In the last two decades, Energy Psychology ( EP) is having the spotlight in the Applied Psychology , and many innovative clinical psychologists are applying it with much success.
EP is a relatively new method of therapy that combines Eastern approaches to the mind and body, with Western psychology to understanding and improving human functioning.
EP focuses on the relationship between bioenergy systems, neuro and electro physiological processes, and mental functions involving thoughts, emotions, sensations, and behavior.
There are promising new findings in the field of energy psychology, specifically about a practice called Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping, that is taking humanity search for holistic solutions to an exciting new level.
Keidi and I are big fans of EFT and it has been a life-changing discovery for our personal and clients healing.
Many people wonder whether there is any scientific basis or research that validates whether or not energy tapping actually affects the brain and body. And because they might not be familiar with the research that has taken place over the last 10 years, they too quickly classify this naturally-applied healing technique as “airy-fairy” .
Where did Tapping come from?
Energy Tapping was first introduced over 30 years ago by Dr. Roger Callahan with a modality he called Thought Field Therapy. Gary Craig, a Stanford engineering graduate, specializing in healing and self-improvement, modified the technique to be more user-friendly and called his modality Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Nick and Jessica Ortner took this simpler model and became the catalyst to make the technique more commonplace by teaching it to millions through their movies and through the Tapping World Summit. What is Tapping?
Tapping is a powerful healing technique that includes gently tapping on the different meridian points of your body. These are the same points that are stimulated during acupuncture and acupressure treatments. When you experience a stressful, fearful, or traumatic event, your body releases cortisol - a stress hormone. The release of cortisol creates a memory of this event (whether conscious or subconscious) that disrupts the natural functions and energy flow in your body.
This disruption can lead to chronic or acute illnesses, various injuries, physical or emotional pain, or psychological beliefs. These beliefs can show up in negative relationships, financial problems, or low self-worth. During Tapping, you "reset" the amygdala - the brain's integrative center for emotions, emotional behavior, and motivation and create a new energy pattern - now in a safe, calm, and present state of mind.
The therapist starts by identifying a particular trigger, which is a thought, image or memory that sparks upsetting or anxiety-producing feelings. The next step is to have the patient tap on certain acupuncture points, called acupoints, while repeating a statement about the trigger that has been agreed upon by both the patient and therapist.
The tapping of the acupoints has temporarily deactivated the limbic response to the negative memory.
In this way, with repetitions, people learn to in effect neutralize the emotions that painful or upsetting thoughts or memories evoke.
Show me the evidence
I am thrilled to see modern science back up what Eastern medicine has known and used for 5,000 years.
These are just a few examples of studies that have proven the efficacy of EFT.
o Studies by the Harvard Medical School revealed that Tapping can drastically reduce or eliminate stress in the amydgala- the brain integrative center, critical for emotional behaviour.
o Dr. Dawson Church, one of the world’s leading experts on energy psychology, conducted a study, where the cortisol levels were measured on participants after one hour of Tapping. The results showed a reduction of 24%-50% in cortisol levels—compared to the control group who experienced a nearly insignificant reduction!
o A study from Energy Psychology Journal confirmed that the benefits from EFT are the result of the Tapping process and not a placebo effect. "Tapping on acupoints, combined with the vocalization of self-affirming statements, appears to be an active ingredient in EFT rather than an inert placebo. The results were consistent with other published reports demonstrating EFTs efficacy for addressing psychological conditions in students."
o Countless anecdotal evidence, like this story by Serina Deen, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry who experienced a powerful session that turned her into a believer. "It’s non-invasive, rapid-acting, can be self-administered, and I did feel the benefits myself, firsthand."
o One of the latest successful stories that swept USA was on Today TV Show
(Want to see even more evidence? Visit the EFT Universe for more than 100 papers published in peer-reviewed professional journals.)
EFT is a very simple technique that everyone can learn and apply it.
However, it is much more effective when you are guided by a practitioner who can help identify the deep root cause of the negative memory and the specific statements said while tapping the acupoints.
I integrate the EFT technique with the human design analysis, as we identify the individual challenges that your unique blueprint shows, we leverage the power of EFT to release them and master their lessons.
Reach out if you would like to experience its great healing benefits.
Happy Tapping,
With Love,
Diana