Medical Qigong - Barehanded Acupuncture Tapping Method
Aloha,
I'm revisiting the EFT I experienced a number of years ago at a one-day seminar.
EFT is diverse in its interpretation and tapping locations.
There is a bundle of information here for those who like more information. If you would like to get started before reading the info, I've included a list of simple tapping points and affirmation examples. Scroll down to the “How to” and begin your process.
This BLOG site provides a space to hear your experience of EFT.
I would appreciate hearing from you.
I look forward to hearing your experiences. I'll begin my exploration today.
Elizabeth
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES (EFT)?
Emotional Freedom Techniques (or EFT) is an emotional healing technique, which is based on a revolutionary discovery that violates most of the beliefs of conventional psychology. It contends that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system.
Essentially, EFT is a form of "psychological acupressure" without needles. The approach relieves symptoms by tapping on various body locations. This tapping balances energy meridians that become disrupted when we think about or experience an emotionally disturbing circumstance. Once balanced, the upset is usually resolved - the memory stays but the emotional charge is gone. Typically the result is lasting and is also accompanied by positive changes in thinking. The technique is easy to learn and ideal for self-help.
HOW TO USE EFT:
Begin by rubbing on the sore spot while repeating the self-accepting statement shown, inserting the words that describe your problem (e.g. "Public speaking fear"). Then tap on each of the points about 7 times while remaining focused on your problem. Proceed through all of the aspects of the problem that are troubling. To use the technique most effectively, it may be necessary to consult a trained professional or attend a workshop.
The Sore Point: There are two Sore Spots and it doesn't matter which one you use. They are located in the upper left and right portions of the chest.
Place your forefinger on the U-shaped notch at the top off the sternum. From the bottom of the U, move your forefinger down toward the navel 3 inches and then go to the left (or right) 3 inches. You should now be in the upper left (or right) portion of your chest. If you press vigorously in this area (within a 2 inch radius) you will find a "Sore Spot."
Background:
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) evolved from Thought Field Therapy, which was created by US clinical psychologist Roger Callahan. Callahan discovered that stimulating acupressure / energy points lead to psychological relief for an anxious client, and through experimentation was able to discover a series of useful points.
Gary Craig, who studied with Callahan, identified a comprehensive set of "all purpose" energy points that could be applied to treat any emotional problem. He called this Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and achieved excellent results with this approach on a wide range of emotional as well as physical problems.
EFT has been successfully applied to treat a wide range of emotional problems and issues, including anxiety, fears, phobias, trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, grief, anger, guilt, etc. It has also been applied to enhance performance and improve relationships. In relationships, EFT can help us by reducing the emotional upsets towards our partner, many of which have their origins in our past. Using EFT, couples can overcome many of the barriers to friendship and closeness.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about EFT is that anyone can learn this approach and use it to help himself or herself. While some problems require persistence with the technique over a period of time, and some will require the intervention of a skilled therapist, many ordinary people can learn EFT and apply it successfully to the general problems and stresses of living.
Note: Whilst EFT has achieved excellent results with many physical conditions the technique should not be seen as a substitute for appropriate medical care and should always be used in conjunction with medical consultation and intervention for such conditions.
EFT AND THE ROLE OF ENERGY IN THERAPY
By Dr David Lake and Steve Wells
The presence and flow of energy around and within the body has been extolled by ancient cultures, notably the Indian and Chinese, although single-word definitions can't begin to illuminate innate subtle meaning.
The Hindus call it prana and the Chinese call it Qi. While Western science has found no conclusive proof of the organization of energy systems, bio-energy has been discovered to be vital to pain perception, healing and regeneration. Authorities regard it as belonging to the Universal energy field as well as to the organism; there is connection and flux.
Bio-energy paradigms conceptualize disease as a "disruption" of energy exchange, and "intoxication" of the body, especially through stress. Healing is based on the principle of conducting cosmic energy through the healer, in particular the hands, eyes, thoughts and words. Qi creates order out of chaos as it flows toward the "higher concentration" (unlike entropy, where energy flow is toward dissolution).
In the Chinese system of energy, there are 12 main meridians (circulation channels), while the Hindu system emphasizes 7 energy centers called chakras.
As Fred Gallo states in his book "Energy Psychology":
" energy resides at the most fundamental level of being.... if all is essentially energy, it follows that this holds true for the hardware of our nervous system, the neuro-chemistry and even thought and cognition. "
He goes on to suggest that one can assume that "psychopathology can be treated by addressing subtle energy systems in the body".
