Habits can be formidable obstacles to self-improvement when set against us, however, they become powerful allies if we can harness them to our benefit. EFT (tapping) can be used to harness this power and overwrite old mental programs that lock us in destructive patterns of behaviour. The great thing about EFT is that it is easy to do and it works!

EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and was invented by Gary Craig in the late 1990s. It is also known as Energy Therapy, or simply ‘Tapping’. The technique draws on many theories of alternative medicine including Acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming, energy medicine, and Thought Field Therapy. In a nutshell, it uses a combination of psychological “talk therapy” and tapping on particular points of the body claimed to be energy meridians.

In Episode 76 of “Living outside the Matrix”, I interview Corah Clark from Sundridge in Kent, UK. She offers her knowledge and her perspective as a practitioner of EFT (tapping) for many years, as well as her background of psychology.

Many claim a scientific basis for EFT and expound upon the merits of energy therapy that employs diverse methods to modify and manipulate the flow of energy within the body with the intention to realign, replenish or stabilize the amount and the quality of energy within the human body, the truth is that no one really knows how it works. But it does work and can be used to address all kinds of past traumas, phobias and irrational fears as well as set up new and desirable habits.

The Mechanics of EFT (tapping)

According to Corah Clark, a psychotherapist and EFT practitioner, generally, the therapy consists of being guided through tapping on a series of points on the body with the tip of the fingers. At the same time, phrases are spoken by the practitioner and repeated by the ‘patient’ that guide the patient through the process of reprogramming the mind.

To begin with, the problem, or issue, is brought to mind while tapping the ‘karate chop’ point on the hand(s). This is a logical first step that calls to mind the issue and the feelings associated with it. After this, the full sequence of tapping points (energy points or meridians) is cycled through repeatedly.

While the points are being tapped the next goal is self-acceptance, an establishing of the psychological recognition of the condition being addressed but specifically disassociating it from any personal criticism or judgment. The words used are “Even though this (whatever it is) is happening, I completely and fully love and accept myself”.

Once acceptance is complete a form of words is chosen to set about changing the way the problem is viewed and setting it out in different terms presenting the intention to change. This essentially amounts to overwriting the mental conclusions surrounding the issue. This part of the therapy varies with different practitioners, or it can be self-directed. The purpose is to acknowledge the problem, and accept one’s self in spite of it, and then to state the intended changes to be made.

The Tapping Points

There are several tapping points on the body. Here is a description of some of the most often used points that seem to be common amongst many practitioners.

* The edge of the hand or ‘karate chop’ point, or the top of the hand next to the thumb, can be used to call the issue to mind.

* The top of the head

* The side of the eye

* The midpoint between the eyes

* Under the eye

* Above the lip under the nose

* Below the lip on the chin

* On the collar bone (either side or both sides)

* Under the arm, at nipple height

Energy Therapy?

Some energy therapists subscribe to a mystical view and claim that the shaman or healer is tuning in to the energy of the subject and heals...