Thought field therapy (TFT)
Thought field therapy is based on a theory that an invisible field occurs inside and outside the brain when we think. The therapists call this the field of thought, and believe that disturbances in this field create physical and psychological trauma. To correct these disturbances, they believe that one can use what is called "tapping":
One taps lightly on specific points on the hands and upper body in specific sequences or rhythmic patterns. The purpose of this is to influence the thought pattern and field of thought of the person who has a problem or ailment.
The points to be used correspond to the acupuncture teaching acupoints, and in TFT are also attributed to specific emotions. Influencing the acupoints in a way other than with needles means that some also refer to TFT as a form of acupressure.
However, TFT and the "tapping" go further in what this form of influencing the acupoints can entail: Among other things, one should be able to change the thought patterns in the event of overwhelming and intrusive memories or trauma. During the execution, emphasis is placed on the patient to imagine what has caused a trauma (for example what one is afraid of) while at the same time tapping according to the instructor's instructions at the various points. Such techniques are described in the research literature as having been tried both on people with anxiety disorders, PTSD and severe trauma disorders in connection with war.
MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS PROTECT THE BODY DURING TRAUMA
Trauma causes very deep muscle contractions designed to protect the body from injury or possible death during the traumatic episode. It is releasing this chronic tension pattern after the traumatic event is over. The contractions in these muscles must be resolved in order to be able to relax the body again and prevent the development of physical pain and limitations.
OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM RESOLVES TRAUMA REACTIONS
Once the trauma is over, the body's nervous system is designed to literally "shake out" deep muscle tension and help the body return to normal. This tremor produced by the nervous system, similar to that experienced during fear or anxiety, signals to the brain that the muscle tension should be stopped and return to a normal state of relaxation.
TOO MUCH FOCUS ON THE MENTAL DISTORTS THE SENSITIVITY OF THE BODY
Because of our focus on the mental, we have dampened this shaking mechanism to such an extent that it no longer reduces muscle tension so that we carry these with us in the body long after the trauma is over. In cases of repeated trauma experiences, the mind will command the body to freeze or numb immediately to reduce the inevitable pain of the next violent experience. This dissociative command from the brain overrides the shaking mechanism, which must eventually be restored for effective and lasting healing.
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
PTSD is a term used to explain the continuation of disturbing thoughts, moods and feelings that persist even after the trauma is over.
Because of our focus on the mental, we have dampened this shaking mechanism to such an extent that it no longer reduces muscle tension so that we carry these with us in the body long after the trauma is over. In cases of repeated trauma experiences, the mind will command the body to freeze or numb immediately to reduce the inevitable pain of the next violent experience. This dissociative command from the brain overrides the shaking mechanism, which must eventually be restored for effective and lasting healing.
POST-TRAUMA REACTIONS CAPTURE US TO RE-EXPERIENCE THE EXPERIENCE ITSELF
Because the experience is overwhelming both emotionally and physiologically, the body stores the memories, thoughts and feelings of the trauma to process them at a later time. The high chemical charge left in the body after trauma continuously seeks ways of discharge. When we never allow this excessive charge to have an outlet, this can lead to intense emotions such as hatred, rage, shame, etc... or ideas such as revenge, mistrust or negative ideologies.
UNHEALED TRAUMA CREATES REPETITIVE BEHAVIOR THAT IS NOT PURPOSEFUL
PTSD is caused by a lack of release of high tension or anxiety (biochemical energy) that was generated at the time the traumatic event took place. The body continues to seek an outlet for this overstimulation, and the brain is constantly unconsciously creating situations similar to the original trauma. This is the mind's attempt to replay the trauma scenario in hopes of releasing the energy so that the victim can become the survivor.
