Can EFT Be Harmful? – Potential Side Effects of EFT Tapping
In this article, you will learn about an alternative treatment for emotional and psychological discomfort known as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), how it works, its advantages and side effects.
WHAT IS EFT TAPPING? | ORIGIN OF EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES | THEORY BEHIND EFT TAPPING | EFT FOR NEGATIVE EMOTIONS (SUCH AS POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER) | HOW DOES EFT TAPPING WORK? | WHAT ARE THE TWO ASPECTS OF EFT TAPPING? | WHAT IS A TAPPING SEQUENCE IN EFT? | ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF EFT TAPPING | PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING EFT TAPPING | IS EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE TAPPING HARMFUL? | STUDIES SHOWING EFFICACY OF EFT TAPPING | WHO SHOULD LEARN EFT TAPPING? | CONCLUSION
Life isn't easy.
Most humans consider their lives difficult. One of the main causes for the same is that they are quite sceptical of themselves, especially their abilities.
This results in Emotional trauma and stress that have become frequent in today's competitive environment.
People are always stressed out about their jobs, personal relationships, professional obligations, and other responsibilities. Emotional friction is something that cannot be neglected in such a situation.
This emotional tension has a negative impact on physical and mental health, resulting in both psychological and physical problems.
It is critical to treat these difficulties, which is why the Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT, has become popular since the last decade of the twentieth century.
Let's look at the effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on human bodies and find out if they are harmful in any manner.
WHAT IS EFT TAPPING?
EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a type of therapy that entails gentle tapping on acupuncture meridian end-points on the face and upper body with fingertips while saying out loud the reminder phrase based on what you feel.
Traditional Chinese Energy Medicine uses the same pathways/channels as Emotional Freedom Techniques, but it also takes advantage of your ability to think or "tune in" to your problem or issue in proactive ways.
EFT tapping is a simple therapeutic technique that anyone may practise. It is a quick, gentle, and long-lasting technique.
It is simple to learn and does not require any medicines or specialist equipment. Once you've mastered it, you'll be able to use it on your own.
ORIGIN OF EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES
The origins of Emotional Freedom Techniques and Tapping may be traced back to the 1970s. Numerous clinicians around that time began stimulating acupressure points in order to help their patients cope with fear, anxiety disorders, distress, and phobias.
Thought Field Therapy is one of them, and it was patented by Dr. Roger Callahan. Gary Craig later streamlined the technique and made it available to the general public as EFT Techniques.
THEORY BEHIND EFT TAPPING
Different types of activity or therapy such as yoga, massage, tai chi, and acupuncture all rely on the body-mind link. Research shows that they can help with stress, sadness, anxiety, and other psychological issues.
EFT tapping is categorised as a body-centered therapy. It has been developed from a long line of therapies that were initiated a thousand years ago.
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese discipline, teaches that the body's energy moves along certain routes. EFT tapping is based on this theory.
To increase the flow of energy, certain sites along these channels are stimulated. Stimulation can be accomplished by applying pressure ( acupressure) instead of inserting very tiny needles (acupuncture).
If you would like to experience the power of EFT Tapping first-hand, simply download the EFT Tapping booklet below.
EFT FOR NEGATIVE EMOTIONS (SUCH AS POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER)
EFT is believed to work by balancing the body's energy system, as suggested by Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture while addressing the associated emotional and psychological aspects of the problem. It can help reduce the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories, fears, phobias, and other emotional issues.
It has the potential to change how you react to distressing thoughts, feelings, and memories with physical pain, tension, or stress.
According to EFT theory, a disruption in the body's energy system is the source of all negative emotions. A painful occurrence or incident generates an energy system disruption, resulting in unpleasant emotions and, in some situations, negative beliefs.
The emotional charge dissipates when the energy system is balanced. You aren't "mentally blocked," as the underlying concept implies.
To put it another way, you're "energy-blocked." You can unblock clogged channels by using simple and effective EFT tapping methods.
“EFT is at the forefront of the new healing movement.”
candace pert
HOW DOES EFT TAPPING WORK?
Gary Craig created the Emotional Freedom Technique, or simply EFT, with the goal of assisting clients in letting go of negative thoughts, memories, and emotions.
While reliving traumatic memories or upsetting emotions, this technique involves stimulating certain pressure spots on the body.
People typically utilize EFT tapping when they are worried or agitated, or when they have a specific issue that they wish to address.
It may, however, be beneficial for someone prior to an event that they predict to cause tension, anxiety, or any other type of mental discomfort.
During the EFT procedure, a person is either guided by an EFT practitioner or guided by themselves to focus on distressing thoughts or feelings while tapping on certain body parts.
