By Brian Rohr
I was living in Chicago, working at a spa that focused on energywork, when I first came across EFT. I had just received a session from a fellow practitioner when he handed me a piece of paper explaining that I was to tap with my fingers on various locations on my body while reciting certain words. I had no clue what this was about, and said as much.
With wide eyes and a slightly mischievous grin, he asked, “Have you not heard of Emotional Freedom Techniques?” Knowing this man, and the quiet ways he can slip an idea in to help people grow beyond what one could have imagined, I knew his wide-eyed question was really an invitation to explore a deeper realm of healing. I decided to take his invitation. In doing so, I began a path of learning and healing that is constantly opening my eyes to what our fullest potential entails.
So what is EFT?
EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques and works on the philosophy that says:
“ALL negative emotions are caused by a disturbance in the body’s energy system.”
This means is that a negative emotion (hatred, anger, fear…) is not caused so much by a memory or an experience, but rather the memory or experience causes a disturbance in the body’s energy system, and that disturbance causes the negative emotion. I know that sounds complex. Fortunately, EFT offers a VERY simple and ‘easy to learn’ way of helping to balance the energy in the body. This involves tapping on various Acupressure points while repeating certain key phrases. Doing this really does help the emotion around a specific issue reduce or fully dissipate, and this relief often lasts forever.
In my practice as well as in my personal life, I have witnessed EFT work for: deep grief, addiction cravings, physical symptoms, self-worth issues, betrayal, anger, money issues, relationship problems, guilt, fears, and more. Most of the time, the issue usually reduces or is completely resolved in just a few sessions (though some issues are quite complex, and may take longer). There is a motto amongst the world of EFT, which is “We try it on everything!” And while there may be a few things that EFT is not the best modality for, it sure works for a whole lot!
Two Examples
A client with Multiple Sclerosis came to work on an issue unrelated to her chronic condition. At the end of the session, I noticed that she began rubbing her left hand. I asked her what was going on, and she expressed that because of the MS, her hand often ‘claws up’ as the muscles cramp into a painful condition. It happened a few times a week and was starting to occur just then. We began to tap on it. After a few rounds, no more than a minute or two, she said that the pain went away. The amazing thing is, over one year later, it has only come back twice, and both times dissipated with a quick round of tapping.
Another client with a major eating disorder mentioned how others would comment that she had thin legs, while she could only see them as ugly and fat. We did a few rounds of EFT with her looking at her legs. After about 2-3 minutes, she said with a smile, “Well maybe they are not that bad to look at.” She then looking up at me with surprised eyes and said, “Can it really be that simple?” In that moment, her whole perspective on her body shifted. A new insight occurred that helped bring in a healthier view of her true nature.
The Doorway of Possibilities
This is the potential of EFT, a doorway that can help release outdated belief systems, help shift old patterns, and help herald in a renewed perspective on life.
It is my deepest belief that each one of us is intimately connected with each other. Our most basic acts such as a smile or a mean word can have a deep impact that can ripple throughout one’s community and life. Finding freedom from our hurts and fears can only help to influence the choices we make. When taking action in the world we can now feel safe to express our true needs and our deepest truths as they arise. In this way we can begin to vision the community and life we all deserve.
Knowing this potential, I ask you with a wide-eyed expression and a mischievous smile, “Have you not heard of Emotional Freedom Techniques?”
Brian Rohr is a Reiki Master and EFT Coach who brings all of the experiences of his own healing journey to each client in order to help create a unique and honoring session. He can be reached at 360.531.2535; [email protected].