The Emotional Freedom Techniques, also commonly referred to as EFT or simply “tapping,” is a powerful and clinically proven alternative therapy and self-help tool. EFT can help with issues such as:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Anger
- Weight issues
- And many more!
Although it was recently developed and brought to prominence in the 1990s, tapping actually draws on principles from Chinese acupuncture, which has been used to rebalance the body’s energy flow for thousands of years. At first, the similarities between tapping and acupuncture aren’t that obvious, but Chinese acupuncture and EFT actually have a lot in common. Let’s explore these similarities, along with how tapping differs from this form of traditional Chinese medicine.
What is EFT tapping?
Before discussing the similarities between Chinese acupuncture and EFT, we should first define what EFT tapping therapy is. EFT is a very simple healing technique that involves tapping on different parts of the face and upper body with your fingertips while concentrating on and/or verbalizing feelings, emotions, and beliefs related to physical or emotional pain. Whether performed silently or with talking , tapping halts the body’s stress response, which occurs naturally in the presence of anxiety or other emotional upset. Halting the stress response helps rebalance the body’s energy systems and reduce feelings of pain. This is something both Chinese acupuncture and EFT aim to accomplish, though in different ways.
Chinese Acupuncture and EFT—Similarities
The similarities between tapping and acupuncture begin with their focus on energy points on the body that can bring about physical and emotional healing. Chinese acupuncture was founded on this idea. The specific points on the body where energy is concentrated (these points are called acupuncture points or acupoints) are located along energy channels called “meridians.” Chinese acupuncture and EFT both focus their efforts on these meridians in an effort to unblock or reallocate their energy flow.
Think of these meridians as a tube, kind of like a blood vessel, but instead of having blood flow through them, it’s energy. The flow of energy can become blocked or stuck, causing energy to build up and these tubes to become “clogged.” The energy flow can also run too “hot” or strong. Both acupuncture and EFT act on meridians to unblock or rebalance the energy flow as needed.
Chinese Acupuncture and EFT—Differences
While Chinese acupuncture and EFT both aim to unblock or rebalance meridians and allow energy to flow freely through the body, they act on the points on the body in different ways. Acupuncture is more invasive, using small needles that puncture the surface of the skin (usually painlessly) at these meridian points. EFT uses the noninvasive acupressure method in the form of tapping. The sensation of touch is a great healing factor in itself, and it makes us feel safe and loved. Acupuncture might take a more direct approach, but EFT tapping is much more accessible and can be done as self-help anywhere.
EFT is an effective way to overcome the physical, emotional, and mental issues that are holding you back in life. If you’ve tried acupuncture before and are curious to explore alternative healing options, we highly recommend tapping. Dawson Church has many world renowned books and podcasts speaking on the positive effects EFT has so don’t miss out on his teaching and findings. Find a solution with tapping today for whatever is ailing or troubling you!
