Emotional Freedom Technique

by Elaine Bruce

(Instant relief from stress of all kinds)

I have always had a great admiration for those people who make significant leaps of the imagination to develop a line of thought. Call it lateral thinking, pattern comprehension or an eureka moment which jumps out of a process of logical thought, the results take us forward to a new scientific proposition or, in this case an accessible, simple but far-reaching therapeutic tool.

The pioneering chiropractor George Goodheart was one of these “thinkers outside the box” who made the connections between the Chinese system of energy meridians, Western knowledge of the neuro-lymphatic reflexes, and the way in which the musculature operates. The treatment protocols which he developed, as Applied Kinesiology, were widely adopted by chiropractors and osteopaths and later simplified by John Thie into the more accessible form known as Touch for Health, which does not require prolonged training, and which was taught by Brian Butler to many hundreds of people in the UK as a self help technique.

At the same time psychotherapy practitioners were using the system and one of these, Roger Callahan, found it more effective with the addition of affirmations. (Louise Hay was developing her own work with affirmations about this time.) Callahan also discovered that some people showed psychological reversal, leading to a puzzling lack of progress, until his identification of a particular meridian point to correct it. Many talented practitioners have worked with and developed the techniques since then, indeed it continues to develop rapidly. The form described here, Emotional Freedom Technique, is now practised widely in the US and UK, and has a growing literature and a professional association to regulate standards and training.

Utilising a few meridian points, a well thought out affirmation, and a few percussive taps on each point, takes the emotional heat out of any situation. Moreover, it has an immediate effect, once taught can be safely used by anyone at any time, and if effective affirmations are framed, the results are lasting relief. Too good to be true? Read on. Long established emotional trauma may well take a few sessions to deal with completely, usually because there are several components to them, and it takes time and courage to unravel all the aspects of a problem and tackle each one. In fact for such problems it is helpful to consult an experienced practitioner. It is wise to approach phobias for example, with expert support. However once you have the technique you can at any time reduce emotional distress as soon as it surfaces, whether it is a new experience, or a recurrent painful memory. My present interest comes from my observations of the emotional level of healing which often accompanies the first stages of detoxification. During one or especially two weeks on Living Foods at the Centre here, it is commonplace for course members to relive some of their emotional history, as well as back-tracking physical symptoms as they start to detox. We have always included sessions on Bach Flower remedies and affirmations, because they are effective tools and also because identifying the remedies and framing the affirmations helps a person to recognise where the feelings are coming from. This is often an illuminating, and in small groups, a supportive process. However though some individuals may experience a useful catharthis, usually these methods take time and dedication to bring about results.

We now introduce all our course members to the concept of EFT, and give them the technique so that they may deal with the upsurge of emotions if, when and as they occur. They may also choose to work on a problem with help in a private session. It is not possible to talk you through the process in a short written description, indeed the technique is always handed on face to face to individuals or small groups, to ensure complete understanding of the few simple stages. I can tell you though some of the problems and conditions which are effectively treated in this way. Phobias of many kinds can be completely conquered, in the sense that they vanish. It may take a few sessions, to test progress gradually, but people who could not ride an elevator, cheerfully use them, agarophobics find they can travel freely, spider haters can pick them up…and so on. Ancient fears, resentments and angers are first reduced and then overcome completely, even though the original trauma may be severe. In ongoing situations, such as jealousy or despair, accompanied by destructive behaviours, an unimaginable detachment can be achieved. Beliefs about illness or personal abilities can be tackled. Longstanding addictions can be treated. Every day practitioners are using it in new situations. There is nothing I can think of that could not be attempted.

How does it work? It is both complex, physically and neurologically, and simple, conceptually. The simple answer is that a worrying, frightening, or upsetting experience acquires an energy charge, which has to be put somewhere in the system. Over time this becomes more obtrusive and incapacitating or draining. The tapping routine, allied to mental concentration on the appropriate affirmation, releases the energy block, wherever it may be. Yes, just like that. It has to be experienced to be believed. A caveat. As with any therapy, there will always be a few individuals who like to hold on to their blocks, perhaps because they enjoy the attention caused by their disability or illness, or because it is such a part of their life that they dare not envisage being without it. It can be difficult to overcome such mental sabotage. However there are gradual introductory strategies which can be used, so that anyone may safely put a toe in the water. Copyright

Elaine Bruce 01584 875308 www.livingfoods.co.uk

For training courses, literature and general information contact the association of meridian energy therapists at www.theamt.com .