I often use Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) with clients when there is a high emotional charge around a topic or they are struggling to understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

It’s a simple practice that combines tapping (a form of acupressure) on specific points of the body while repeating a phrase or affirmation.

We start by tapping on the emotion you are feeling, including any sensations in the body that come with it. Then we move into tapping on the reframe of what becomes possible once those emotions have been processed.

The steady rhythm of tapping helps the body settle and, once the nervous system softens, the root cause of the reaction becomes much easier to process.

EFT – The Science

EFT works because it supports the nervous system directly. The rhythmic tapping sends gentle signals through the body that help override the brain’s fear center.

During tapping, the act of focusing on the stressor while stimulating acupressure points allows the brain to process these memories in a less reactive way. You still remember the experience, but it no longer pulls you into the same emotional loop, making it easier to access the logic, perspective and problem solving parts of the brain.

Scientists have actually measured reduced levels of stress hormones after tapping.

EFT – The Spiritual Perspective

EFT also connects to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which believes that the body has energy pathways called meridians. The points we tap on are the same points acupuncturists place needles to move energy through these channels.

When emotions build up, they can interrupt the natural flow of energy in the body. Acknowledging these emotions by combining affirmations and tapping in EFT helps release trapped energy and transform negative emotions into feelings of peace and acceptance.

Clearing Out Clogged Pipes

A simple way to picture EFT is to think of your emotional system as plumbing. Small blockages build slowly, and you usually do not notice them until there is too much pressure.

Tapping works like clearing out those clogged pipes- it helps release the buildup so everything can flow again.

My clients often describe feeling lighter and more settled after even a short round and say they are able to move through their coaching topic more easily.