Tapping Into Better Health
By Karen Pittar

I've never been a big believer in mind-body medicine so I have to admit, I was sceptical but somewhat intrigued, when I was invited to attend one of Caroline Rhodes' Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) seminars.

Around 25 of us gathered in a large auditorium to listen to Rhodes explain the background and basic rudiments of the EFT technique: an emotional, needle free version of acupuncture that stimulates the body's meridian points, re-establishing a healthy flow of energy and allowing the body to heal itself of both emotional and physical ailments.

According to Rhodes, by clearing disruptions in the energy channels EFT can successfully treat a host of issues including: depression, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, allergies, diabetes, vision problems, anxiety, phobias, addiction, chronic fatigue, weight issues, insomnia, low libido, migraine, stress and low self esteem. “A universal healing technique, EFT often works where nothing else will,” says Rhodes.

For me, the most fascinating part of the seminar was the practical portion, where Rhodes used food to illustrate how EFT can eliminate cravings and addiction. She handed around three different food types to the group; crisps, dark chocolate and oreo cookies, asking each of us to choose the food we liked best. I have always had a weakness for oreos, especially with a cup of hot coffee! Rhodes began by asking us to smell and then taste the food; my cookie smelt good, and tasted even better. In fact, I was hungry and would have happily gobbled the whole thing down!

Rhodes gently led us through the EFT tapping sequence. It's a simple technique you carry out on yourself by following four easy steps: firstly, naming the problem and combining it with a positive affirmation phrase. Secondly, tapping on 13 meridian or EFT points on the body, while focusing on the problem and articulating a 'reminder phrase' to keep focused. Thirdly, tapping on the hand while performing actions and articulating feelings. Finally, repeating the sequence.

To begin with, I felt a little self-conscious. It's undeniably strange to find yourself in a room with 25 strangers who are all mumbling and tapping! We began with a 'setup' phrase and an affirmation: “Even though I crave oreo cookies, I deeply and completely love and accept myself”. We then started tapping, and I have to admit that as the sequence continued, I felt more and more relaxed. As I tapped I was repeating phrases including 'I love oreo cookies, I really crave them, oreo cookies are my friend, they bring back happy memories of childhood”. You have to concentrate quite hard, but it's over quickly and I didn't feel any different at the end of the session, so I assumed the cookie would taste exactly the same.

No one was more astounded than me when the cookie actually tasted bitter, it was as though the top was coated in coffee powder. I could taste the sweetness underneath, but the overriding flavour was a bitter chemical taste, and I didn't want to finish it. I wasn't alone; of the 25 participants only two could taste no difference in their food.

Local businesswoman Katherine Sellery also took part in the EFT session, and has successfully used the technique on herself and her family. “I used it with my daughter who was really grieving after our family dog had been put down. She was so upset about it and couldn't sleep at night. So we used EFT to tap out the sadness, grief, anger, and guilt around the loss. In her own words, 'Wow Mom, this really works!' I recommend this to everyone because it is so effective in neutralizing the emotion around a trauma, and allows one to move on”.

Sellery and her daughter practiced the technique while repeating phrases such as, “Even though I am so sad that Phil died, and feel so mad that you and dad put her down, and I had no control over the decision, I love and accept myself anyway, just the way I am.” While tapping the EFT sequence they repeated the emotionally significant words such as “so mad”, “so sad”, “so much pain”, “just wish she was back”, “can't go on without her”. According to Sellery and her daughter, EFT has helped them to deal with a family crisis - they have both been able to move on from the loss of a beloved pet.

So as a sceptic, I have to admit I was proved wrong. Today, I have no desire to go near an oreo cookie, and have continued to use the technique as needed, at home. I have even helped my children with some emotional issues at school by using EFT. There is no doubt that strong emotional feelings can affect and exacerbate pain, disease and physical illness; emotions can even create problems of their own such as phobias, anxiety and depression. EFT addresses these emotional components, clearing blockages and providing relief from physical symptoms. EFT is so successful simply because it understands the fundamental connection between the body's subtle energies, emotions and overall health.