These exact areas that the person is taught to tap are known as meridians, which are stimulated in a similar way during acupuncture.
While bad emotions are supposed to generate energy blockages, tapping on certain locations is said to clear these blockages and expel negative emotions.
Instead of utilising needles, as an acupuncturist would, the EFT client is encouraged to push on these spots with their own fingertips gently.
EFT claims that by tapping on these places and bringing one's consciousness to unpleasant feelings, one can let go of some negative emotional energy.
The basic EFT process is to start by identifying the problem and then tap on it. Physical tension, for example, could be a part of the pain experience or mood that the pain may result in.
Begin with the component that the client is most aware of, and then work on each one individually. When the intensity drops, move on to the next aspect.
For those new to the concept of EFT, it is also known as Tapping Therapy which combines tapping on acupressure points with statements said aloud to completely accept situations.
WHAT ARE THE TWO ASPECTS OF EFT TAPPING?
EFT Tapping is an alternative therapy that involves two primary aspects- talk and touch.
Talk
EFT's primary element is communication. Tapping, like many other therapies and healing modalities, is a form of communication.
The value of talking in therapy can be gauged by the fact that a branch of psychotherapy called Talk Therapy was developed on it.
Talking about feelings and emotions might genuinely help people change their perceptions and how they evaluate things.
This feature of conversation is also incorporated into techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Touch
Touching is an important part of EFT Tapping because it is one of the five love languages.
Touch, which expresses caring, affection, and presence, can be an enormously essential aspect in healing.
The importance of touch can be shown in the fact that babies who have had enough or any safe touch are less likely to have psychological difficulties later in life than babies who have not had enough or any safe touch.
The method EFT Tapping uses touch is tapping on certain areas on the body known as Tapping points.
WHAT IS A TAPPING SEQUENCE IN EFT?
A tapping sequence, often associated with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) or tapping therapy, is a systematic process of applying light physical taps or pressure to specific acupuncture points on the body. These points are typically located on the face, upper torso, and hands. The tapping sequence is performed while focusing on a particular issue or emotional distress.
During a tapping sequence, individuals mentally tune into a specific problem, negative emotion, or traumatic memory while tapping on these EFT tapping points. The process aims to release energy blockages, alleviate emotional distress, and promote a sense of emotional freedom.
Tapping sequences are customised to address individual concerns and are often repeated until a reduction in emotional intensity or relief is achieved.
Before you start tapping, come up with a sentence that describes the problem you're trying to solve. It must concentrate on two key objectives:
- Recognising the problems
- Accepting yourself regardless of the issue
"Even if I have this [fear or problem], I deeply and completely accept myself," is a popular setup phrase.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF EFT TAPPING
Unlike other conventional treatments, EFT Tapping allows you to tap into your body's energy and send signals to the area of your brain that governs stress.
By tapping on the meridian points, you can alleviate the tension or unpleasant emotion you've been experiencing as a result of your problem. This restores balance to your disrupted energy.
Advantages
Disadvantages
As you know, some things are difficult to obtain and getting them well takes time, effort, and commitment. EFT is one of these treatments since it aims to identify the source of the problem and can lead to long-term freedom.
PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING EFT TAPPING
It's important to realize that Emotional Freedom Technique is not a miracle technique. This, like any other therapeutic treatment, is likely to take some time before any noticeable results may be seen. The state of the condition will progressively improve.
It is critical to comprehend the complexities of the approach; therefore, it is prudent to seek the assistance of a skilled therapist. It's also worth noting that issues that have been unresolved for a long period take longer to settle than other concerns.
To get faster and better results, Emotional Freedom Technique is frequently used in conjunction with other modalities of treatment. In terms of the Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT, there are no documented adverse effects.
In certain circumstances, though, tapping right before bedtime can result in vivid dreams. When using the Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT, there are a few things to keep in mind (2).
- It is very much important to stay focused on the issues at hand and not become sidetracked or disconnected in any way.
- While it is feasible to use this technique on one's own, it is preferable to seek the help of a therapist to learn the finer points of the Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT.
- The Emotional Freedom Technique allows people to see their problems from a different perspective than they are used to. It's important in a good way to think about these mental alterations because they can have a good impact.
- Staying hydrated is particularly important because EFT deals with the movement of electrical energy through the body, and water is an excellent conductor of electricity.
- Emotional Freedom Technique should be used several times in a single day and not just at one moment or whenever you feel like.
EFT tapping is extremely safe; the worst that may happen is that you don't perceive a difference in your anxiety or stress levels.
IS EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE TAPPING HARMFUL?
To be very honest, your entire life perspective will alter once you begin using EFT. Your attitude will shift, your ability to enjoy life will shift, your family relationships will shift for the better.
