EFT or emotional freedom technique is an alternative therapy that is generally done to deal with emotional stress. EFT therapy is increasingly popular in the practice of many people because it is very easy and can be done independently.
Basically, EFT therapy is a simplification of TFT therapy (thought field therapy) which is useful for eliminating negative thoughts, memories, and emotions in a person. This therapy is done by focusing the mind on a problem and tapping certain body parts with fingers.
Various Benefits of EFT Therapy
Here are some of the benefits of EFT therapy that you need to know before trying to practice it independently:
Relieves stress and anxiety
The benefits of EFT therapy to relieve stress and anxiety have long been felt by many people. This is also evidenced by several studies which state that EFT therapy is considered able to reduce cortisol hormone levels and restore a more cheerful and enthusiastic mood.
Coping with post-traumatic stress disorder
Studies show that EFT therapy has also been shown to be effective for war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because it is done as psychotherapy, EFT therapy in this case must be guided by a professional instructor, so that the benefits can be felt optimally.
Relieves chronic pain
EFT therapy is known to give good results in reducing the appearance of pain and pain levels in chronic pain sufferers. Examples of chronic pain that have been shown to be relieved by EFT include tension headaches and chronic neck pain. Even so, this therapy cannot replace the medicine that has been given by the doctor.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, EFT therapy is also thought to be effective in treating depression, insomnia, panic disorders, and even phobias.
How to Do EFT Therapy Independently
How to do EFT therapy is very easy, you just use your fingers, then tap or press the meridian points (energy hot spots) on the body to restore energy balance.
Although it seems quite easy, there are several things that must be considered so that the benefits of EFT therapy can be felt optimally, including:
1. Identify the main problem
First of all, you need to know what problems or fears you have. This will be the focal point when you start tapping.
2. Determine how big the problem is
Determine how much of a problem you want to solve by giving a score from 1–10. If the problem is very severe, you can give it a 10. This step is needed to monitor the changes felt after therapy.
3. Plant positive suggestion sentences
Before starting EFT therapy, cultivate the positive suggestion that you are aware of a problem within you, and that you accept yourself and the problem as it is and completely.
For example, if you are stressed about a breakup, you might say, “I feel sad after a breakup. Even so, I still accept myself completely and promise to improve myself.”
4. Start tapping at a certain point
At this stage, you can start tapping or pressing the meridian points on your body with your fingers while repeating positive suggestions. The following is the order of the meridian points that need to be tapped during EFT therapy:
- The side of the palm that is parallel to the little finger (karate chop point)
- Eyebrow
- The outer corner of the eye
- The bottom of the eye
- The bottom of the nose
- Chin
- Collarbone
- Area under armpit
The beat is done 7 times. At each point, calmly repeat your suggestion. Once you're done with the underarm area, finish with a tap on the forehead while still saying the words of suggestion.
5. Go back to check the intensity of the problem
Redefine the intensity of your problem on a scale of 0−10. If you don't feel a change, repeat the EFT therapy process until you feel the scale is decreasing or reaching 0. You can repeat this up to 2-3 times.
Seeing the way above, EFT therapy is quite easy for you to do anytime and anywhere. However, if you do this without the help of someone else, you may find yourself more comfortable in a quiet, quiet place.
You can try EFT therapy to deal with any emotional baggage or chronic pain you may be feeling. However, it should also be understood that EFT therapy cannot replace primary therapy for severe psychological or medical disorders.
So, if you do feel stress, pain, or emotions that have been interfering with your life for a long time, make it your priority to consult a doctor. After that, you can get EFT therapy as an additional therapy in addition to the main therapy given by the doctor.
