EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique, is a therapeutic approach that combines elements of traditional psychotherapy with acupressure. It is often referred to as "tapping" due to its main technique, which involves tapping on specific points on the body.
The fundamental principle of EFT is that emotional distress and psychological issues are caused by disruptions in the body's energy system. By tapping on specific acupressure points, EFT aims to restore the balance and flow of energy, thereby addressing emotional and psychological problems.
Having initially been regarded as a weird and wacky practice, over the years EFT or Tapping has grown in acceptance principally because various studies show it to be effective at calming a maladaptive stress response present in so many of us. Indeed the feeling of stress and overwhelm that has grown in response to the Covid pandemic and associated social and economic repercussions has impacted most of the population, with many experiencing anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbance, joint and muscle pain and signs and symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Many people are happy to accept the growing number of peer reviewed scientific studies and anecdotal reports recording the benefits of EFT. Others feel more comfortable when they have an understanding of the mechanisms involved. Below I will provide an introduction to possible explanations to the healing that occurs when applying EFT.
Neurological Plasticity Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) show that stimulating the powerful acu-points on the head and torso has the effect of calming the amygdala, part of the brain involved in the stress response. The body has to move out of the stress response before it is able to repair and renew.
Primo-vascular System Until very recently science viewed the concepts of traditional eastern medicine with scepticism since it had not been possible to identify anatomical systems that allowed the responses attributed to the meridian system. But recently a previously unknown biological system has been discovered that actually corresponds to the meridian system.
Improvements in scientific equipment has enabled the discovery of the Primo Vascular System (PVS). This is an extensive network of miniscule vessels and nodes that exist as a circulatory system independent of blood and lymph. As this system develops within 20 hours of fertilisation it precedes the development of other organs and systems, and is common to the development of all biological systems including vertebrates, invertebrates and plants.
While the existing research provides valuable insights, it is important to note that further studies are needed to fully explain the relationship between the primo vascular and meridian systems and the function of these systems in health and healing.
Simply put, EFT tapping is one of the most effective techniques available to you. Whether you use it on its own or to supplement traditional or medical treatment, 'tapping' can supercharge and drastically reduce recovery time.