Two Emotional Health Tools Explained
by Steven Sandberg-Lewis, ND, DHANP
Research shows that Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is effective for anxiety (Clond M, 2016). Also known as “Tapping”, I have used EFT to treat phobias and persistent upsetting memories, thereby reducing panic attacks, hives, anxiety, anger issues and fears.
Human beings have evolved to have natural mechanisms for clearing daily stress and emotional trauma. The most basic of these are bilateral cross-crawl activity (e.g. walking, running, crawl stroke swimming, cross country skiing, Stairmaster, etc.) and the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep. The REM phase is important for memory consolidation and emotional processing. During REM the eyes repeatedly flick back and forth while the rest of the muscles of the body are immobilized. EMCT was created to emulate these alternating bilateral movements.
What happens when a person doesn’t get enough of these physical movements? The body may fail to fully process a traumatic memory and the person will experience a recurrent stress response in the form of fear, anxiety, anger, worry, or sadness. These responses can be triggered by visual memories, flavors, an odor, texture, or sound. Once this loop of memory leading to a fight or flight response is created, it may be difficult to change. Processing of memory through the limbic system (the emotional memory center in the brain) creates a near instant stress response that may not respond to talk therapy or use of logic because the limbic system is non-verbal.
EFT involves tapping on a series of 5 or 6 acupressure points (called the trauma tap) followed by a brief series of eye movements, humming and counting (the 9 gamut sequence). This sequence is repeated until the degree of emotional charge associated with the phobia or upsetting memory is significantly reduced. Additionally, EMCT can be used to allow a gradual shifting toward insight and resolution of troubling memories.
EFT “tapping” points.
Dr. Sandberg-Lewis provides EFT and EMCT sessions at Hive Mind Medicine. For a simplified DYI method of EFT see this video - https://hmmpdx.com/videos
Hive Mind Medicine blog posts are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your health care practitioner for personalized guidance.