EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique, is a recent wave in the field of natural healing. Human beings are emotional creatures, and our lives are largely shaped by the dominant emotional states we experience. A negative event or trauma can leave a lasting impression, often keeping us stuck in a perpetual state of negativity. This emotional cycle can drain the joy from our lives, feeding on itself over time.

But here’s the deal:

Regardless of the negative emotional state or how long it lasts, you can overcome it.

If testimonies are to go by, EFT, as a natural healing mechanism, has produced some real stunning outcomes that conventional medicine could not bring forth. It has also brought hope and happiness to many cases that were once deemed hopeless. Even long-standing emotional trauma, accumulated over years or decades, has often faded away, providing lasting relief to patients.

In this blog, I will explore the scientific principles behind how EFT works. This insight will guide you in practicing EFT correctly, allowing you to experience its true positive impact—one you’ll genuinely appreciate.

I usually do research and read. Knowledge is now more accessible than ever thanks to technology. And I did come to the realisation that there is more to the topic of EFT as I attempted to compile my reading and observations from a variety of sources.

First a little thing about how I got acquainted to Emotional Freedom Technique. A few years ago, out of curiosity and a desire to explore different healing methods, I found myself at a holistic healing center. This was during a phase when I was searching for ways to enhance my well-being and understand the mind-body connection better. There, I met a young, energetic practitioner who specialized in EFT. Intrigued by the approach, I decided to experience it firsthand and went through a 20-minute session.

At first, the session seemed really dull. If someone were to see you sitting by yourself in a room through the glass window, sitting all alone in a room, making movements as needed in the technique, they might quickly assume you’re a prime candidate for a thorough mental health evaluation. I completed the procedure as instructed, but ultimately, at least at that point in time, EFT didn’t have the desired impact on me. However, as I already mentioned, I did not perform it correctly because I lacked the scientific knowledge. It would seem to the practitioner that I was following every step exactly, but in reality, I wasn’t. Therefore, if you’ve ever had an unsuccessful experience with EFT and given up on it, don’t lose hope just yet—read on as the little secret unfolds.

The Two Areas of Research that combine in EFT:

I came to see that the Emotional Freedom Technique is a very powerful tool for more profound healing because of two lines of research that are operating concurrently.

Deeper research into memories

Indeed, researchers are constantly working to learn more about how certain memories are stored in our brains and how they impact our lives. They can now pinpoint the precise location of various memory types and the emotions that go along with them with far greater accuracy. The introduction of advanced neuro-imaging equipment has increased awareness and interest in the issue. And one of the most important findings that has emerged (in contrast to what we previously knew) is this:

                                        EFT – Memory Research Discovery

To date, numerous human trials have been conducted to advance the aforementioned discovery. And the outcomes have opened up my view. To their happy surprise, groups of persons who were given the medication Propranolol just after recalling a traumatic memory report that their stress levels have significantly decreased when they recall the same horrific experience. These tests have been successfully carried out numerous times with various study groups. The links below provide additional information about it. The life-changing conclusion drawn from these tests, however, is that once unpleasant memories are brought to light and dealt with appropriately, they can be avoided from resolidifying into stronger memories and associated emotional expressions, and they can actually be transformed into less stressful or even incidental recollections. Subsequent recall of them would then not evoke the same unpleasant feelings. It will rather be something far lighter. Please on the links below for additional information on the subject:

1. Scientists have figured out how to erase your painful memories
2. Bad Memories
3. Scientists find secret of reversing bad memories

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, in a nutshell, is about realising that the human body is very intrinsically linked and that a point on the toe of the foot can have a direct connection with the topmost point of the head. By placing tiny needles at strategic energy spots along the energy lines (meridians) associated with the issue, it also aims to balance the two energies—Yin and Yang—in the human energy system. We ultimately experience a sense of well-being when these two energies are in balance. Since its accidental discovery thousands of years ago during a time of conflict in China, this therapeutic technique has been an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM.

