what is
EFT Tapping
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or tapping as it is more commonly known, is a self-applied stress relief technique. And while ongoing scientific research continues to document and validate EFT as an effective treatment worthy of being mainstreamed, what is remarkable is that it works so well.
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It is a combination of Chinese acupressure and modern-day psychology. It involves tapping with our fingertips on acupuncture points on the hands, face, and body (the Chinese acupressure part) while focusing on the issue we wish to resolve (the psychology part).
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EFT allows us to release and transform the way uncomfortable feelings like hurt, guilt, fear, or anger may be affecting our experience. EFT can also be used to help transform the thoughts and beliefs behind our emotional experiences. After just a few rounds of tapping, people often report feeling lighter and calmer and able to breathe more easily. They may report that their thinking has changed, they have gained new insights or that they are feeling better, overall. And best yet solutions to their problems start to show up.
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Developed by engineer Gary Craig and inspired largely from the work of Dr. Roger Callahan, EFT is easy to learn and flexible enough to be used by anyone. As we explore EFT for ourselves, we become empowered to respond to our own emotional states and help ourselves feel better. With the aid of this simple and natural healing tool, we can discover just how our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions affect our bodies and our lives – and how we can more consciously make the changes we desire.
How can EFT help you as a parent
Emotional Freedom Technique can be a useful tool for parents to reduce their own stress, anxiety and overwhelm and to help their children manage their own emotions. By reducing stress and improving communication, parents can create a more positive and harmonious family environment.
Here are some ways that EFT can help parents:
1. Reduce stress:
Parenting can be stressful and EFT tapping can help reduce stress and anxiety. By tapping on the points while focusing on the specific issue that is causing you stress, you can release the negative emotions and feel calmer and more centred.
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2. Improve communication:
EFT can also be used to improve communication between parents and their children. When parents calm their own emotions, they can better understand and empathize with their children’s emotions which can lead to more open and effective communication.
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3. Increase Patience and Understanding:
Parenting can be challenging and it is easy to get frustrated or angry. EFT can help you release those negative emotions and increase your patience and understanding, which can lead to more positive interactions with your children.
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4. Create a positive parenting mindset:
EFT can help you create a positive mindset around parenting. By tapping on affirmations that reinforce positive beliefs about yourself and your parenting abilities you can increase your confidence and reduce self-doubt.
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5. Manage your child’s emotions:
EFT can be used to help children manage their own emotions. By teaching your child the tapping technique they can learn to release negative emotions like anxiety, fear, anger and feel calmer and in control.
How does it work
With EFT Tapping
Emotional Freedom Technique or tapping is a combination of Chinese acupressure and modern-day psychology.
It works by gently tapping, with your fingers, on meridian points in the body, whilst telling the body about what is making us upset.
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By doing this our nervous system can calm down.
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From this calm space we are then able to move away from being stuck in the problem, to think of effective solutions and start to feel much better and back in control of our lives!
The Basic Steps to using EFT Tapping:
1. Identify the issue:
Begin by identifying the specific issue that you want to address. It could be a negative emotion like anxiety, fear, anger or a physical emotion like pain or tension.
2. Rate the Intensity:
On a scale of 0 to 10, rate the intensity of the issue you want to address. 0 being no distress at all and 10 being the most intense distress.
3. The Setup:
Start by tapping on the karate chop point, which is on the side of your hand, just under the little finger, while saying a setup phrase. The setup phrase acknowledges the problem you want to address while affirming self-acceptance. For example, “Even though I’m anxious about my child’s performance at school, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
4. Tapping Sequence:
Tap on the following points whilst repeating a reminder phrase that focuses on the problem:
· Eyebrow -EB
· Side of the eye -SE
· Under the eye -UE
· Under the nose -UN
· Chin -CH
· Collarbone -CB
· Under the arm -UA
· Top of the head -TH
The reminder phrase could be a simple statement like “this anxiety” or “this pain”.
5. Repeat:
Continue tapping on the points while repeating the reminder phrase until you feel a sense of relief or the intensity of the issue has decreased. You can also adjust the reminder phrase as needed to focus on different aspects of the issue.
6. Evaluate:
After a few rounds of tapping, rate the intensity of the issue again. If it has decreased, continue tapping until it reaches 0. If it has not decreased try to identify any underlying beliefs or emotions that may be contributing to the issue and adjust the setup statement and reminder phrases accordingly.
Emotional Freedom Technique can also help you with:
Emotional Freedom Technique can also help you with:
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Stress and Anxiety: EFT can be helpful in reducing feelings of stress and anxiety by addressing the underlying emotional and physical imbalances that contribute to these feelings.
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Depression: EFT may help individuals experiencing depression by addressing negative thought patterns and releasing negative emotions that contribute to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
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Trauma and PTSD: EFT has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by helping individuals process and release emotional distress related to traumatic events.
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Phobias and Fears: EFT can be useful in addressing phobias and fears by helping individuals confront and release the underlying emotions that contribute to these feelings.
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Pain Management: EFT can be a helpful tool for managing chronic pain by addressing the emotional and physical components of pain.
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Self-esteem and confidence: EFT can help individuals build self-esteem and confidence by releasing limiting beliefs and negative emotions that may be holding them back.
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Remember: EFT tapping is a self-help tool and is not intended to replace professional therapy or medical treatment. If you are dealing with a serious issue or have any concerns, it is important to seek the help of a qualified professional.