Emotional Freedom Technique (i.e. EFT) or “Tapping”, is a healing modality originated by Gary Craig. It draws on various healing theories such as acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming, energy medicine, and Thought Field Therapy.
When utilizing EFT you focus on talking through a specific issue while tapping on the end points of the body’s energy meridians to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone released by the brain’s amygdala gland when under stress— sometimes resulting in paralyzing depression or anxiety.
Cortisol is said to trap our thinking in the reptilian, or flight / attack portion of the brain (the back of the brain). When this happens, a perceived threat, however little, can be translated into the need to go into a flight / attack response.
Flight could look like isolation, going into an addiction, hiding the truth, shutting down, leaving a relationship, etc.
Attack could look like screaming, ridiculing, pressuring someone, or even physically harming them in an effort to feel like our domination has been established and we are “safe from the threat.”
Tapping allows us to decrease cortisol levels and process perceived threats from the frontal lobe of the brain. When fears are processed through this part of the brain we can more easily self contain, access rational thought, and effectively problem solve without going into flight / attack mode.
In a matter of minutes people often report decreased depression, anxiety, and fear. There have even been numerous reports of decreased physical pain when utilizing EFT.
Below Nick Ortner talks on the basics outlining EFT or “Tapping.”
Check it out: