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A method of emotional liberation
If it is inspired by traditional Chinese medicines, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), literally “emotional liberation technique”, however, originated in the United States, where millions of people use it today. Its creator, Gary Craig, surely did not expect such a success! This engineer, attracted by personal development and neurolinguistic programming (NLP), relied on an experience of Dr. Roger Callahan who followed, in the 80s, a woman with a phobia of water. The patient said that she felt discomfort in her stomach at the mere mention of the aquatic element. Experienced in the energetic techniques of the meridians, these interconnected channels of the human body, the doctor suggested that he stimulate a point under the eye. Result: the stomach discomfort eventually disappeared, and the patient rushed into the water!
Gary Craig, the founder
Following this success, Craig met Callahan. By following its algorithms, it emerged that certain points could be stimulated by acupressure, a form of touch centered on the energy points of the body, which made it possible to erase negative emotions. The Stanford University graduate simplified the method in the 90s to be applicable by everyone. EFT was born.
What is EFT for?
Sometimes defined as a ” acupuncture without needles », This method links body and mind by combining the founding principles of Chinese medicine, namely work on energy meridians, and modern psychology, with the consideration of the unconscious. The EFT technique reached the shores of Europe in the 2000s. In France, still little known to the general public, it is taught today in psychology courses at university, in the same way as hypnosis. “EFT consists of stimulating acupuncture points at the entry and exit of meridians,” explains Émilie Adam, coach and practitioner for five years. The goal? “Activate the relaxation branch in the energy system in order to deactivate stress.” EFT thus causes a better flow of energy in the body and in the mind.
The example of the dog bite
To make EFT more concrete, Émilie Adam explains: “In our life, we go through various events that are recorded in the hippocampus, the memory library. The bite of a dog, when you are a child, is recorded in this library, as well as all the emotions it generates: fear, anger, sadness … We then develop a belief linked to this memory : dogs are dangerous. Subsequently, our system goes on alert, and the stress branch is activated as soon as a dog crosses our path. We then apply one of the three defense techniques: flight, attack or play dead. Our system wants to save our lives, but the reaction is not always appropriate: not all dogs we meet are a threat.
To overcome the trauma and update our system, we must therefore modify the memory and the belief that is related to it. This is where the EFT method comes into play. “When we focus on remembering, when we talk about it, emotions emerge. At this point, you have to stimulate the different energy points to deactivate the stress. Then we repeat the operation several times. By force, the system bugged. He ends up dissociating the emotional charge from the memory. The individual remembers the dog bite suffered as a child, but no more negative emotions are linked to this memory. Thanks to EFT, the fear is gone. », Concludes Emilie Adam.
Who can practice EFT?
Everybody ! The basics are simple, so much so that children can practice EFT on their own at home. Émilie Adam transmits the tool to parents and children, so that they can use it at home and in turn pass it on to all the siblings. Its concrete, physical aspect makes EFT accessible to the youngest. “I practice it on children from the age of six, because they can express themselves,” explains Émilie Adam. Under six years old, I recommend going to see a child psychiatrist instead. ” This method is even used in class by some teachers who want to evacuate the negative emotions linked to a traumatic event, such as the death of Samuel Paty for example. Émilie Adam works with schools and organizes group sessions on a specific topic. “The energy of the group is focused on the same problem. It might be surprising to see a whole group practicing tapping, but it works! “
How does EFT work on children in practice?
What happens during a session ? Applications of EFT
“I like receiving children alone, without parents, for 30 minutes, so that they can speak freely,” emphasizes our expert. Secondly, I work with the child and his parents for 15 minutes. All over several sessions. Usually, if there is no major trauma to begin with, the problem is resolved in less than five sessions, using EFT. This can go very quickly because children do not have filters and there is no resistance that we meet in adults. They also have less experience and therefore less mess in their head. It’s an easy audience because they trust quickly. »It takes 50 to 100 euros for an EFT session.
Free yourself by tapping
Concretely, EFT consists in applying pressure with the fingers on specific meridian points of the face and the body, while remaining centered on the targeted suffering: a traumatic memory, a physical pain, an emotional blockage… “You have to tap points. precise, and verbalize what is happening inside oneself, ”explains Émilie Adam. These acupuncture points correspond to the main endpoints of the energy circuits located below the surface of the skin. The tapping sends micro-impulses to the brain, capable of modifying and dissolving disturbances that have formed in the energy system. Each point is gently and continuously tapped with your fingertips. The tip of one, two or three fingers depending on the area and sensitivity. For children, 9 points are used, located symmetrically on both sides of the body. Each point is tapped at least long enough to state the problem in a short sentence, aloud or inwardly, focusing on the images that arise and arouse unpleasant sensations and negative emotions. The tapping ends when there is no longer any emotional intensity at the mention of the problem.
Le tapping, how it works?
You press on specific points with your fingertips, following the three axes: head, heart and body, in the order you want, going back and forth. “You have to focus on your emotions, your bodily sensations and deliver your thoughts aloud,” advises Émilie Adam.
Where are the nine main EFT points located?
These 9 EFT points are located:
- at the top of the head,
- at the beginning of the inner corner of the eyebrow,
- in the outer corner of the eye,
- under the eye,
- under one’s nose,
- at the base of the chin,
- at the level of the clavicle, at the base of the neck,
- under the breast,
- under the arm.
During the EFT session, the child chooses the method that suits him best. Either the practitioner, or the trained parent, taps the child. Either the child taps a soft toy at the same time. Or, the adult and the child each pat on their own.
Teach children EFT technique
“I teach it to parents who can then apply it to their children,” explains Émilie Adam. From the age of six, they can learn it easily, either with me or directly with their parents. »The youngest can practice first on a blanket, on which are placed colored dots at the location of the nine EFT points. The goal is always the same as that of Gary Craig, founder of the method: empowerment.
Does EFT Really Work on Kids?
This technique, which falls into the category of alternative medicine, works if we are to believe its growing popularity in France and the growing number of professionals who use it: psychologists, sophrologists, acupuncturists, energy medicine specialists, etc. better circulation of energy in the body and in the mind. “You can’t go wrong with EFT. At worst, it does not give any results, but it is very rare, ”Judge Émilie Adam. The method is bluffing. There is a magical side when the professional is competent and the feeling goes well with his patient.
Help to better live your emotions …
The EFT method can help overcome various traumas (separation, death, etc.). In the case of a child, night terrors, but also problems of excessive shyness, a feeling of insecurity which can generate OCD, such as the fact of constantly touching oneself for reassurance. “We work on everything that poses a problem in terms of emotion, when the emotions become excessive and represent a daily embarrassment, underlines Émilie Adam. For example, I had a ten-year-old girl who couldn’t sleep with her friends because she was too anxious. It was linked to separation anxiety with his parents. “
… and cure phobias
“During sessions with children, we also work on their phobias,” says Émilie Adam. Following the Covid, the coach notes that there is more pressure at school, and that many school phobias have developed. The EFT method makes it possible to neutralize them.
The conquered stars
The efficiency and simplicity of the method are the ingredients of its success. There are tutorials on Youtube, but the content will not be suitable for everyone. “You have to support the technique, help the patient to put words into the emotions,” advises Émilie Adam. While the same problem may be common to several people, the causes and consequences differ from person to person. “
Proof that EFT is successful, the stars are doing it : Meghan Markle uses this technique discovered in the documentary Heal to lower her stress and anxiety levels, and help her children feel more relaxed. Her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, also uses it to calm her three children, by patting them on the head when they have a big anger. Thanks to EFT, the Duchess of Cambridge brings order to the palace!