EFT: Urges & Panic Attacks

Does Emotional Freedom Technique help during panic attacks and bouts of craving?

My experience is that it can help depending on the intention behind the process.

I was first taught EFT by a holistic MD. Then again by a skilled therapist. The last I spoke with them they still used the techniques when they felt that the situation called for it. 

So, what kind of situation calls for EFT? 

I would suggest EFT for anyone who needs help with particular emotional struggles and otherwise isn’t equipped with more elaborate techniques or who doesn’t have access to immediate support. 

That isn’t to say that an experienced meditator wouldn’t be able to apply the technique to great effect. I am and I have. It perhaps isn’t necessary for those with tools that work for them already though.

For a person that is new to working with their emotions it can be a life saver however. 

A great example of this would be working with cravings. If, for example, someone has cravings for chocolate but they are trying to lose weight or need to lower their glucose levels to avoid diabetes they may get some significant milage out of EFT.

The moment you notice that familiar old craving rise up you can release it with the help of EFT. More accurately, you can suspend your reaction to the urge with EFT. This “pause” provides some time for a noticing of the pattern and the option to chart a new course of action.

The difference is subtle but important. If you try to “release” an emotion, you are fundamentally saying “NO! I don’t want you here!” to the feeling. This is unwise. It tends to reenforce the pattern. If however, you allow it to be there and release any need to push it away or act upon it you can find peace within the storm. EFT helped me learn that. Perhaps it can help you as well.