What is EFT Tapping?
EFT, or Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), is a powerful self-help tool that involves gently tapping on specific acupuncture points.
We know these points thanks to traditional Chinese medicine; they are the same points where needles are inserted during acupuncture.
EFT combines this knowledge with modern psychology—specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy—as well as the science of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to our experiences.
In practice, it involves tapping on acupuncture points while focusing on and speaking about the specific problem, memory, or emotions you wish to address.
Over the past 30 years, EFT has helped hundreds of thousands of people resolve emotional issues, release trauma and negative beliefs, and even treat illnesses.
More than 200 clinical studies have been conducted to support the effectiveness of EFT. Most of this research focuses on how Tapping helps reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, while also supporting the finding that EFT can be highly effective for weight loss, yielding long-lasting results. However, EFT can help with a wide range of issues, including:
Excess weight, emotional eating, and lack of body acceptance
Lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem
Anxiety and phobias
Trauma and PTSD
Addictions
Tendency towards toxic relationships
Limiting beliefs
Panic attacks
Depression and sadness
Anger management
Insomnia
Pain management (various origins)
Migraines
Underweight and lack of appetite
Sports and other performance goals
Relationship difficulties
Gary Craig, the creator of EFT, encourages using the method for everything. EFT coaches and practitioners around the world share amazing results achieved in various areas of life on a daily basis.
One of the greatest advantages of EFT is that it is easy to learn, and you can practice it anytime, anywhere. You do not need any special equipment or training, and you can perform it on your own.
However, based on my own experience—despite using EFT almost daily since 2015 for both major and minor issues—I achieved my biggest breakthroughs while practicing EFT with another coach.
EFT regulates the nervous system, thereby strengthening the immune system. Tapping also shifts the body back to the parasympathetic (relaxation) response of the nervous system. This allows the immune, digestive, reproductive, and hormonal systems to function as they should.
Where does EFT come from?
EFT is based on the ancient Chinese discovery (5,000 years ago) of meridians—energy channels flowing through our bodies—and the mapping of how these subtle energies course through the body.
The EFT method was developed by Gary Craig in the 1990s, building upon his research into Roger Callahan’s work with Thought Field Therapy (TFT, the precursor to EFT). TFT was one of the first methods within what is now known as Energy Psychology. Recognizing the potential of this approach, Craig worked to refine and simplify the techniques while maintaining positive, measurable results—creating an evidence-based methodology. Ultimately, he developed a simple yet comprehensive set of techniques, making them available to everyone via his website, emofree.com.
Since the launch of Craig’s website, EFT has continued to be tested and refined by numerous individuals and groups, with publications in respected, peer-reviewed journals further supporting Craig’s findings and techniques. Organizations such as EFT International, EFT Universe, and others have developed training and certification programs for those interested in using this remarkable tool.
Today, EFT stands as an easy-to-learn method for restoring the body to a state of harmony.
