Insights at the Edge: Dawson Church on Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Introduction

• Host: Tammy Simon, founder of Sounds True
• Guest: Dawson Church, award-winning science writer and researcher
• Series: Healing the Roots of Trauma: Emotional Freedom Technique for Recovery and Resilience

Sounds True Foundation

• Goal: Provide access to transformational education/resources on mindfulness, emotional awareness, and self-compassion
• Website: soundstrufoundation.org

Dawson Church's Background

• Initially met Tammy Simon two decades ago in the publishing industry
• Retired in 1997, bought a B&B, found it boring, returned to publishing
• Founded Energy Psychology Press focused on the intersection of energy work and psychology (PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias)
• Shifted to online courses as books became less dominant
• Became an advocate for energy therapies after realizing the impact on suffering

Energies Therapies in Mainstream Medicine

• Introduced therapies into institutions like the Veterans Administration, Kaiser Permanente, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic
• Focus on energy treatments in primary care

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Introduction to EFT

• Method involves tapping on acupuncture points
• Initially skeptical, Dawson was amazed by its effects
• Colleagues reported using EFT on Vietnam veterans and PTSD cases effectively

Research and Studies

• Research quantifies improvements with EFT compared to traditional methods
• Initial study: 1 day of tapping = 45% reduction in anxiety/depression, 83% reduction in cravings
• Rapid deactivation of stress circuits in the brain noted via MRI
• Successful easing of PTSD symptoms in severe cases globally

Mechanisms and Effectiveness of EFT

Stress and Brain Activity

• Stress activates midbrain and limbic system, observable in MRI
• EFT tapping deactivates limbic system quickly, reducing emotional triggers

Challenges of Mainstream Adoption

• EFT is widespread, used in primary care, VA, and private therapy
• Major obstacle is Western materialistic mindset
• Studies and practice guidelines by institutions like Kaiser Permanente, VA
• EFT affects gene expression, cortisol levels, physiological responses

The Method of EFT

Practical Steps

1. Identify an emotional trigger/event
2. Tap on specific points while recalling the event
3. Statements of self-acceptance are paired with tapping
4. Observe reduction in emotional distress

Eye Movements and Brain Waves

• Eye movements during EFT tap into Theta and Delta brain waves, promoting relaxation and problem-solving
• Effective for reducing insomnia and improving sleep quality

Personal and Broader Applications

Personal Journey and Insights

• Dawson’s personal experience with EFT during the trauma of a devastating wildfire
• Found meditation and EFT crucial in recovery and promoting positive neurochemical changes
• Advocates for using EFT and meditation regularly for resilience and healing

Meditation and Neurochemicals

• Meditation calms the nervous system and changes neurochemical production (serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, anandamide)
• Effective meditation techniques are based on scientific evidence

EFT Guided Practice

Example Practice

1. Identify a recent low-intensity trigger
2. Tap on specific points while repeating self-acceptance phrases
3. Incorporate eye movements to integrate memory reconsolidation

Conclusion

• EFT is a powerful tool for psychological and medical healing
• Can be used for various triggers, improving both mental and physical health
• Continuous research and advocacy are pushing EFT towards more mainstream acceptance

Resources

• Book: Bliss Brain by Dawson Church
• Series: Healing the Roots of Trauma: EFT for Recovery and Resilience
• Website: soundstrufoundation.org

Final Takeaway

• Learning and practicing EFT can have significant benefits in emotional and physical health.