Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a powerful self-healing practice that taps into the body's energy system to release emotional blockages and restore balance. By understanding EFT from first principles, we can break down the practice into its simplest elements and logically build a deep understanding of how it works, why it works, and how to use it effectively.
EFT is often referred to as "tapping" because it involves tapping on specific points on the body known as meridian points while focusing on an emotional or physical issue. This technique is grounded in the idea that negative emotions and physical discomforts are caused by disruptions in the body’s energy flow. By tapping on these meridian points, we can restore balance and reduce emotional distress.
At the core of EFT is the understanding that emotions are not just psychological, but they also have a physical or energetic component. This energy flows through the body, and when it becomes blocked or disrupted, emotional or physical discomfort occurs.
EFT draws upon the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, specifically the concept of energy meridians—pathways through which life energy (Qi) flows. These meridian points are key to understanding how emotional and physical blockages form and how they can be addressed.
| Meridian Point | Location on Body | Emotional Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Top of the Head | Crown of the head | General stress, overall tension |
| Eyebrow | Inner edge of the eyebrow | Anger, frustration |
| Side of the Eye | Outer corner of the eye | Fear, anxiety |
| Under the Eye | Below the pupil of the eye | Worry, nervousness |
| Under the Nose | Between nose and upper lip | Shame, embarrassment |
| Chin | Center of the chin | Guilt, regret |
| Collarbone | Below the collarbone | Uncertainty, overwhelm |
| Under the Arm | Side of the body, 4 inches below armpit | Emotional pain, sadness |
The act of tapping on these meridian points is believed to stimulate the body’s natural energy flow, removing blockages and restoring balance. Similar to acupuncture but without needles, tapping provides a non-invasive way to improve emotional well-being.
EFT combines the physical act of tapping with a cognitive focus on the emotional issue at hand. By consciously acknowledging and accepting the problem, you create a mind-body connection that helps release the emotional charge.
Step 1: Identify the Issue
Before you start tapping, identify the issue you want to work on, whether it's an emotion (anxiety, sadness, anger) or a physical sensation (pain, discomfort). Be specific.
Step 2: Rate the Intensity
On a scale of 0 to 10, rate the emotional intensity of the issue you're addressing. This helps track progress.
Step 3: Create a Setup Phrase
This phrase combines acknowledgment of the problem with acceptance. For example:
"Even though I feel anxious about my upcoming presentation, I deeply and completely accept myself."
Step 4: Tap the Meridian Points
Using two or three fingers, tap the meridian points in the sequence shown in the chart while repeating the setup phrase and focusing on the issue.
Step 5: Reassess the Intensity
After one round of tapping, reassess the intensity of the issue on the 0-10 scale. If it's still high, continue tapping until the intensity decreases.
Be Specific
The more specific you can be about the emotion or issue you're addressing, the more effective EFT will be. Instead of saying "I feel bad," specify the emotion like "I feel anxious about failing my test."
Focus on One Issue at a Time
It’s tempting to address multiple issues at once, but for the best results, focus on one issue at a time. This keeps the process clear and targeted.
Use Measurable Language
When rating emotional intensity, use a scale (0-10) to quantify your progress. This helps track improvement and fine-tune your approach.
Don’t Rush
It may take multiple rounds of tapping for some issues to subside. Be patient with the process and tap as many rounds as necessary.
Acknowledge Resistance
Sometimes resistance to healing can arise. Address it directly by tapping on the resistance itself. For example, “Even though I’m resisting feeling calm, I accept myself anyway.”
Experiment with Speed and Pressure
Try different tapping speeds and pressures to find what works best for you. Some people prefer lighter tapping, while others find more pressure helpful.
Stay Hydrated
Energy work can sometimes dehydrate the body. Make sure you drink water before and after your tapping session to stay hydrated.
Tap in the Moment
Don’t wait for a quiet time—EFT is versatile and can be used anywhere. If you’re feeling anxious in a meeting, discreetly tap under the table on a finger point.