Recently, a new group of behavioral interventions called "meridian-based therapies" or "energy psychology" have been proposed to do just this, based on a growing body of clinical evidence which indicates that these approaches can produce rapid improvement in negative emotional states.
These "energy therapies" owe their origin to a discovery by US Clinical Psychologist Roger Callahan who was studying the meridian system while treating a woman - Mary - with a severe water phobia. Callahan took note when Mary said her fearful feeling was located in her stomach and had her tap on a meridian point under the eye linked to this region. She stated excitedly that the feeling was gone and preceded to test this by rushing to the pool and splashing water on her face. Her life-long phobia was gone - all from a few simple taps under her eye!
Following many similarly startling clinical results Callahan hypothesized that “thought fields” which have “perturbations” that disrupt subtle energy flow cause emotional problems. Negative emotions result from these blockages. Tapping on the energy system releases the blocks, allowing the energy to flow more freely.
Gary Craig (who trained with Callahan) identified a comprehensive set of energy points that could be applied to treat any emotional problem. Rather than having to use complex diagnostic procedures or remember numerous sequences, his one sequence 'covers all the points'. Craig found this approach, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), to have an excellent clinical success rate and has since developed several improvements to enhance its results.
EFT is a true combination of Eastern and Western medicine. It can be thought of as psychological use of the acupuncture meridians. It is a body-energy technique that has profound psychological effects. It also positively influences body symptoms of distress, pain and suffering from disease states.
EFT has been successfully applied to treat a wide range of emotional problems and issues, including anxiety, fears, phobias, trauma, Post Trauma Syndrone Disorder (PTSD), grief, anger, guilt, etc. It has also been applied to enhance performance and improve relationships.
Using EFT, many problems can be resolved very quickly, with most general anxiety-based problems responding in 1-4 sessions. Other problems may require persistence over a number of sessions with the client doing the tapping at home on a daily basis. This persistence frequently results in complete relief - although results with addictions and depression are often less spectacular.
The scientific validation of Energy therapies has lagged behind such extraordinary results, although validating research is appearing. A study by Wells, Polglase, Andrews, Carrington and Baker (2000) found EFT to effectively treat specific phobias in one 30-minute treatment session, and results were superior to an alternative treatment. A study on auto accident victims suffering PTSD (Pulos and Swingle, 2000) found significant reductions in symptomatology following 2 sessions of EFT treatment, and a study on children diagnosed with epilepsy found significant reductions in seizure frequency and extensive clinical improvement in EEG readings after 2 weeks of daily EFT treatment (Swingle, 2000). These and other studies in progress indicate a very high success rate for the approach.
The idea of tapping on acupressure points will disturb many therapists as it both provokes and requires a shift in some of our deepest beliefs. Only those who can tolerate the resulting uncertainty will contemplate embracing Energy therapies. Nevertheless they do work whether we believe or not. They also invite healing and integration on many levels as body and mind work together.
In the future the role of the body's energy system in emotional and physical healing will be widely acknowledged and respected. In the meantime, this idea is still quite revolutionary and as Gary Craig points out "We are on the ground floor of a healing high-rise".
REFERENCES:
Gallo, Fred (1999) Energy Psychology, CRC Press: New York
Lake, David and Wells, Steve, (2003) New Energy Therapies: Rapid Change Techniques for Emotional Healing (Second Edition), Waterford Publishing: Inglewood, Western Australia. For more information on this book
Wells, Steve and Lake, David (2001), Pocket Guide to Emotional Freedom_, Waterford Publishing: Inglewood, Western Australia.
THE “HOW TO” EXERCISES LISTED BELOW ARE A BEGINNING POINT OF USING EFT:
Tap hard enough. This brings up the blood and then the qui follows the blood.
Say, “Thank you” or “I love you” out loud with feeling to each body part as you tap.
