EFT / Acupressure offered by Vernyoga

What Is EFT Tapping?

EFT tapping is a self-help technique that originated in the 1970s when several doctors began using acupressure points to assist patients in managing stress, fear, and phobias. One method, developed by Dr. Roger Callahan, is known as Thought Field Therapy. Gary Craig later simplified this process and introduced it to the public under the name EFT. Both methods involve tapping, though they differ slightly in their approach. Tapping combined with positive or negative statements or phrases can alter emotional reactions to a problem. 

The Philosophy Behind Tapping

Practices like yoga, massage, and acupuncture focus on the connection between the body and mind, and research indicates that these methods can alleviate stress, depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues. 

Tapping, or EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), merges Traditional Chinese Acupressure (similar to acupuncture but without needles) with Modern Psychology. It involves using fingertips instead of needles to tap on meridian points located just below the skin's surface. This technique is non-invasive, straightforward, and painless.

It seems to influence the amygdala (the brain's stress center) and the hippocampus (the memory center), both of which are involved in the decision-making process when determining if something is a threat. Clinical trials have demonstrated that EFT can quickly diminish the emotional impact of memories and events that cause emotional distress.

Additionally, it functions similarly to mindfulness by focusing a person's attention on their body and breathing. This may act as a mental distraction from problems causing anxiety or stress.

How Is EFT Tapping Performed?

To practice EFT tapping, you can either learn to perform the tapping sequences on your own or work with a practitioner to explore in-depth techniques for particular issues. EFT tapping is a convenient self-help method because, once learned, it can be done whenever you feel the need.

EFT tapping sessions follow a specific sequence:

• Start by assessing your distress on a scale

• Develop your "set-up statement" to identify the issue

• Begin the tapping sequence by using your fingers to tap on designated areas of the body, face, or hand

• After completing the sequence, reassess your distress

• Repeat the process until your distress level is very low

• Conclude with brain stimulation/balancing exercises

Tapping methods can vary slightly depending on each practitioner, their training, and the specific issue being addressed.

Does EFT Tapping Work?

This powerful technique has been utilized by an estimated 10 million people globally and has been researched in over 10 countries by more than 60 investigators, with findings published in over 21 different peer-reviewed journals.

Studies indicate that EFT tapping can enhance psychological disorders. Further research is necessary to compare EFT techniques with standard treatments like talk therapy. 

Most EFT studies depend on participant feedback, but at least one study showed that EFT tapping had measurable effects on the body. Participants experienced lower heart rates and blood pressure after tapping, along with reduced cortisol levels, a hormone linked to stress.

Some suggest that symptom improvement might be due to a placebo effect. When individuals want to believe in a treatment's effectiveness, their feedback may not be reliable. Another possibility is that EFT tapping works because of other techniques involved in the process, such as the slowing of breathing during the practice.

Some researchers have tested tapping's effectiveness by conducting "fake" studies where subjects performed tasks similar to, but not identical to, EFT tapping. One analysis of these studies supported EFT's effectiveness by demonstrating that fake actions were not as effective as EFT tapping.

A valuable resource is the National Library of Medicine (NLM / PubMed) website, which provides numerous articles on studies for all therapies offered on this site. This link is specifically for EFT.

Utilizing EFT Tapping for Mental Health and Pain Management

Tapping has been employed to address various psychological conditions, such as:

Depression. A review of 20 studies indicated that EFT techniques reduced depression symptoms as effectively as traditional treatments, with lasting improvements over time.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): An analysis of seven studies demonstrated that a series of EFT sessions is effective for different groups with PTSD. There were no adverse effects, and EFT techniques proved effective both as a primary treatment and a self-help method.

Phobias. Although fewer studies focus on using EFT tapping for phobias, one study applied EFT techniques to individuals with phobias. Improvements were noted after a single session, while others found regular self-help EFT treatments between professional sessions more beneficial.

Anxiety, fear, panic: Although specific studies are not cited here, EFT is often successfully used for these issues, similar to the above conditions.

Pain: I personally used EFT frequently after a foot operation. While it didn’t eliminate the pain for long, it provided relief for 45 minutes to an hour, reducing the need for strong painkillers. I also applied it before bed to prevent moving my foot during sleep, which had been an issue the first night after the operation. It was effective. I also used it to break habits and improve sleep.

Why EFT Tapping?

As a self-help strategy, EFT tapping has advantages over more conventional treatment. It is:

• Painless

• Easy to do

• Less time-consuming than other types of therapy

• Control over your own treatment

• Non addictive

Acupressure

Acupressure as mentioned above, is a traditional healing technique that originated in ancient China. 

The fundamental concept behind acupressure is the idea of vital energy, or "qi" (pronounced "chee"), flowing through meridians or energy channels in the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disruptions or imbalances in the flow of qi can lead to various health problems. By applying pressure to specific points along the meridians, acupressure aims to promote the smooth flow of energy and restore balance to the body.

Practitioners of acupressure use their fingers, palms, or other tools to apply firm pressure to specific points on the body as opposed to tapping the point sin EFT. These points are often located along meridians and are believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body. Acupressure is used for a variety of purposes, including pain relief, stress reduction, relaxation, and promoting overall well-being.