Many of the concepts underlying EFT come from Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Thought Field Therapy (TFT). TFT involves the use of 10 or 15 individualized tapping routines (algorithms). EFT differs in that it employs only ONE comprehensive tapping routine, the Basic Recipe, which is used for ALL emotional and physical problems. Because of this, it is easy enough to be mastered by most people, including children, making EFT far more accessible and immediate.
Disclaimer
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is considered experimental in nature. While it is gaining in scientific support and is accepted as a legitimate psychological technique, it is not yet widely accepted as a formally validated scientific technique.
All workshops and trainings are intended to promote awareness of the benefits of learning and applying Clinical EFT (the version tested in clinical research trials). However, the general public must take full responsibility for their use of it. The content on this website and any materials we provide you about EFT are provided for general informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric, or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, psychologist, or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health issue. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you experience any unusual symptoms practicing the technique you should seek the advice of a health professional immediately. Although the results of our research and others in the academic world indicate that many people benefit from the use of Clinical EFT with their food cravings, weight loss, anxiety and depression, the responses to the technique are quite specific to each individual. The effectiveness of EFT may vary from person to person, and such we make no guarantees about individual outcomes. A lack of result or progress may mean you need advice or intervention from a health professional.
Before making any dietary changes or discontinuing, reducing or increasing prescription medications it is recommended that you consult with your doctor, pharmacist or other qualified medical or health professional first.
Naomi Janzen is not a licensed health professional and all EFT trainings, courses and products (free or for purchase) offered by Naomi Janzen and/or Freedom Techniques are not a psychological service. Any reliance you place on the information provided on this website or any other content is strictly at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss or damage arising from your use of our trainings, courses or products.
All workshops and trainings are intended to promote awareness of the benefits of learning and applying Clinical EFT (the version tested in clinical research trials). However, the general public must take full responsibility for their use of it. The content on this website and any materials we provide you about EFT are provided for general informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric, or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, psychologist, or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health issue. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you experience any unusual symptoms practicing the technique you should seek the advice of a health professional immediately. Although the results of our research and others in the academic world indicate that many people benefit from the use of Clinical EFT with their food cravings, weight loss, anxiety and depression, the responses to the technique are quite specific to each individual. The effectiveness of EFT may vary from person to person, and such we make no guarantees about individual outcomes. A lack of result or progress may mean you need advice or intervention from a health professional.
Before making any dietary changes or discontinuing, reducing or increasing prescription medications it is recommended that you consult with your doctor, pharmacist or other qualified medical or health professional first.
Naomi Janzen is not a licensed health professional and all EFT trainings, courses and products (free or for purchase) offered by Naomi Janzen and/or Freedom Techniques are not a psychological service. Any reliance you place on the information provided on this website or any other content is strictly at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss or damage arising from your use of our trainings, courses or products.