1. ARMS, JOINTS - inside and outside meridians, 3x each “I am flexible and willing to change.”
2. THYMUS GLAND, IMMUNE SYSTEM - sternum below throat - drum with fingertips “I am safe.”
3. THYROID GLAND - THROAT “I express myself freely. I see blue.”
4. FACE, SKIN - tap all around, wash face with hands “I love who I am. Digestion excellent. I’m brighter.”
5. PITUITARY GLAND, HORMONAL BALANCE - forehead between eyebrows “My emotions are calm.”
6. BRAIN - top of head “My memory is excellent. All neurons connect.”
7. PINEAL GLAND, SEROTONIN LEVELS, (DEPRESSION) - back of head “My inner guidance is clear.”
8. NECK - where all illness starts “I express my feelings fully. I am willing to change.”
9. LUNG POINT - third thoracic vertebrae “I let go of my grief, my past. I breathe in new life.”
10. BRAIN, FACE, NECK - tap over back of neck Repeat all above affirmations.
11. LUNGS “I release all grief. I breathe in the joy of new life! I release the past, all sadness. I’m brighter.”
12. HEART “I forgive myself for everything. I love me as I am now. I am okay!”
13. BREASTS “I balance nourishing my self and others.”
14. LIVER, GALL BLADDER - right front, under ribs “I let go of all worry. I enjoy the sweetness of life.”
15. SPLEEN, PANCREAS - left front, under ribs “I let go of all worry. I enjoy the sweetness of life.”
16. STOMACH “I can accept what is happening now. I accept new ideas.”
17. SMALL INTESTINES (29) “I assimilate all present circumstances easily.”
18. COLON AND BLADDER “I let go of all my negative attitudes. I go with the flow.”
19. REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS “Yeah! I feel creatively full and good about being a Man or a Woman. All negative emotions disappear.”
20. LYMPH NODES, BLOOD - tap down along inner legs “All the toxins are gone. My blood vessels clear.”
21. KIDNEYS - tap soles of feet, ankles “I let go of all doubt and fear. I feel courage.”
22. MUSCLES, BLOOD, TOXINS - tap up the back of legs “My muscles relax. My blood vessels are clear. All toxins wash away now!”
23. KIDNEYS - lower back “All my doubts disappear now. All my stress is gone. I know what to do!”
24. BONES - down outside of legs, pound bones with fists “My bones are strong. I feel totally supported.”
25. BONE MARROW - up front of legs “Immune system is powerful. I feel protected.”
26. NAVEL - place palm on top of other hand on navel (man left hand first, woman right hand first) “I am calm. I feel peaceful inside. This is who I am.”
27. BELLY - RED DOT - Open your eyes slowly, just a slit and stay inside your body seeing the red dot in belly.
28. DANTIEN - RED DOT - Then open your eyes all the way still seeing with inner vision the red dot inside Dantien.
29. COMPLETION state, “I am complete”
Elizabeth Hammond, MEd RCST, RPP, LMT
Institute of Complementary Therapies, LLC
Honolulu, Hawaii
http://www.ict-energyschool.com
I'm revisiting the EFT I experienced a number of years ago at a one-day seminar.
EFT is diverse in its interpretation and tapping locations.
There is a bundle of information here for those who like more information. If you would like to get started before reading the info, I've included a list of simple tapping points and affirmation examples. Scroll down to the “How to” and begin your process.
This BLOG site provides a space to hear your experience of EFT.
I would appreciate hearing from you.
I look forward to hearing your experiences. I'll begin my exploration today.
Elizabeth
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES (EFT)?
Emotional Freedom Techniques (or EFT) is an emotional healing technique, which is based on a revolutionary discovery that violates most of the beliefs of conventional psychology. It contends that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system.
Essentially, EFT is a form of "psychological acupressure" without needles. The approach relieves symptoms by tapping on various body locations. This tapping balances energy meridians that become disrupted when we think about or experience an emotionally disturbing circumstance. Once balanced, the upset is usually resolved - the memory stays but the emotional charge is gone. Typically the result is lasting and is also accompanied by positive changes in thinking. The technique is easy to learn and ideal for self-help.
HOW TO USE EFT:
Begin by rubbing on the sore spot while repeating the self-accepting statement shown, inserting the words that describe your problem (e.g. "Public speaking fear"). Then tap on each of the points about 7 times while remaining focused on your problem. Proceed through all of the aspects of the problem that are troubling. To use the technique most effectively, it may be necessary to consult a trained professional or attend a workshop.
The Sore Point: There are two Sore Spots and it doesn't matter which one you use. They are located in the upper left and right portions of the chest.
Place your forefinger on the U-shaped notch at the top off the sternum. From the bottom of the U, move your forefinger down toward the navel 3 inches and then go to the left (or right) 3 inches. You should now be in the upper left (or right) portion of your chest. If you press vigorously in this area (within a 2 inch radius) you will find a "Sore Spot."
Background:
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) evolved from Thought Field Therapy, which was created by US clinical psychologist Roger Callahan. Callahan discovered that stimulating acupressure / energy points lead to psychological relief for an anxious client, and through experimentation was able to discover a series of useful points.
Gary Craig, who studied with Callahan, identified a comprehensive set of "all purpose" energy points that could be applied to treat any emotional problem. He called this Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and achieved excellent results with this approach on a wide range of emotional as well as physical problems.
