What is EFT and where does it come from?
Chinese Tapping, rooted in "Traditional Chinese Medicine” (TCM), is based on the idea that the body has an intricate network of energy pathways, or meridians. For thousands of years, practitioners have used tapping, pressure, and movement along these lines to release blocked energy, restore balance, and support physical and emotional health. These practices, such as Qigong and Tuina, are not just about physical healing—they help bring harmony to the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a modern evolution of this ancient wisdom. Developed in the 1990s by Gary Craig, who simplified the work of Dr. Roger Callahan, and his Thought Field therapy (TFT). EFT combines gentle tapping on specific meridian points with intentional focus on emotional challenges. As you tap, you acknowledge thoughts and feelings, affirm your truth, and allow the body to release stored tension or trauma. It’s simple, calming, and profoundly effective—even in just a few minutes a day. While EFT is relatively modern and Western in form, its foundation is deeply influenced by the same meridian theory found in Chinese medicine. The tapping points used in EFT correspond to key acupuncture points known to influence emotional states. Craig’s insight was that by tapping on these points while focusing on a negative emotion or memory, individuals could desensitize emotional triggers and shift their psychological response — a concept supported by emerging research in energy psychology and neuroscience. In essence, EFT can be seen as a bridge between modern psychological techniques and ancient Eastern wisdom. It combines somatic awareness, energy flow principles, and verbal processing to create a holistic form of emotional healing. Chinese Tapping, on the other hand, is more focused on the body's energetic health and physical vitality, though emotional benefits often arise from practice. Both methods emphasize self-regulation and internal healing without reliance on medication or invasive techniques. Whether used individually or together, they offer powerful tools for emotional resilience, stress relief, and personal growth — grounded in the belief that mind, body, and spirit, are deeply interconnected.