Emotional Freedom Techniques ( EFT ) is a form of counselling intervention that draws on various theories of alternative medicine including acupuncture , neuro-linguistic programming , energy medicine , and Thought Field Therapy (TFT).

It is best known through Gary Craig’ s EFT Handbook , published in the late 1990s, and related books and workshops by a variety of teachers. EFT and similar techniques are often discussed under the umbrella term ” energy psychology “.

Advocates claim that the technique may be used to treat a wide variety of physical and psychological disorders, and as a simple form of self-administered therapy.

The Skeptical Inquirer describes the foundations of EFT as “a hodgepodge of concepts derived from a variety of sources, [primarily] the ancient Chinese philosophy of chi , which is thought to be the ‘life force’ that flows throughout the body.”