EFT has been successfully applied to treat a wide range of emotional problems and issues, including anxiety, fears, phobias, trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, grief, anger, guilt, etc. It has also been applied to enhance performance and improve relationships. In relationships, EFT can help us by reducing the emotional upsets towards our partner, many of which have their origins in our past. Using EFT, couples can overcome many of the barriers to friendship and closeness.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about EFT is that anyone can learn this approach and use it to help himself or herself. While some problems require persistence with the technique over a period of time, and some will require the intervention of a skilled therapist, many ordinary people can learn EFT and apply it successfully to the general problems and stresses of living.
Note: Whilst EFT has achieved excellent results with many physical conditions the technique should not be seen as a substitute for appropriate medical care and should always be used in conjunction with medical consultation and intervention for such conditions.
EFT AND THE ROLE OF ENERGY IN THERAPY
By Dr David Lake and Steve Wells
The presence and flow of energy around and within the body has been extolled by ancient cultures, notably the Indian and Chinese, although single-word definitions can't begin to illuminate innate subtle meaning.
The Hindus call it prana and the Chinese call it Qi. While Western science has found no conclusive proof of the organization of energy systems, bio-energy has been discovered to be vital to pain perception, healing and regeneration. Authorities regard it as belonging to the Universal energy field as well as to the organism; there is connection and flux.
Bio-energy paradigms conceptualize disease as a "disruption" of energy exchange, and "intoxication" of the body, especially through stress. Healing is based on the principle of conducting cosmic energy through the healer, in particular the hands, eyes, thoughts and words. Qi creates order out of chaos as it flows toward the "higher concentration" (unlike entropy, where energy flow is toward dissolution).
In the Chinese system of energy, there are 12 main meridians (circulation channels), while the Hindu system emphasizes 7 energy centers called chakras.
As Fred Gallo states in his book "Energy Psychology":
" energy resides at the most fundamental level of being.... if all is essentially energy, it follows that this holds true for the hardware of our nervous system, the neuro-chemistry and even thought and cognition. "
He goes on to suggest that one can assume that "psychopathology can be treated by addressing subtle energy systems in the body".
Recently, a new group of behavioral interventions called "meridian-based therapies" or "energy psychology" have been proposed to do just this, based on a growing body of clinical evidence which indicates that these approaches can produce rapid improvement in negative emotional states.
These "energy therapies" owe their origin to a discovery by US Clinical Psychologist Roger Callahan who was studying the meridian system while treating a woman - Mary - with a severe water phobia. Callahan took note when Mary said her fearful feeling was located in her stomach and had her tap on a meridian point under the eye linked to this region. She stated excitedly that the feeling was gone and preceded to test this by rushing to the pool and splashing water on her face. Her life-long phobia was gone - all from a few simple taps under her eye!
Following many similarly startling clinical results Callahan hypothesized that “thought fields” which have “perturbations” that disrupt subtle energy flow cause emotional problems. Negative emotions result from these blockages. Tapping on the energy system releases the blocks, allowing the energy to flow more freely.
Gary Craig (who trained with Callahan) identified a comprehensive set of energy points that could be applied to treat any emotional problem. Rather than having to use complex diagnostic procedures or remember numerous sequences, his one sequence 'covers all the points'. Craig found this approach, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), to have an excellent clinical success rate and has since developed several improvements to enhance its results.
EFT is a true combination of Eastern and Western medicine. It can be thought of as psychological use of the acupuncture meridians. It is a body-energy technique that has profound psychological effects. It also positively influences body symptoms of distress, pain and suffering from disease states.
EFT has been successfully applied to treat a wide range of emotional problems and issues, including anxiety, fears, phobias, trauma, Post Trauma Syndrone Disorder (PTSD), grief, anger, guilt, etc. It has also been applied to enhance performance and improve relationships.
Using EFT, many problems can be resolved very quickly, with most general anxiety-based problems responding in 1-4 sessions. Other problems may require persistence over a number of sessions with the client doing the tapping at home on a daily basis. This persistence frequently results in complete relief - although results with addictions and depression are often less spectacular.
The scientific validation of Energy therapies has lagged behind such extraordinary results, although validating research is appearing. A study by Wells, Polglase, Andrews, Carrington and Baker (2000) found EFT to effectively treat specific phobias in one 30-minute treatment session, and results were superior to an alternative treatment. A study on auto accident victims suffering PTSD (Pulos and Swingle, 2000) found significant reductions in symptomatology following 2 sessions of EFT treatment, and a study on children diagnosed with epilepsy found significant reductions in seizure frequency and extensive clinical improvement in EEG readings after 2 weeks of daily EFT treatment (Swingle, 2000). These and other studies in progress indicate a very high success rate for the approach.
