A Supposedly Useful Thing: EFT
I’ve picked and bitten my fingernails since I can remember. It bothers me and its rather compulsive. So when I saw in the community ed pamphlet that EFT or emotional freedom technique, promises to fix my bad habit, I thought I’d give it a go, I mean what do I have to lose. From what I can determine, EFT came from some vague research about pressure points and affirmations. It will supposedly solve fears, post traumatic stress disorder, compulsions, sexual dysfunction, weight loss, etc. So, first you come up with an affirmation (ex: Eventhough I kick puppies, I totally and completely accept myself. You don’t even have to kick puppies to say this affirmation but you definitely won’t be tempted when you finish the EFT routine). The “even though” is a standard phrase to start affirmation. You rub three times near your heart saying the affirmation, then the tapping starts. You must tap seven times each at four different pressure points on your face saying the “affirmation reminder-phrase” (ex: kicking puppies). Then seven times at your collar bone and under your armpit while still saying the phrase. Then you tap at the nailbeds of your fingers, then you tap between your fourth and fifth finger and roll your eyes (indeed!), then you hum, then you tap…well, you get the picture, it’s elaborate. I tried it but I kept forgetting all the moves, then I would forget the affirmation or what I was supposedly trying to release. Although I don’t have obsessive-compulsive disorder proper, I was pretty sure I could feel it coming on with all this counting and tapping. Then I gave myself a bruise from tapping too hard. It seems like a terrific distraction from actually thinking about thus dealing with any unpleasant thoughts or behaviors. In the end, Milo saying “ouch!” whenever he notices me biting or picking my nails is more effective.