Around the same time I explored EFT, I also attended a week-long course with a qualified acupuncturist. By the end of the week, I was amazed at how balanced and refreshed I felt. It was as if a switch had been flipped, leaving me with a profound sense of well-being, as though nothing had ever been off track. Inspired by this positive experience, my curiosity led me to enroll in and complete a short course in acupuncture and acupressure (milder form of acupuncture). However, I should add that the effects weren’t permanent and began to fade after about a week. Perhaps additional sessions would have helped maintain the results.

Emotional Freedom Technique – Joining the Dots

By now, you’re probably wondering how these two research fields relate to EFT. And how did these two convince me that EFT is a powerful source of healing? As a natural healing mechanism or alternative medicine, EFT combines the two aforementioned sciences to provide a strong therapeutic effect.

There are nine points you tap through in a typical EFT session. The crown, forehead, side of the eye, under the eye, behind the nose, beneath the lips, on the collar bone, and on the side and wrist, approximately two inches from the palm, are these locations.

Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Points

First off, it turns out that three of these nine points—the wrist, forehead, and crown—were also used during my acupuncture treatment. These three were significant points, as I recall. The wrist point, P6 (pericardium), was meant to be pressed whenever one felt nervous, their heart was pounding, or anything else similar. It’s meant to help you relax.

While the other acupuncture points varied during my sessions, I noticed that these three remained consistent throughout the week. This reinforced the idea that the tapping points in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) were carefully chosen and not arbitrary. My prior experience with acupuncture confirmed their significance, making me realize that EFT is more than just a placebo effect triggered by random tapping. In fact, acupuncture had worked for me despite my initial skepticism, which further validated the effectiveness of these points.

Secondly—and this is key—you don’t simply start tapping in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). First, you actively evoke the painful memory and the emotions tied to it. Only then do you begin tapping while holding onto that memory. Notice how this aligns with the earlier research on memory? When a memory is recalled, it becomes malleable, and as scientists have shown, intervening at this stage can reshape the emotions attached to it. Instead of relying on a pill, tapping on these energy or meridian points—already validated in acupuncture—while the memory is active acts as the intervention, helping to diminish the intensity of painful emotions, much like a therapeutic treatment.

Think of it this way: when you recall a memory, specific regions of your brain associated with emotions become active. These emotional responses might be scattered across different brain areas or concentrated in one region. By tapping on specific energy points while holding onto the memory, you interrupt the existing emotional pattern. The brain starts to rewire itself, forming new, balanced connections that override the old emotional response. Over time, the memory that once triggered distress no longer carries the same emotional charge. Instead, a new, calmer emotional association takes its place. As the intensity of negative emotions weakens, their grip on you fades, allowing healing to occur. It’s a scientific process—simple, yet profoundly effective. It’s that scientific, as easy as it seems.

How EFT works – The missing piece

EFT did not work for me the first time since I did not recall the memory clearly. I was speaking sentences (as one is supposed to when recalling a memory), but I was not mentally present. My mind wandered and were in an entirely different sphere, wondering about future or other significant events. I had to be there, relive the memories with its attendant emotions, and eventually let it go. This is also something that many Emotional Freedom Technique practitioners overlook or not emphasise enough upon when following the principles. They just ask you to repeat a sentence to recall feelings linked with a memory.

                How EFT works – The often overlooked piece

I hope I’ve been able to provide you with a clearer idea of how EFT works, as well as why it is scientifically warranted. There are a few decent EFT videos available to learn and practise from. I’m including a couple links below. Subtle nuances, but this is what might make a huge difference in your life.

1. How to do EFT?
2. What is EFT?
3. What is EFT Tapping?

Read more blogs that are related to nature cure on our Nature Healing page.

I highly recommend reading the book Can You Play. It offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on life, covering everything from vitality to healing. With a strong scientific foundation, the book guides you through the process of healing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually while also achieving your life’s true purpose.