Yes! It will, if you let it!
EFT will transform parts of your life if you allow the changes to occur by chipping away at old unhelpful emotions and mental processes that have kept you stuck your entire life.
So don't try to 'repair' things with it. Put it to good use in every aspect of your life.
Make a list of ten things about your life that you don't like. Don't touch any of those items! Tap on how you FEEL when you see or hear such things!
For instance, if you're terrified, tap on feelings of fear, inferiority, or loneliness.
What are you afraid of? You're being chastised? You probably feel inferior, as if no one approves you, therefore your sensation is based on a lack of confidence. That should be tapped.
How are you feeling right now? Fear? Do you feel hopeless because you're stuck? That should be tapped.
That you'll be on your own? "I'm so lonely, I feel abandoned, I'm completely alone, and that terrifies me..." That should be tapped.
Your circumstances change as you tap into the feelings because you acquire confidence and make decisions unlike any you've ever made before.
You are no longer terrified of what you were afraid of before. You'll be able to make better decisions and have more fun once you've regained confidence in your abilities.
Coming to what I've experienced in my years of practice, there have been no drawbacks or risks while using EFT. Rather, EFT tapping saves people who are unprepared for the level of pleasure, joy, intelligence, or vitality that comes from tapping away their stuckness.
So, if you're new to tapping, imagine how you'd like your life to be once you're free of fear and not stuck, because you'll suddenly have more options for positive things, and you don't want to slip back into dread.
So, yes, Emotional Freedom tapping is not at all harmful, but it gives you a sense of peace and serenity in your life in the long run.
STUDIES SHOWING EFFICACY OF EFT TAPPING
A 2022 clinical trial was conducted on twenty-four adults. The six-week online EFT treatment revealed EFT Tapping is a stress reduction technique with somatic tapping on acupressure points (1).
Dr Dawson Church, a recognised researcher on energy psychology, conducted a study on 83 participants and studied the changes in their cortisol levels after one long hour of EFT Tapping. The results demonstrated a drop in cortisol levels by 24 per cent and an improvement in psychological distress (2).
EFT tapping has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in both veterans and active military people. In a 2013 study, researchers examined the effects of EFT Tapping through 6-hour-long EFT coaching sessions. After 6 EFT sessions, EFT subjects demonstrated a significant reduction in psychological distress and PTSD symptom levels. The results were consistent showing EFT's efficacy in treating PTSD in veterans (3).
WHO SHOULD LEARN EFT TAPPING?
Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a talk and touch therapy that is clinically proven to handle PTSD, chronic pain, nervousness, irritation, past trauma, weight issues (eliminating cravings), depression, anxiety and anger.
EFT Tapping is also found to aid healing from traumatic experiences, alcoholism, addiction, and improvement of well-being in those who are suffering from illness.
Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a talk and touch therapy that is clinically proven to handle PTSD, chronic pain, nervousness, irritation, past trauma, weight issues (eliminating cravings), depression, anxiety and anger.
EFT Tapping is also found to aid healing from traumatic experiences, alcoholism, addiction, and improvement of well-being in those who are suffering from illness.
You should learn EFT if:
- You want to learn more about emotional wellness or treatment.
- You want to release yourself from limitations and heal from within.
- You want to help yourself and others.
- You're looking for a new career that will allow you to help others recover and transform.
- You want to improve both your career and your emotional well-being.
CONCLUSION
EFT Tapping is effective because it gives you access to your subconscious mind. And, like with any powerful tool, do not forget to exercise caution.
My personal opinion is that the only way to learn how to do EFT efficiently and safely is to undergo thorough training and have someone knowledgeable in guiding and supporting you until you have a firm grasp on the subject.
EFT Tapping works, and I try to practice the same every day.
It's not a secret; the process entails being open and honest with oneself, acknowledging humanity, and allowing your inherent goodness to take a seat in your perception.
You become more aware of your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions and how they affect you physiologically as you explore EFT to make the necessary adjustments for the better.
EFT may provide surprising – and long-lasting – relief, transform the energy you bring to any life event, and much more, whether used alone or in cooperation with an expert practitioner.
Continue to learn and explore!
Love,
Dr Rangana Rupavi Choudhuri (PhD)
P.S. Want to discover if EFT is right for you? Book a Complimentary Discovery Call.
In summary, EFT Tapping is an alternative treatment technique that helps replace negative self-talk with positive self-thoughts and emotions. It's essential to approach EFT with a realistic and open-minded perspective, considering both its potential advantages and limitations. If you decide to use EFT for a specific concern, it's advisable to work with a qualified practitioner who can provide guidance and support, especially for more complex emotional or psychological issues.
References:
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