By Dr. Tara Ikram
                                                                                  (Clinical Psychologist, hypnotist, DHMS, Reiki Healer, Acupressure Therapist)   

               What Is Emotional Freedom Technique(EFT)            

                              and How Does It Work?

The emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)  belongs to the field of alternative medicine. It is also called Tapping Therapy or the Meridian tapping technique. It was created by Gary Craig. You can call it psychological acupressure, based on Chinese acupuncture points or Body meridians. but instead of using needles or pressing the points like acupressure, we use tapping on these points. While acupuncture and acupressure focus on physical ailments, EFT treats emotional issues or disturbances.
In short, EFT is an emotional version of acupressure or acupuncture, but instead, we use needles and tap on certain points or meridians…

   What are pressure points or body meridians?

To know the exact process of the emotional freedom technique we should get some knowledge about meridians, and their function in our bodies.
In alternative medicine or traditional Chinese medicine, the meridians are invisible energy pathways or channels in the body. As we mentioned earlier, there are 14 basic meridians or pressure points but in total there are  20 meridians in our body. Each meridian corresponds to a body organ.
Our vital energy ( CHI )  flows along these meridians and any kind of imbalance of this energy causes our physical or mental illness.
Meridians are present in the body including hands and feet, they could not be found surgically or seen in X-rays. Not only human beings have meridians but all mammals seem to have these energy meridians. They are intangible but we can feel their presence through their impact on the body. They affect our energy levels, our moods, our thinking, and our cognition but above all, they play an important role in our immune system.

   In which Area does this technique work.?

EFT works with 14 of the acupressure points. It is a simple method for easing emotional pain. This technique can eliminate intense negative emotions.
It is clinically effective in treating intense emotional trauma and abuse. Panic attacks. Anxiety.
Fear, Phobias, Mild Depression…some addictions. Child-related problems and some kind of physical symptoms come from emotional sources…like some physical pains, Allergies, Headaches, Breathing difficulties, and a few more.
                                                       

 Basic EFT Points.

Top of the Head – releases inner critic, lack of focus
Beginning of the Eye Brow – releases tension, frustration, trauma
The side of the Eye.. releases rage, resentment, and fear of change
Under the Eye– releases stress, fear, anxiety, disappointment
Under the Nose – releases embarrassment, powerlessness
Chin – releases shame, confusion
Collar Bone – releases fear, sexual tension & indecision
Under Arm – releases anxiety about the future, insecurity, poor self-esteem
Thumb – releases intolerance, disdain, and haughtiness
Index Finger – releases guilt
Middle Finger – releases regret, remorse, jealousy & sexual tension
Baby Finger – releases anger and control
Karate Chop – releases sorrow and sadness
Back of the hand/Gamut point
                                                                           

 Procedure of EFT

This procedure is quite simple but its results are excellent, and it has no side effects.
The first step of this procedure is to recognize the problem of the patient and then find out and measure the intensity of this issue or problem then we start the straightforward treatment. The therapist taps the specific points or meridians, each tapping point addressing or treating a specific issue.
Usually, a patient requires 5 to 7 sessions, but one can feel the difference in the first session, in most cases the negative emotions about a specific issue are completely resolved. The very interesting part of this technique is its simplicity so that even a child can learn it.

(IMPORTANT: The above article describes the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and recommends taking proper training or seeking help from a therapist to benefit from this procedure.