Velislava Stoycheva

What is EFT

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) are an accessible tool for processing and releasing painful emotions and limiting beliefs that may be the cause of our emotional, behavioral, and physical problems.

Working with EFT helps reduce stress levels and accumulated feelings of anger, bitterness, fear, shame, guilt, sadness, etc., leading to a calmer mind, inner peace and a new perspective for understanding ourselves, other people and the circumstances of our lives.

Physical symptoms can often improve or disappear altogether as a result of the mind-body connection.

The two varieties of EFT

1. EFT Tapping

EFT Тapping, created in 1995 by Gary Craig, is the earliest form of the method, which is often described as emotional acupuncture without needles. It involves tapping with the fingertips on specific acupuncture points on the body while we focus on the painful emotion we want to release.

The points we use in our Tapping work are the beginning and ending points of the energy meridians in the human body, a concept known from traditional Chinese medicine. Tapping these points sends calming signals to the amigdala in the brain to relax and unwind, releases the energy trapped inside negative emotions and restores our inner balance.

The complete EFT Tapping guide can be accessed for free at Gary Craig’s website - Gold Standard EFT Tapping Tutorial.

Scientific studies have shown that, in addition to changes in mood and emotions, there are also changes in the biochemical processes in the body:

• improved immune system functioning;
• reduction in the levels of the stress hormone cortisol – between 24% and 43%, according to different studies;
• improved blood pressure regulation;
• a change in the expression of 73 genes (after 1 hour of tapping);
• reduction of uncontrollable food cravings as a physiological impulse;
• and others.

The Science Behind Tapping presents scientific research on EFT tapping in the form of 3 short videos.

2. Optimal EFT

In 2014, Gary Craig introduced his latest advancement, called Optimal EFT. It has not yet become as widespread as EFT tapping. It takes the form of short guided meditations while we tune into a painful emotion we want to release. The release of emotions is done with the help of our ultimate healing power within, called The Unseen Therapist. For many people, this is the Higher Power from their own spiritual or religious beliefs. But you don’t need to believe in a Higher Power in order for the process to work.

I am not aware of any scientific studies on this latest form of EFT, but my confidence in it is based on the impressive results I have seen in my clients and also in myself, as well as testimonies from members of the Optimal EFT community.

If you are interested, you can download The Unseen Therapist free e-book from Gary Craig’s website in PDF or Kindle format.

Conditions EFT can help with

EFT is a delicate method with no known contraindications.

EFT can be used alone or in combination with another practice, therapy or medication.

It is commonly used for:

• stress and anxiety
• depression
• panic attacks
• fears and phobias
• traumatic or painful experiences
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• insomnia and sleep issues
• eating disorders
• addiction
• relationship issues
• letting go of limiting beliefs
• and others.

You can often see improvement in or complete resolution of physical symptoms, conditions and diseases after the processing and release of accumulated negative emotions. The body’s natural ability to heal itself becomes more active when our resources are not directed towards ensuring our survival.

We can’t flourish if we’re always in survival mode

It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves by letting go of accumulated emotions such as anger, resentment, guilt, fear, shame, sadness, etc., which hold us hostage in survival mode.

I encourage you to work toward flourishing - whether you choose to try EFT or a different method. When we thrive and flourish, it also benefits the people around us.

If you want to work with me, please use the button below.