Health Line defines Emotional freedom technique (EFT) as an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. It’s also referred to as tapping or psychological acupressure. It has been used to heal PTSD, C-PTSD and Complex Trauma. Developer Gary Craig describes it as a, ‘Disruption in energy that causes negative emotions and pain’.
Similar to acupuncture, EFT focuses on the Meridians of the body. Proponents say the tapping helps you access the body’s energy and send signals to the part of the brain that controls stress. By stimulating the meridian points through EFT tapping, negative emotions, memories and stress are greatly reduced, when combined with the Lord, these deep wounds and trauma memories can be healed completely.
EFT tapping can be divided into five steps. If you have more than one issue or trauma, you can repeat the practice to reduce or eliminate the issue(s).
- Identify the Core Issue
Often, we try to heal ourselves by focusing on the branches, but we must get to the root, the core issue. In order for EFT to be effective, you must first identify the root issue. This root issue will be your focal point while you’re tapping. Focusing on only one issue or one hurt at a time is purported to enhance your outcome.
Matthew 23:26, First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
- Test the Initial Intensity of the Core Issue
After identifying your core issue, set a ‘benchmark level’ of intensity. The intensity level is rated on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most difficult. The scale assesses the emotional or physical pain and discomfort you feel from your focal issue. Establishing a benchmark helps monitor progress. If initial intensity was 10 prior to tapping and ended at 5, you’d have accomplished a 50 percent improvement level.
Philippians 4:6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Setting Up for Your EFT
Prior to tapping, establish a phrase that explains your intention for the practice. You must focus on two main goals: 1) Acknowledging the issues and 2) Accepting yourself despite the problem
A common setup phrase is: “Even though I have this [issue] (or “Went through this…”), I deeply and completely accept myself.” You can alter this phrase so that it fits your issue. Never use someone else’s issue or blame anyone for your core issue or EFT will not be effective in its healing process. For example, you can’t say, “Even though my father did this, I deeply and completely accept myself.” You have to focus on how the problem makes you feel in order to relieve the distress it causes. It’s better to address this situation by saying, “Even though I’m deeply hurt by my father, I completely accept myself.”
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CYA Setup Phrase:
“Even though I experienced ______, I am completely forgiven and accepted through Christ.”
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- EFT Tapping Sequence
The EFT tapping sequence is the methodic tapping on the ends of nine meridian points. There are 12 major meridians that mirror each side of the body and correspond to an internal organ.
However, EFT mainly focuses on these nine:
- Karate chop (KC): small intestine meridian
- Top of head (TH): governing vessel
- Eyebrow (EB): bladder meridian
- Side of the eye (SE): gallbladder meridian
- Under the eye (UE): stomach meridian
- Under the nose (UN): governing vessel
- Chin (Ch): central vessel
- Beginning of the collarbone (CB): kidney meridian
- Under the arm (UA): spleen meridian
Begin by tapping the karate chop point while simultaneously reciting your setup phrase three times…
Then, tap each following point seven times, moving down the body in this ascending order:
Eyebrow – Side of the eye – Under the eye – Under the nose – Chin – Beginning of the collarbone – Under the arm
After tapping the underarm point, finish the sequence at the top of the head point.
While tapping the ascending points, recite a reminder phrase to maintain focus on your problem area.
If your setup phrase is, “Even though I experienced ______, I am completely forgiven and accepted through Christ, I deeply and completely accept myself,” your reminder phrase can be, “There is never any condemnation in Christ.” Recite this phrase at each tapping point. Repeat this sequence two or three times.
- Test the Final Intensity
At the end of your sequence, rate your intensity level on a scale from 0 to 10. Compare your results with your initial intensity level. If you haven’t reached 0, repeat this process until you do.
Psalm 103:3-6 The Passion, You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done. You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease. You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life. You’ve crowned me with love and mercy. You satisfy my every desire with good things. You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky! You’re a God who makes things right, giving justice to the defenseless.
Collarbone and/or heart region:
There is now no condemnation in Christ
I have been forgiven
I am free…
…I now live in complete freedom
I am the righteousness of God
Head, may include forehead and temples – under eyes and nose – eyebrow region
I have the mind of Christ
I pray and act like Him…
…I love and have grace like Him
His characteristics overflow from my heart…
…My mind, my body and my soul
He sees me and love me just as I am
Tapping, ‘brushing’ karate chop or a combination of all three methods; arms and/or under arms – outwards and downward:
Nothing was ‘my fault’ – He is the God who WAS…
…Nothing is ‘my fault’ – He is the God who IS…
…Nothing will be ‘my fault’ – He is the God who WILL be
Top of head, chin, core center and/or abdomen region:
I am fearfully and wonderfully made…
…I am His perfect creation
Forgive me Lord for ever questioning Your creation…I’m sorry for hating my______…. ……After You created me You said, “It is very good.”
Then You rested after making me…and Your marvelous work was finished.
Author:
Michelle Thielen, Founder of Christian Yoga Association and Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT, R-CYATH)
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