My Journey with Alternative Healing and Discovering EFT
As someone deeply passionate about holistic health, I’ve been on a decade-long exploration of various alternative healing methods. Over the years, I’ve shared many of these practices on my blog, as I firmly believe in the power of natural and integrative approaches to wellness. But more recently, I discovered a technique that has truly captivated my attention: the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as “tapping.”
Encountering EFT at a Health Summit
My introduction to EFT came during one of the online Health Summit Conferences I attended. The technique was presented by Dawson Church, a leading expert and researcher in the field of EFT, and it intrigued me so much that I promptly purchased his book, “Bliss Brain.” This decision opened up a whole new avenue in my ongoing exploration of holistic health practices.
Exploring the Tapping Meditations
One of the unexpected delights in Dawson Church’s book was the inclusion of guided meditation recordings for each chapter, combining the power of tapping with visualization. I’ve incorporated these practices into my weekly routine, and the results have been fascinating. My body becomes noticeably calmer, and I’ve found that when using tapping to address specific issues, it’s most effective when I get very specific and focused about the problem at hand – just as the experts, including Dawson Church, have emphasized.
Seeking Professional Guidance
To further deepen my understanding of EFT, I even went to see a tapping specialist for a couple of sessions. Through this experience, I gained a more profound appreciation for the technique and learned how to properly execute the tapping sequences. The specialist helped me explore the root causes of some of my emotional and physical challenges, and guided me through the process of using EFT to address them.
The Purpose of This Article
Whether you’re hearing about EFT for the first time or you’re already familiar with the concept, my goal with this article is to introduce you to this powerful technique and hopefully deepen your understanding of it. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear picture of what EFT is, how it works, and how it might complement your own wellness journey.
So, let’s dive in and explore the potential of tapping together!
What is EFT?
EFT is a powerful self-help method that combines elements of cognitive therapy with acupressure. It involves gently tapping on specific points on your body while focusing on particular thoughts or emotions. This unique approach can help release negative emotions, reduce stress, and even alleviate physical pain.
The Science Behind the Taps
The Amygdala and Stress Response
You might be wondering, “How can tapping on my body possibly make a difference?” Well, science is starting to catch up with what practitioners have known for years. EFT works by targeting the amygdala, which is the almond-shaped part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety.
When you experience a stressful or traumatic event, the amygdala kicks into overdrive, triggering the body’s “fight, flight or freeze” (FFF) response. This leads to the release of hormones like cortisol, which can have negative long-term effects on both mental and physical health.
Calming the Amygdala
However, research has shown that the simple act of tapping on specific meridian points on the body can help calm the amygdala and interrupt this stress response. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that just one hour of EFT was able to significantly reduce cortisol levels in participants. This finding is further supported by a 2022 systematic review in the same journal, which examined the effects of EFT on stress biochemistry and included an analysis of the 2013 study alongside other relevant research.
Activating the Prefrontal Cortext
Further studies have indicated that EFT can also activate the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain associated with rational thinking and decision making. This allows us to better process and reframe negative emotions, rather than simply being hijacked by them.
The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex
Interestingly, Dawson Church explains in his book “Bliss Brain” that the hippocampus plays a crucial role in regulating our emotional responses. This part of the limbic system decides which signals get sent to the amygdala and which ones get ignored, allowing us to either react through a “short path” or a “long path”. So, we have two different neural pathways to respond to a threat or danger:
- The “short path”: Hippocampus > Amygdala > FFF response
- The “long path”: Hippocampus > Prefrontal Cortex > Hippocampus > Amygdala > FFF response
The prefrontal cortex is key in the longer neural pathway, as it enables us to more effectively process and reframe negative emotions, rather than being swept away by them. And as Dr. Church’s research has shown, consistent EFT practice can even lead to profound states of relaxation and blissful experiences, as you tap into a deep sense of connection with yourself and the universe around you. This is where the power of consistent EFT practice comes into play, as it can stimulate the release of feel-good neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine, leading to states of deep meditation and blissful experiences.
Which path feels more active for you when stress hits: instant reaction or a pause before responding?
Getting Started with EFT
Ready to give it a try? Here’s a simple exercise to get you started:
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Identify an issue you’d like to work on (e.g., “I’m feeling stressed about work”).
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Rate your distress level from 0-10.
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Create a setup statement: “Even though I feel stressed about work, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
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Tap the side of your hand (karate chop point) while repeating this statement three times.
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Tap through these points while focusing on your issue:
- Top of the head
- Eyebrow
- Side of the eye
- Under the eye
- Under the nose
- Chin
- Collarbone
- Under the arm
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Take a deep breath and reassess your distress level.
Repeat this process until you feel a reduction in your distress.
Resources to Explore
If you’re intrigued and want to learn more, here are some resources to get you started:
- dawsonchurch.com: This website is your go-to resource for all things Dawson Church and EFT. You’ll find:
- Free resources: Articles, videos, meditations, and even some free tapping sessions.
- Information on EFT: Learn about the science, the method, and its potential benefits.
- Books: Purchase Dawson Church’s books, including “The EFT Manual” and “Bliss Brain.”
- Trainings and Events: Discover opportunities for deeper learning and certification.
- “The EFT Manual” by Dawson Church – A comprehensive guide to the technique.
- “Bliss Brain” by Dawson Church – Dive deeper into the science and potential of EFT.
- The Tapping Solution app – Guided tapping sessions for various issues.
- EFT Universe website – Free tutorials and research articles. Explore also this.
Remember, like any skill, EFT takes practice. Be patient with yourself as you learn. You might feel a bit silly at first, but stick with it – the potential benefits are worth it. I truly believe this is a transformative technique, and I’m excited to continue exploring its power.
I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried EFT before? What are your thoughts on this powerful technique? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below. Let’s support each other on this journey of healing and transformation!