ABSTRACT
The following article was written as a basis for discussion within NHS settings, where the concept of 'energy' has appeared troubling and problematic for some people. It seems that a minority of individuals react with alarm and anxiety to the idea of subtle energy and other phenomena that are not easy to measure. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a popular method for relief of emotional distress that involves tapping on the body. The tapping points used in EFT are known to be locations of lowered electrical resistance to conductivity and have a high proportion of mechanoreceptors. Recently, some cognitive therapists have introduced mindfulness training, based on a Buddhist meditative practice. Although the procedure of EFT, involving having the client tap on the body whilst thinking of the emotionally disturbing image or memory, can appear to some to be a little strange, a examination of the components of the method reveal these to be familiar elements of other therapies.
