Are you someone who has been through a traumatic experience? Are you struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

One possible solution to PTSD is the emotional freedom technique (EFT). This mindfulness technique uses tapping on Acupuncture points to help you cope with stress, and to transform those overwhelming emotions into simple memories. One group that has the potential to benefit from this therapy is combat veterans from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

What is Emotional Freedom Technique?

EFT, also called “tapping therapy,” is a technique that utilizes some specific acupuncture points and meridians (energy pathways) of ancient Chinese medicine, without needles. Acupuncture points are located throughout the body. These points are located on meridians that connect to other parts of the body. For instance, the thumb is connected to the lungs while the spot just below the nipple is connected to the liver. When these energy connections are disrupted we experience health problems. Tapping one these points can help resolve these problems.

Reassuring Yourself with Emotional Freedom Technique
Another part of tapping therapy is that, during the process, you may repeat a reassuring phrase or affirmation to yourself. This is done while you do the tapping. Together, the tapping and affirmation help to reduce the anxiety symptoms related to PTSD.

How Does EFT for PTSD Help Veterans?
Research is showing that EFT has the potential to help veterans who have been through combat trauma. Some of these symptoms include:

• Nightmares
• Avoidance of people
• Avoidance of memories by distraction and busyness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Inability to concentrate
• Easily startled by loud noises
• Experiencing sights, sounds, or smells that cause flashbacks and reliving the trauma.

For many veterans who have PTSD, life can be difficult, anxious, and stressful.  You may always feel on edge, waiting for something to happen.

Research into EFT for PTSD and Veterans
The Veterans Stress Project (stressproject.org) is a group that collects research regarding the use of EFT for PTSD. Some of their findings include:

• 86% of veterans diagnosed with PTSD were permanently rehabilitated via EFT.

• 68% of veterans had lower levels of pain.

• Other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, decreased as well.

• The effects of EFT for PTSD are immediate, and long-lasting.

• EFT helps positively affect systems of the body such as the immune system, nervous system, neurotransmitters, and hormones.

Finally, another of EFT’s benefits is that it has a positive impact on more than one aspect of your life. In fact, it is a technique that can help the whole body to heal from previous trauma.

Taking Emotional Freedom Technique Online
One other finding of the Veterans Stress Project was that EFT for PTSD was effective when delivered in both real-time and online formats. Thus, the organization has collected a series of videos for veterans discussing EFT.  Also, they have also developed their own “Battle Tap” online video tool that veterans can practice when they begin to feel stressed.

But Does EFT for PSTD Really Work?
The Veterans Stress Project collected various quotes from veterans who have used tapping therapy.  Their voices convey the pain they experienced from war, and having to carry the heavy burden of those memories. In some case, these stretch back in time to the Korean and Vietnam wars. Furthermore, they speak about how they have their lives back, such as being able to sleep through the night or resist the urge to anger easily. With EFT, they were able to find help that took effect quickly, and actually made a long-term positive impact.

EFT for PSTD demonstrates that veterans and anyone else can find healing from the burden of PTSD. By utilizing tapping therapy, they can transform trauma simply into memories, without having to have the perpetual, emotional weight that those memories bring.

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts?
I invite you to call me for a free 15 – minute phone consultation to discuss your specific needs and to answer any questions you have about anxiety, treatment and my practice. Please visit my website @ www.theanxietydocseattle.com or call me directly @ (206) 745-4933.

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