Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping or psychological acupressure, is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress that involves gentle tapping on specific meridian points while focusing on negative emotions or physical sensations. This practice has become increasingly popular over the past few decades, with advocates claiming it can treat a wide range of conditions by releasing blocked energy and restoring balance to the body’s energy system.
However, as Christians seeking God’s truth, we must carefully examine any practice through the lens of Scripture. What does the Bible have to say about EFT and the ideas behind it? A biblical analysis raises several concerns:
A Non-Christian Worldview
EFT emerges from a non-Christian worldview of energy and the body. Traditional Chinese medicine sees the body as having a vital energy (chi) that flows along meridians accessible through acupressure points. Blockages in this energy are thought to cause illness. EFT adapts these concepts, proposing that tapping can release negative emotions trapped in the body’s energy system.
The Bible contains no such concept of energies requiring balance or release. Man is presented as an integrated whole – body, soul and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23) – with the heart as the center of emotions. While emotions certainly affect our physical health, Scripture does not indicate that they get trapped in a bioenergy system. Christians affirm that the body is animated by the soul, not an impersonal energy (Genesis 2:7).
Problem-Centered, Not Christ-Centered
EFT focuses on identifying and releasing negative emotions, problems and pains. In contrast, the Bible calls us to focus on Christ and things above rather than dwelling on difficulties (Colossians 3:1-2). Our identity and hope are to be rooted in who we are in Christ (Ephesians 1-2), not determined by our circumstances. EFT’s problem-centered approach can reinforce a self-absorbed perspective that Christian teaching calls us to put off (Philippians 2:1-4).
Yes, Scripture validates that life is painful and we all suffer emotionally. However, the solution presented is connection to the living God who comforts, carries and understands our pain (Psalm 56:8; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5). The answer is not a technique that attempts to manipulate our energy system, but drawing near to Christ, allowing Him to change our hearts and minds by His Spirit (Philippians 4:6-7).
Non-Biblical Views of the Heart
EFT claims that tapping acupressure points while voicing negative emotions releases those issues stored in the body’s energy system. But in Scripture, the heart is not seen as a storage container for emotions. Jesus teaches that our heart’s contents come forth through our words and actions (Matthew 15:18-19). Jeremiah 17:9 warns that the unredeemed human heart is deceptive above all else.
From a biblical perspective, then, our emotions flow outward from the condition of our heart before the Lord. As we fill our hearts with godly truth, our feelings and responses are transformed (Psalm 119:9-16; Philippians 4:8). Attempting to manage emotions through EFT tapping does not address the root heart issues highlighted in Scripture.
Concerns With Energy Terminology
Though proponents describe EFT as “acupressure” and “tapping,” the language used often implies a spiritual energy at work. Some advocates describe the tapping as “literally” injecting positivity into the body’s energy system or “balancing your chi.” To a Christian this can uncomfortably echo concepts of mystical life forces found in Eastern religions and New Age spirituality.
Additionally, EFT frequently employs terminology referencing the subconscious mind and accessing its intended wisdom. In contrast, the Bible never applies such concepts to the unconscious dimensions of the human mind. Scripture emphasizes conscious renewal of our minds through God’s truth (Romans 12:1-2). Employing models of the self foreign to biblical teaching can open the door to unbiblical spiritual influences.
Offers Simplistic Approaches to Deep Problems
EFT markets itself as extraordinarily effective for incredibly quick emotional and physical healing. Everything from traumatic grief to phobias to addictions are said to be resolvable through tapping sequences. But Scripture offers a more sober perspective on difficulties and trials, recognizing that many issues involve complex processes and may have no quick fix (James 1:2-4; Ecclesiastes 7:14).
While God certainly can work powerfully, the level of self-help promised by EFT techniques risks offering false hope and discouraging those who do not experience dramatic healing after a few tapping sessions. Our hope is in God’s sovereign grace at work in His perfect timing, not in formulas for tapping (Psalm 130:5-7).
Bypasses Spiritual Resources God Provides
EFT advocates claim that tapping into the body’s energy can bring emotional and physical relief apart from any spiritual reliance. Yet as Christians, we have access to far greater spiritual resources to navigate suffering – the presence of the Holy Spirit, the promises of God’s Word, Christ’s comfort and grace, and the fellowship of the Church.
Scripture exhorts us to fix our eyes on Christ and what is unseen rather than placing hope in visible, tangible solutions (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). While tapping therapies may seem to offer a quick emotional fix, our refuge is in drawing near to God Himself (Psalm 91, Psalm 57). His Word affirms that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).
Potential for Dangerous Dependency
As with many self-help therapies, EFT carries potential for unhealthy dependency in essentially practicing a form of self-soothing. The tapping may seem to provide temporary emotional relief without dealing with core issues. Scripture warns that the heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9) and we can deceive ourselves (James 1:22).
Rather than reflexively acting to control emotions, believers are called to pray, meditate on truth and seek counsel (Psalm 1, Proverbs 11:14). The self-control modeled in the Bible entails Spirit-enabled inner transformation, not ritualized self-care dependencies (Galatians 5:22-23). Our sufficiency must be in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:5).
Focus on Experiential, Not Biblical Truth
A danger with many alternative therapies is their subtle trust in personal experiences over doctrinal truth. EFT proponents are convinced of its efficacy based on positive customer testimonials and compelling personal stories. However, as Christians we are called to evaluate everything carefully against the standard of biblical truth (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
Scripture warns repeatedly against following experiences, mysticism or philosophical arguments not firmly anchored in God’s Word (Colossians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:20-21). Our faith and practice should be grounded in the objective revelation of the Bible, not the subjective emotions released by a therapeutic method (2 Peter 1:16-21).
Usurps Authority and Sufficiency of Christ
Perhaps most fundamentally, Christians must ask whether practices like EFT promise solutions and salvation from suffering apart from dependence on Christ. Scripture presents Jesus as supreme over every ruler, authority and power – including those of the spiritual realm (Colossians 2:10,15). His name and blood give believers victory and protection that no rituals or techniques can provide (Revelation 12:11).
Through His Word, Spirit and Church, Jesus provides everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We are complete in Christ alone (Colossians 2:10). Techniques offering health, self-actualization or emotional resolution apart from submitting to Jesus’ lordship usurp His rightful place of authority in our lives. The solution for body and soul is only found in Christ (John 14:6).
Guiding Principles from Scripture
In summary, important biblical principles should guide believers in assessing practices like EFT:
1. Evaluate ideas carefully against the truth of God’s Word (Acts 17:11).
2. Focus on Christ and things above rather than difficulties (Colossians 3:1-3).
3. Renew the mind through biblical truth rather than rituals (Romans 12:1-2).
4. Draw close to God rather than relying on visible solutions (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
5. Anchor in biblical wisdom over personal experiences (Colossians 2:8).
6. Recognize Christ’s sufficiency versus man’s formulas (Colossians 2:10).
7. Submit all areas of life to Jesus’ loving lordship (Luke 9:23-24).
In light of these scriptural principles, Christians would do well to exercise caution regarding EFT, as its worldview, approach and claims raise multiple spiritual concerns. While tapping techniques may seem to offer quick relief, we have far greater resources in Christ and His Word to navigate inner pain and find genuine peace as we walk in faith and obedience.
