Jennifer Rothnie Supporter Housewife, Artist, Perpetually Curious

Emotional Freedom Technique is not a single technique, but a pseudo-scientific counseling method that draws from many practices of alternative medicine and mystic thought. Implementation of EFT might include acupressure and tapping, energy medicine, neuro-linguistic programming, and thought field therapy. It came into popularity in the 90's due to Gary Craig's 'EFT Handbook', and is promoted as an 'emotional form of acupuncture'.

The philosophy underlying EFT is that there can be a self-administered tool for universal healing.

Medically, there has been no benefit to EFT as a therapy besides as a placebo effect, nor any support in biology, psychology, or neurology found for its premises such as 'energy meridians' of the body.


EFT promotes itself as the solution to all life's problems, whether emotional, physical, or psychological, by 'tuning in' to where problems lie and then tapping to realign the 'energy meridians' of the body. 

Yet this is very different from what scripture says about sickness and suffering. Suffering itself will continue until death itself is defeated (Rev 20:14), and Christians will face persecution (Phil 1:29). Earth itself is subject to calamities until the Resurrection (Rom 8:22).

When we are suffering an outside affliction or disease, we are to pray for healing. If we are suffering a sickness or consequence due to our own moral weakness, then we are to repent and call for the elders.

"Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him." James 5:13-15

While we can, and should, take medicine and known remedies (I Tim 5:23), we should shun pseudo-science and 'mystic' medicinal therapies.

"Now, the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions..." Gal 5:19-20

Sorcery here is drug-related sorcery, using magic and mysticism either for healing or for altering the mind. While EFT doesn't usually use drugs, it does combine mysticism with healing, much like old superstitions of witch doctors and curses.

EFT bills itself as the "very foundation for expanding your emotional freedom". Scripture says God gave us "everything needed for life (including emotions) and godliness". Only one of these can be true!

See also:
https://ebible.com/questions/14336-how-can-i-receive-emotional-healing
https://ebible.com/questions/1875-what-is-divine-healing
http://www.womenofgrace.com/blog/?p=11462 [A blog post on whether the EFT practice is biblical].


EFT also teaches that a 'universal life-force energy' exists in all things - much like the mystical force of the Star Wars universe. It believes in the energy force ('Chi') of humans, and in the opposing forces of Yin and Yang. None of these mystic concepts are compatible with Christianity.

It is God, not a mystic force, that holds all things together (Col 1:17, Heb 1:3). He also set up natural laws (like gravity, the weak force, etc.) that literally 'hold things together'. Humans have body, mind, soul, spirit - however you want to divide it up (I Thess 5:2, Heb 4:12), but no 'mystic chi'. God is concerned with the salvation of our souls and the renewing of our minds, not with us keeping our 'energy' in balance. Good and evil are not equal, opposing forces. God and Satan are not equal adversaries. Evil is anything that misses the mark of God's righteousness, and even Satan knows that it is God who will triumph in the end (Rev 12:12).

In short, the practice is not compatible with Christianity.

May 02 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report