The idea of tapping on acupressure points will disturb many therapists as it both provokes and requires a shift in some of our deepest beliefs. Only those who can tolerate the resulting uncertainty will contemplate embracing Energy therapies. Nevertheless they do work whether we believe or not. They also invite healing and integration on many levels as body and mind work together.
In the future the role of the body's energy system in emotional and physical healing will be widely acknowledged and respected. In the meantime, this idea is still quite revolutionary and as Gary Craig points out "We are on the ground floor of a healing high-rise".
REFERENCES:
Gallo, Fred (1999) Energy Psychology, CRC Press: New York
Lake, David and Wells, Steve, (2003) New Energy Therapies: Rapid Change Techniques for Emotional Healing (Second Edition), Waterford Publishing: Inglewood, Western Australia. For more information on this book
Wells, Steve and Lake, David (2001), Pocket Guide to Emotional Freedom_, Waterford Publishing: Inglewood, Western Australia.
THE “HOW TO” EXERCISES LISTED BELOW ARE A BEGINNING POINT OF USING EFT:
Tap hard enough. This brings up the blood and then the qui follows the blood.
Say, “Thank you” or “I love you” out loud with feeling to each body part as you tap.
1. ARMS, JOINTS - inside and outside meridians, 3x each “I am flexible and willing to change.”
2. THYMUS GLAND, IMMUNE SYSTEM - sternum below throat - drum with fingertips “I am safe.”
3. THYROID GLAND - THROAT “I express myself freely. I see blue.”
4. FACE, SKIN - tap all around, wash face with hands “I love who I am. Digestion excellent. I’m brighter.”
5. PITUITARY GLAND, HORMONAL BALANCE - forehead between eyebrows “My emotions are calm.”
6. BRAIN - top of head “My memory is excellent. All neurons connect.”
7. PINEAL GLAND, SEROTONIN LEVELS, (DEPRESSION) - back of head “My inner guidance is clear.”
8. NECK - where all illness starts “I express my feelings fully. I am willing to change.”
9. LUNG POINT - third thoracic vertebrae “I let go of my grief, my past. I breathe in new life.”
10. BRAIN, FACE, NECK - tap over back of neck Repeat all above affirmations.
11. LUNGS “I release all grief. I breathe in the joy of new life! I release the past, all sadness. I’m brighter.”
12. HEART “I forgive myself for everything. I love me as I am now. I am okay!”
13. BREASTS “I balance nourishing my self and others.”
14. LIVER, GALL BLADDER - right front, under ribs “I let go of all worry. I enjoy the sweetness of life.”
15. SPLEEN, PANCREAS - left front, under ribs “I let go of all worry. I enjoy the sweetness of life.”
16. STOMACH “I can accept what is happening now. I accept new ideas.”
17. SMALL INTESTINES (29) “I assimilate all present circumstances easily.”
18. COLON AND BLADDER “I let go of all my negative attitudes. I go with the flow.”
19. REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS “Yeah! I feel creatively full and good about being a Man or a Woman. All negative emotions disappear.”
20. LYMPH NODES, BLOOD - tap down along inner legs “All the toxins are gone. My blood vessels clear.”
21. KIDNEYS - tap soles of feet, ankles “I let go of all doubt and fear. I feel courage.”
22. MUSCLES, BLOOD, TOXINS - tap up the back of legs “My muscles relax. My blood vessels are clear. All toxins wash away now!”
23. KIDNEYS - lower back “All my doubts disappear now. All my stress is gone. I know what to do!”
24. BONES - down outside of legs, pound bones with fists “My bones are strong. I feel totally supported.”
25. BONE MARROW - up front of legs “Immune system is powerful. I feel protected.”
26. NAVEL - place palm on top of other hand on navel (man left hand first, woman right hand first) “I am calm. I feel peaceful inside. This is who I am.”
27. BELLY - RED DOT - Open your eyes slowly, just a slit and stay inside your body seeing the red dot in belly.
28. DANTIEN - RED DOT - Then open your eyes all the way still seeing with inner vision the red dot inside Dantien.
29. COMPLETION state, “I am complete”
Elizabeth Hammond, MEd RCST, RPP, LMT
Institute of Complementary Therapies, LLC
Honolulu, Hawaii
http://www.ict-energyschool.com
posted by Elizabeth at 12:48 PM
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