Use Positive Reframes
Once the intensity of an issue decreases, try introducing positive reframes. For example, “Even though I was anxious, I now choose to feel confident and capable.”
Below is a table that outlines the EFT Tapping Sequence and the emotional associations of each point.
| Tapping Sequence | Emotional Issue Associated | Physical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Top of the Head | Overall stress, tension | Full-body relaxation |
| Eyebrow | Anger, frustration | Relief from headaches, eye strain |
| Side of the Eye | Fear, anxiety | Reduces nervousness |
| Under the Eye | Worry, nervousness | Supports clear thinking |
| Under the Nose | Shame, embarrassment | Eases tension in face and jaw |
| Chin | Guilt, regret | Loosens throat tension |
| Collarbone | Uncertainty, overwhelm | Reduces shoulder stiffness |
| Under the Arm | Emotional pain, sadness | Eases upper body tension |
By breaking EFT down into its core principles, we can better understand how tapping works to restore energy flow, reduce emotional distress, and bring about a sense of emotional freedom. This practice combines ancient energy healing principles with a modern approach to mind-body healing, offering an accessible and effective tool for emotional well-being. With consistent practice and mindful attention, EFT can help you release emotional blockages and create a deeper sense of peace and balance in your life.
Take five minutes today to practice EFT on any small stressor. Focus on the issue, rate its intensity, and follow the tapping sequence to see how quickly your emotional state can shift!
Would you like additional resources on how to practice EFT or advanced tips for specific issues? Let me know!
Crystals can be a powerful complement to Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), enhancing the healing experience by supporting the energetic balance and emotional release that EFT seeks to achieve. Both EFT and crystal healing work with the body's energy field, so when combined, they can amplify the effects of each other. Crystals are thought to carry specific vibrational frequencies that resonate with different aspects of our physical, emotional, and energetic bodies.
Amplifying Intentions: Crystals help to amplify your intentions during an EFT session. When you hold or place crystals near the body, their vibrational frequency can strengthen your focus on the issue at hand, enhancing the tapping’s effectiveness.
Energetic Support: Each crystal resonates with specific chakras, emotions, or energies. When used with EFT, crystals can offer targeted energetic support for the emotional or physical issue you’re addressing.
Grounding and Calming: Many people find that tapping while holding grounding stones like black tourmaline or smoky quartz helps them stay centered and calm, especially when working through intense emotions.
Chakra Alignment: EFT targets emotional disruptions in the energy system, and crystals can help restore balance to specific chakras that may be blocked or unbalanced.
Enhancing Physical Connection: Placing crystals directly on meridian points while tapping can create a stronger energetic connection, further opening the energy pathways to release blockages.
Step 1: Identify Your Issue
Before starting EFT, identify the issue you’re focusing on. Choose a crystal that corresponds to the emotion or energy you’re working through.
Step 2: Select Your Crystals
Use the chart below to find crystals that align with the emotional or energetic issue you’re addressing. Hold the crystal in your hand or place it near the tapping points.
Step 3: Tap with the Crystal
You can either hold the crystal in your hand while tapping, place it near the meridian points, or simply keep it in your environment during the session.
Step 4: Visualize Energetic Release
As you tap and repeat the EFT setup phrase, visualize the crystal’s energy interacting with your meridian points, releasing blockages, and bringing your energy back into balance.
