Emotional Freedom Technique has been a wonderful addition to my mind/body medicine specialty. This technique was developed by Gary Craig, a former Stanford engineer and personal performance coach who recognized that thoughts can greatly impact well being and personal performance. EFT is a form of alternative psychotherapy that involves tapping on acupuncture points. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, harmonious flow between organs and systems is reliant on these meridian pathways and is crucial for health and well being.

Instead of inserting needles, the end points of meridians are tapped on in order to improve energy flow throughout the meridian system (which is the body’s energy bloodstream). It is not important to know what meridian is out of balance because the tapping sequence covers all the meridians. Meridian tapping techniques are an effective way of changing emotional states. Tapping these meridians while voicing positive affirmations helps clear any short circuits in your energy flow which restores your mind and body’s balance.

You really must experience EFT in order to appreciate it. A client may come in with one particular issue and after some rounds of tapping, what happens is something else that the client may not even be aware of bubbles up. So often what you think is the issue is not the root cause of the disturbance. EFT makes things more clear. It is a gentle technique that does not elicit strong emotions that are overwhelming to the client. Whatever happens to bubble up is relevant and the obvious next step in healing the current disharmony.

I love EFT because it works on anything. I have used it on chronic pain, arthritis, addictions, grief (death in the family), stomach aches, autoimmune disease, anxiety, depression, fatigue, lack of motivation, low self esteem, relationship distress, fears, phobias,and migraines with success. It is especially beneficial if you are an emotionally sensitive individual.

There is immediate benefit from using EFT. You will experience results even from one session. If you are a private person, rest assured you do not have to go into any dark history that you would rather not revisit.  Whatever is top of mind in the moment is all that needs to be briefly addressed.

I’m passionate about EFT and I hope you will come in and experience it for yourself. It is a technique that once learned can be used as a self help tool. People that endorse EFT include Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Bruce Lipton, both innovative leaders in medicine and healing today.

Kapha individuals are the strong, stable, dependable types. They are easy going and not ruffled by much. They are most resilient in the face of stress. In their balanced state, they are calm and sweet. They value family and relationships. If you are in relationship with a Kapha type, count yourself lucky. You are likely in a love filled supportive relationship. Kapha types when out of balance can be the most likely type to put on body weight; they can also struggle with fatigue and apathy when in this state. They may sleep too much when in a state of imbalance. Environmental factors that can cause a Kapha to be aggravated include too much damp; cold will also aggravate them.

In terms of dietary factors that will aggravate Kapha types, factor in too many sweets, heavy, deep fried foods or cold foods. Salt and sour can also aggravate. Substances that are pungent balance Kapha (think chili pepper, garlic, herbs and spices including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, pepper and basil). These substances help stimulate digestion and metabolism. Foods that are bitter (dark leafy greens) also help keep Kaphas lighter and play a role in detoxification. Foods that are astringent such as legumes, fruits and vegetables help absorb excess water in the body. Clear vegetable soups with legumes would be a balancing meal for Kapha types.

Nuts can be too oily for Kaphas although sunflower and pumpkin seeds are okay for them. The best grains for Kapha include barley, buckwheat, millet and couscous. Rice and wheat should be eaten in small amounts. Nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers) can aggravate but fresh green chili peppers are recommended. Fruits such as cherries, berries, pears, and apple are especially balancing. Dried fruits are also tolerated.

Kaphas should eat light at breakfast and dinner; their main meal should be at mid day. Avoiding dairy helps Kaphas reduce their congestion which may show up in the sinuses or chest in the form of bronchitis. Drinking warm ginger tea can also help balance them. They should avoid drinking ice cold drinks.

Kaphas are not a constitutional type that needs to eat frequently. Rather they can do well eating less frequently; snacking in between meals is not a benefit to them. However they should not skip meals or fast. They should eat lightly. Because they have a tendency to gain weight, it would be useful to train themselves not to overeat.

Kaphas need to exercise regularly. Engaging in mental activity is beneficial for them. Travel and meeting new people can invigorate Kaphas. Don’t allow yourself to oversleep and make time to go sweat from time to time at your health club as steams are beneficial to Kaphas. For more information on balancing Kaphas, please read ‘Perfect Health’ by Deepak Chopra.

If you are predominantly Pitta, you are likely ambitious, enthusiastic and decisive. You are likely very successful at what you do. Type A people are typically Pitta. When out of balance though, Pittas can be overly demanding and hard driving. Anger is a common manifestation of this imbalance. It’s no wonder, that an out of balance Pitta can suffer from hypertension or even a heart attack. Other Pitta ailments include skin problems like rashes, acne, migraine headaches, hyperthyroidism, heartburn and colitis; fevers and excessive perspiration are common to Pittas as well. So how do Pittas find their balance?

Dietary changes are key to balancing Pitta.  Because the digestive fire is high in Pittas, they digest their food well and have a healthy appetite. Fruits and vegetables should be increased and if they’re raw, even better. Salads are your best friend. Vegetables that can aggravate Pittas include tomatoes, radishes, hot peppers and raw onions.  Vegetables that favor Pitta include the Brassica family (cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, etc). Leafy greens,cucumbers,and cilantro are good for Pittas because of their cooling effect.  Sweet fruits including grapes, mangos, melons, and plums, figs and raisins benefit Pitta the best. Foods such as citrus fruits (except lemon in small quantities which is alkalanizing and thus beneficial), yogurt, sour cream, pickles, and vinegar tend to aggravate Pitta because of their sour quality. Pittas should reduce their intake of flesh food, eggs, mustard, garlic, ginger (which are too heating), caffeine, alcohol, salt, and tobacco. Alcohol is said to be akin to throwing gasoline on the fire and reducing or eliminating intake altogether will help Pittas feel in balance.Pittas tolerate grains such as buckwheat, rice and wheat. Pittas need to drink a lot of water to cool them off and replace water lost through sweat.

With regards to physical exercise for Pittas, avoid excessive exercise especially in the heat. Swimming is one of the best balancers along with water aerobics. Taking a walk after sunset along the river would also be beneficial.  Essential oils that are well tolerated topically include mint, sandalwood and rose. A few drops could be added to Coconut oil for your skin and could be used as a massage oil or added to a cool bath.

These changes made to diet and lifestyle will help balance the Pitta dosha so you can still be successful while maintaining harmony within your interpersonal relationships. Balancing your predominant constitution takes you one step closer to optimal health. For more information on balancing Ayurvedic constitutional types, please read Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra…