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Whatever difficulty or situation you are experiencing now, whether it be a physical or emotional issue, it is important not only to be able to ask for the help that you need but also to feel empowered with a tool or method, something that you can do for yourself.
The following Simple to learn, highly Effective technique happens to be available for Free!
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
EFT is simply a process by which you "tune into" a specific emotional or physical issue, and tap with your fingers on a pre-determined sequence of points located on your face, chest and hands. These points correspond to the end-points of the acupuncture meridians within your body.
The idea is that 'disturbing' feelings (physical or mental/emotional) actually 'disturb' the flow of subtle energies through your meridians, by causing some form of restriction or blockage. The physical act of tapping is a means of sending kinetic energy through the affected meridians. (We tap all of the meridians in one sequence, just to be sure). This releases the restrictions, allowing for unimpeded flow of energy systems, which results in changes in physical, emotional and/or behavioural patterns.
You can learn the entire process (and begin applying it for yourself) by acquiring the orginal manual written by founder, Gary Craig. It can be purchased (or download kindle version) for a small fee:
Be sure to visit my page: Most Worthwhile Hour which is a free, Comprehensive EFT Treatment on a series of videos.
Why EFT Works
"What is the result of a change of thought? A change in conditions. "
Charles Haanel
"All stress begins with one negative thought." The Secret
"EFT is an emotional version of acupuncture except that needles aren’t necessary. Instead, you stimulate certain meridian points by tapping on them with your fingertips. This makes the process very simple and very portable. You can do it anywhere."
Once you have learned and become practiced at the original basic recipe as developed by Gary Craig, you may find that you begin to develop your own method of using EFT. Many people do, and I am no exception. I first began by using the recipe precisely as presented by Gary Craig, with fantastic results, but now find that I use "my version" almost exclusively, both in my own healing and with my clients. I present it here, just as another option for you, but please understand that in regards to "my version" of EFT:
You can dive right in and begin tapping following the outline below, but I do recommend that you first read which outlines the process, how it was developed, and how it works, in greater detail than I am providing here.
Background: I came up with 'my version' by incorporating some elements I learned from Quantum Techniques, which for example is where the wording for the three Reversal levels comes from.
"This website represents the views of the presenter, Cora Rennie, and not necessarily those of EFT, Gary Craig or emofree.com."
Cora Rennie's Version of EFT
Cora Rennie's Version of EFT
1. The Setup… while rubbing the sore spot continuously, repeat your initial affirmation 3 times.
“Even though I feel (or I have this…) Somehow, I forgive and accept myself completely.”
2. The Sequence… with the fingertips of one hand, tap 7 times on each of the following points, while repeating a Reminder Phrase (ie, "this feeling/pain") at each point.
EB, SE, UE, UN, CH, CB, UA, 9G, KC
3. First Reversal… the point under the nose is called a Reversal point. If for whatever reason, there is a part of you that does not want to get over this problem, tapping the Reversal point while you make the statement allows you to get past those reasons and deal with the problem.
a.) While tapping under the nose (UN), state the following:
“I want to be over this (name the feeling/pain/problem.)”
b.) Then tap through the Sequence again, using reminder phrases at each point.
4. Second Reversal… Even though all the parts of you are okay with getting over this issue to some degree, there may still be resistance to releasing it completely.
a.) While tapping UN, state the following: “I want to be completely, 100% over this (pain/problem.)”
b.) Then tap through the Sequence again, using reminder phrases at each point.
The Tapping Points
Please note that the points themselves are very forgiving. Forgetting a spot, or tapping longer on another spot, does not hinder the process. Virtually any spot on your body is in some way associated with a meridian, so in this regard, precise accuracy is less important than intention. Remember to tap gently. Alternately, you can simply rub or touch each point. The diagram below shows the "top of head" and finger points, which I don't always include in my sequence, but put them in if you feel so inclined.
There is no need to have to memorize the Sequence - just think "Top-Down".
NOTE: In lieu of rubbing the tender spot, you can tap under the nose (UN) or on the karate chop (KC) point while saying the Set-up phrase.
Reminder Phrases
has more information on the use of Reminder Phrases. Basically, they serve to keep us "tuned in" to the issue that we are trying to deal with.
One way to use Reminder Phrases is to simply repeat the title/name of it, such as "this anger."
