EFT Tapping! (Emotional Freedom Techniques) combines Eastern and Western elements to identify acupressure points on the face and upper body that are "tapped" on using two or more fingers.

A Set-up Statement and Reminder Phrases are a set of words used to acknowledge and accept negative feelings, and to help release or "let go" of these unhelpful emotions in a safe way.

The three theories used to support EFT Tapping are:

• Exposure therapy
• Cognitive therapy, and
• Somatic stimulation

In teens and adults, EFT Tapping! uses 8 acupressure or "tapping" points on the face and upper body. Each point is tapped 5 to 8 times each during a Tapping Round.

EFT Tapping! is believed to affect the amygdala, the stress centre in the brain and hippocampus or the memory centre within our brain.

It is in these sections of the brain that the fight or flight response triggers your actions and reactions to an upsetting or dangerous situation which may cause you to withdraw or argue the point.

The brain can't distinguish between real threats and an imaged threat causing these triggers to be set off even at the thought of danger.

EFT has also been shown to lower cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone. Too much cortisol can result in reduced immune function and ultimately affect your physical health. 

Because Tapping is a practical, hands-on technique that is easy to do, it is fast becoming a popular self-help tool to assist people at home, in the workplace or within the community.

EFT Tapping! has a calming effect and can be used by the carer with babies and young children; preschool / school-aged children and can be successfully used by teens and adults.

Sue Suchocki has been practising Emotion Freedom Techniques since 2009. As a certified EFT Practitioner, and qualified Trainer and Assessor, Sue has been delivering workshops and consultations on Self-Identification and Parenting providing Social, Emotional and Behaviour Support. Sue has also provided information as an executive committee member of ADDISS / ADDAQ, and an advocate for those with ADHD and/or ASD including support with sensitivities and anxiety for children, teens and adults since opening Applied Techniques Training in 2010.

ACTIVITY:

Look at the photo above.

I want you to imagine that you have the lemon in your hand.

Feel the skin of the lemon, smell the sourness of the zest on the lemon.

Using a knife, cut the lemon in half and gently squeeze out a bit of the juice.

Now, smell the lemon and with your tongue taste the sour lemon juice.

Hold the sour juice in your mouth and now slowly swallow the lemon juice.

What reaction are you having in your mouth right now?

Perhaps, just thinking about the lemon caused a reaction in your mouth producing more saliva. It is in this same way that your thoughts cause your body to react when you think about a specific situation.

WHAT THE MIND THINKS, THE BODY FOLLOWS!