Naturopath Doctor John Coleman, Author of Stop Parkin’ and Start Livin’, answers a question about the value of using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to address the trauma associated with the neurological symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

Do you experience panic attacks and high anxiety that frustrate your ability to find sustained relief from your symptoms? There are simple approaches like EFT that can help tremendously.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping, is a form of psychological acupressure that involves tapping on specific points on the body while focusing on a particular emotional issue or problem. The technique is rooted in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly the concept of energy meridians, which are believed to be channels through which the body’s energy flows. EFT combines elements of cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and acupressure.

How it works: EFT involves using your fingertips to tap on a series of acupressure points, primarily on the face, head, and upper body, while simultaneously stating phrases that address the emotional issue at hand. The tapping is thought to help balance the body’s energy system and alleviate emotional stress. The process typically follows these steps:

1. Identify the issue: Focus on a specific emotional or psychological issue, such as anxiety, fear, pain, or trauma.
2. Rate the intensity: Assess the intensity of the emotional charge on a scale of 0 to 10 (with 10 being the most intense).
3. Set up statement: While tapping on a point (usually the karate chop point on the side of the hand), say an affirmation like “Even though I feel [emotion], I deeply and completely accept myself.”
4. Tapping sequence: Tap on a series of acupressure points while mentally focusing on the issue, repeating short phrases that express the emotion or problem.
5. Reassess: After completing the tapping sequence, assess the intensity again. Ideally, the emotional charge should decrease.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Parkinsons Recovery is all about identifying
approaches and therapies that give relief
from the symptoms of Parkinson’s. One among
many such techniques I have identified from
my research is the Emotional Freedom Technique
for Parkinsons. It is a marvelous, easy to use
technique that has provided relief to some
people with Parkinsons I have interviewed.

Can it help you? Maybe. Maybe not, but why not find
out more about it?

EFT can be self-administered. Anyone can use it. It
is free. You do not need to hire a therapist, though
some people prefer to go this route.

In my opinion it is well worth giving EFT a try.
There is really nothing to lose.

Click on the link at the bottom of this newsletter
and you be able to view a video that shows
what happens when EFT is used with good success
by persons with a wide range of illnesses, many of
which are thought to be incurable.

I believe EFT can also be helpful in healing the
traumas associated with Parkinsons. What do the
traumas have to do with Parkinsons?
Regardless of its origin, trauma has a profound
impact on the symptoms of Parkinsons.

Visit the website below. Scroll down and watch the
8 minute video at the bottom/

https://www.palaceofpossibilities.com/

There are many accounts of success on the website
for a variety of conditions. The account below is
for a veteran diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

https://www.palaceofpossibilities.com/post/six-successful-sessions-with-a-war-veteran

How to get started? You can claim a download of EFT instructions from the
website. It is free. I fully acknowledge you may be doubtful doing Emotional Freedom
technique for Parkinsons will prove beneficial to you. But hey? What is there to
lose? At a minimum you will be forging new neural networks because you
are taking on a new and unexplored challenge.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

© Parkinsons Recovery

Bernadette Hunter, an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practitioner, works with Monica who volunteered to be a demonstration client for the program. Monica is diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

What follows is Monica’s report on the results of the work which, as you will see, is quite amazing. She graciously gave her permission for me to post her report below.

I had a vet apt this AM and I wanted to advise you of the outcome. On a scale of 1 – 10, the experience was a 0 – 1. I noticed also while driving there was more relaxation. I felt very happy inside, very relieved that I could feel this way after 2 yrs of fighting and worrying about nothing..I think it may be carrying over to improving my walking in confined areas, like inside the house. I was so tense inside the house. Something has released but I cant put my finger on it, something to do with fear…

Tomorrow I have an even longer drive to meet a girlfriend for brunch…I have no anxiety about it. There’s no fighting going on in my head. I actually am looking forward to the whole event.

Below is an e mail after the brunch:

I had another longer driving trip 2 days later with continued good results…Also noticed the longer I drove the more relaxed I became as far as more relaxed in the forearms vs tightened contracted muscles…

I’m going to further work with EFT and Bernadette on the negative pleasure concept you wrote about. I agree with your other observation about adrenaline vs dopamine systems. I have been on adrenaline so long that its depletive and dopamine has gone bye bye or is dormant from non-use. So no wonder I shake or freeze. I know without doubt that fear emotion is the root cause…

Monica

Question:

Response:

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a fundamental form of energy healing. I personally do not place it in the same category as acupuncture which requires that you see a licensed acupuncturist and involves placing needles in the body (although acupuncture too is a form of energy healing).  
 
From the work on EFT I have seen, it is a safe and noninvasive therapy which you can administer to yourself and is a gentle approach for re-programming the energy pathways in the body.
 
At the end of the video on EFT that looks at its effect for war veterans
(http://www.emofree.com/splash/video_vets.asp). At the top of this web site, there are several links to pages that provide detailed instruction and training on how you can do EFT on yourself. You do not have to be a psychologist to do this on yourself!

Look over the training information and see what you think. Ask your own body the question! Your body knows the answer. Everyone responds differently to different therapies. EFT may not work for you. Then again, it may work miracles!
 
I have personally never known anyone who has had a negative experience with EFT, but be sure and check out the research yourself. If you find any information which suggests there may be a problem, be sure and let me know!
 
EFT has been around for quite a while and it has grown in acceptance every year because I think it is safe and easy to do.
 
I am reviewing the literature on acupuncture as it has been used on Parkinson’s patients and will be reporting on my findings in the near future. Overall, the studies suggest it too is an effective therapy for Parkinson’s, though I have not yet seen any studies that focus specifically on acupuncture as it is used on people taking prescription medications. 
 
In the end, I would advise that you always use your intuition. If it feels right to do EFT, give it a try. If it does not feel right, look elsewhere. I like EFT because it is easy to do and anybody can do it on themselves anytime of the day or night. You can see whether it is helping relatively quickly.
 
Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
 
© 2008 Parkinsons Recovery