When I am doing EFT, I like to use different phrases while tapping on each point. Think of it as "brainstorming" as you are tapping. In a way, it effectively incorporates several different aspects of the issue in one sequence. Also, I find that this free-flowing way of speaking while tapping allows for some very interesting things to come up, words we never would have guessed were in any way connected! (Which help get closer to the core issues.) Depending on what it is, one or some of these "new phrases" may warrant a new tapping sequence all their own.
Following the example used with "this anger," while I was tapping, I would talk out all the things that were bothering me, such as:
"I am so angry,"
"I can't believe he said that to me,"
"I want to scream!"
"it was like a punch in the gut,"
"I feel like punching back,"
"I can never forgive him,"
"I did not deserve to be treated like that,"
"I walked out of the room,"
"I was so angry I couldn't say anything,"
"he doesn't even know I'm angry,"
"I hate him for what he said,"
"he makes me so angry,"
"he hurt me so badly,"
"and he doesn't even know it,"
"how could he have said that to me,"
"he knows how much that hurts,"
"I thought he cared about me..."
Stress-based emotions such as fear, anger, shame or frustration trigger the 'fight or flight' response within us. When you can dissolve these emotions, you effectively dissipate the Sympathetic Nervous System stress response. A body that is no longer 'stressed' is able to redirect its energy to the important functions of repair and renewal. This is the space in which healing occurs.
Most stress-relief healing practices tout "mind over matter" principles - shifting your focus and maintaining the emotions and attitudes of love, peace and gratitude, in order to bring the highest levels of health and well-being. However, without the proper tools it is much easier said than done to stay in the 'now,' letting go of painful traumas of the past, and fears and worries about the future.
EFT very effectively dissolves the emotions and belief systems that are the underlying cause of your stress responses. In this way, EFT will work miracles, one issue at a time.
5. Third Reversal… Now that we have dealt with the willingness to release this issue completely, we must deal with the idea or belief that it is actually possible, and that you CAN be over it.
a.) While tapping UN, state the following: “I will be completely, 100% over this (pain/problem.)”
b.) Then tap through the Sequence once more, using reminder phrases at each point.
6. Re-Check… See what else came up for you (a memory, a thought, a feeling, maybe a word or phrase) while you were tapping. If you seem to draw a blank, check in with your body to see if there is any physical discomfort or pain. Or re-play the original scenario again, to see what else bothers you. The more thorough you can be, the greater the results you will begin to notice...
"If you are ultimately going to do something important that will make a big difference, do it now"
What makes EFT such a a remarkable healing tool is that it:
- Often works when nothing else has
- Usually provides rapid, long lasting, and gentle relief
- Requires no drugs, needles, or equipment
- Can be easily learned by anyone and self administered
- Is effective on a multitude of issues using the same
basic technique
Once emotions and beliefs are properly addressed, physical symptoms melt away as well.
What is EFT?
Please watch Gary Craig's video (right)
Once you have mastered the basic recipe please review the EFT Tips pages, for additional tricks of the trade.
Just go with the flow, and see what memories, thoughts, and emotions come to mind! Please visit Most Worthwhile Hour for a free, Comprehensive EFT Treatment on a series of videos.
"If you don't like something change it;
if you can't change it, change the way you
think about it."
Mary Engelbreit
Click on the icon for a printable copy. Once you have printed, please click your browser's "back" button to return to this page.
EFT With A Practitioner
EFT is a powerful tool, but like most tools, the effectiveness of EFT can sometimes depend upon the degree of training and experience of the person using it. The basic pattern stays absolutely the same, but the difference lies in the artful expression of the "set-up" phrase, the ability to identify all of the aspects associated with an issue, and the elimination of possible causes of Polarity Reversal. It is important to be persistent in your own use of EFT at home, but engaging the help of someone trained in EFT may allow you to achieve optimal results.
"In the course of my EFT training and workshop experiences I often come across people who have been plugging away at their own traumas alone, never thinking about spending some time working with an EFT coach or therapist, believing they should do it alone. I have always found it invaluable to work with other therapists as I cannot often get to the places I need to go to alone."
Copyright © 2009-2011 Cora Rennie, Cold Lake, AB
DISCLAIMER: Information on this site is not intended to and does not constitute medical advice, recommendation or counselling under any circumstance.