| Emotion/Issue | Chakra | Crystal | How to Use with EFT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety/Stress | Root, Heart | Amethyst | Hold in hand or place near the heart while tapping for calmness. |
| Fear | Root, Solar Plexus | Black Tourmaline | Hold during tapping on side of eye or collarbone for grounding. |
| Sadness/Grief | Heart | Rose Quartz | Place over heart chakra during tapping for emotional release. |
| Anger | Root, Solar Plexus | Red Jasper | Tap with the crystal in hand to release anger and frustration. |
| Overwhelm | Solar Plexus, Crown | Citrine | Hold near solar plexus or tap with it for mental clarity. |
| Self-Doubt | Solar Plexus, Throat | Tiger’s Eye | Hold in hand while tapping on eyebrow or throat points. |
| Emotional Blockages | Sacral, Heart | Carnelian | Place over sacral chakra while tapping to release emotional blocks. |
| Lack of Focus | Third Eye, Crown | Clear Quartz | Hold over the third eye or place near the tapping points. |
| Physical Pain | All Chakras | Smoky Quartz | Place on affected area or tap with the crystal in hand. |
| Guilt/Shame | Sacral, Heart | Rhodonite | Tap while holding near the heart or sacral chakras. |
| Fear of Change | Root, Solar Plexus | Labradorite | Hold near solar plexus while tapping for embracing transformation. |
| Insecurity | Solar Plexus | Yellow Calcite | Tap with the crystal near the solar plexus for confidence. |
| Lack of Energy | Sacral, Solar Plexus | Carnelian | Hold during tapping on collarbone or under arm for motivation. |
| Self-Love | Heart, Throat | Green Aventurine | Tap with it in hand or near the heart for nurturing self-care. |
| Forgiveness | Heart, Throat | Amazonite | Place near the throat during tapping to aid emotional communication. |
| Fear of Rejection | Heart, Solar Plexus | Malachite | Hold during tapping on eyebrow or under-eye points. |
| Lack of Focus | Crown, Third Eye | Sodalite | Hold at third eye or near tapping points for clarity and focus. |
| Nightmares | Crown, Third Eye | Lepidolite | Tap with it on hand before sleep to ease sleep disturbances. |
| Financial Worries | Root, Sacral | Pyrite | Tap with it in hand or near solar plexus for abundance mindset. |
| Fear of Public Speaking | Throat, Solar Plexus | Sodalite | Hold near throat while tapping to calm fear and improve communication. |
Ground Yourself with Crystals: If you’re working through overwhelming emotions, hold grounding stones like black tourmaline or smoky quartz. These can help you stay centered while releasing deep emotional blockages during tapping.
Use Chakra-Specific Crystals: If you feel blocked in a particular area (such as heartache or fear), choose a crystal that resonates with the related chakra. For example, use rose quartz for heart-centered tapping or citrine for issues related to confidence.
Visualize Crystal Energy Flow: As you tap, visualize the crystal’s energy flowing through your meridians, clearing blockages. Imagine the crystal’s energy merging with your body’s energy system, helping to restore balance.
Place Crystals on Tapping Points: You can also place crystals directly on or near tapping points, especially during a more meditative tapping session. For example, placing amethyst on your third eye while tapping the eyebrow point can help calm mental chatter.
Create a Crystal Grid: If you’re working on a larger emotional or spiritual goal, consider creating a crystal grid around you during your tapping session. This helps set the energetic stage and can amplify the healing process.
Combining crystals with EFT can deepen the emotional release and healing process, helping you connect with your body’s energy system on a more profound level. Each crystal carries a unique vibration, making it important to choose the right one based on your emotional or physical needs. Whether you hold the crystal during tapping, place it on your tapping points, or create a grid, the synergy between EFT and crystal healing can help you achieve greater balance and well-being.
Would you like help choosing crystals for specific emotions or physical concerns during EFT? Let me know!
Here's a chart with 9 crystal collections, each containing 4 crystals specifically selected to support Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) by addressing various emotional and energetic issues. Each collection includes an explanation of how each supports EFT practice.
| Collection | Crystal | Description | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Anxiety Relief | Amethyst | Calm | Helps release stress and calms an overactive mind during tapping. |
| Lepidolite | Balance | Brings emotional balance, perfect for reducing anxiety and overthinking. | |
| Amazonite | Soothing | Eases communication and promotes tranquility during stressful tapping sessions. | |
| Smoky Quartz | Grounding | Grounds energy and dissipates fear and worry while tapping on stress points. | |
| 2. Self-Confidence Boost | Citrine | Confidence | Promotes personal power and self-worth, helping to build self-confidence while tapping. |
| Tiger’s Eye | Courage | Boosts courage, helping release fear of failure and boosting belief in oneself. | |
| Sunstone | Joy | Encourages joy and positivity, shifting energy to a more confident mindset during tapping. | |
| Carnelian | Motivation | Enhances motivation and personal drive, perfect for tapping through limiting beliefs. | |
| 3. Emotional Healing | Rose Quartz | Love | Promotes self-love and compassion, supporting emotional healing during tapping. |
| Rhodonite | Compassion | Facilitates forgiveness and emotional release, especially during heart-centered EFT sessions. | |
| Obsidian | Transformation | Helps uncover deep-seated emotions and encourages transformation while tapping. | |
| Green Aventurine | Nurture | Provides a nurturing energy, ideal for comforting emotional wounds during EFT. | |
| 4. Overcoming Fear | Labradorite | Protection | Shields against negative energy, helping you face fears head-on during EFT. |
| Black Tourmaline | Grounding | Grounds your energy and provides protection, making it easier to release fear during tapping. | |
| Amazonite | Courage | Encourages truth and self-expression, helping release fear of speaking up. | |
| Clear Quartz | Clarity | Amplifies intention, offering mental clarity and focus for tapping through fear. | |
| 5. Emotional Balance | Sodalite | Clarity | Encourages rational thought, aiding emotional balance during overwhelming tapping sessions. |
| Moonstone | Intuition | Enhances emotional insight, promoting balance and harmony in your energy system. | |
| Green Aventurine | Healing | Encourages emotional healing and equilibrium, especially for tapping on heart-centered issues. | |
| Jasper | Harmony | Balances energies and promotes emotional stability during tapping sessions. | |
| 6. Grief and Loss | Smoky Quartz | Grounding | Grounds and helps release heavy emotions associated with grief during EFT. |
| White Agate | Comfort | Provides emotional comfort and promotes peace in times of loss. | |
| Apache Tear | Healing | Known for its ability to help release grief and trauma during tapping. | |
| Rose Quartz | Love | Promotes healing through love and compassion, assisting with emotional recovery during tapping. | |
| 7. Abundance and Success | Pyrite | Abundance | Encourages abundance and helps overcome limiting beliefs about wealth during tapping. |
| Green Aventurine | Luck | Known as the "Stone of Opportunity," it enhances success and optimism. | |
| Citrine | Prosperity | Brings prosperity, helping rewire limiting beliefs about money and success during EFT. | |
| Clear Quartz | Clarity | Amplifies intention, clearing mental blocks to success and abundance. | |
| 8. Releasing Anger | Red Jasper | Grounding | Grounds intense emotions like anger, helping release them through tapping. |
| Carnelian | Vitality | Provides energy and vitality, shifting anger into productive energy during EFT. | |
| Hematite | Stability | Stabilizes emotions and helps diffuse intense feelings of anger. | |
| Smoky Quartz | Transformation | Transforms anger into a more balanced, grounded emotional state. | |
| 9. Focus and Clarity | Clear Quartz | Focus | Enhances mental clarity, allowing for more focused and effective EFT sessions. |
| Fluorite | Organization | Helps organize thoughts and brings clarity to mental confusion during tapping. | |
| Amethyst | Calm | Calms the mind, making it easier to focus and release distractions during tapping. | |
| Sodalite | Insight | Promotes mental clarity and insight, helping you resolve mental blocks during EFT. |
Choosing a Collection: Depending on the emotional issue you’re addressing, select a crystal collection that resonates with your intention for your EFT session.
Integrating Crystals: Hold a crystal during your tapping, place it on relevant meridian points, or simply have the crystals nearby to amplify their energetic influence while tapping.
Visualizing Crystal Energy: As you tap, visualize the crystals enhancing your emotional release and balancing your energy, allowing for deeper healing and transformation.
These collections are designed to target specific emotional states, supporting the energetic work you’re doing during EFT and helping you achieve balance and well-being.
