Question:  I do EFT everyday, but I still have a tension in my neck and shoulders that always comes back.  It's very frustrating!  What could I be doing wrong?

 -Edina

Hi Edina,

Thanks for your question.  What you are experiencing is not uncommon, so don't be too hard on yourself.  There could be a number of reasons why your results are not holding. Let's address a couple of common situations that I frequently encounter.

Everyone hears how many times EFT helps with clearing a physical issue without having to address the emotional component.  However, many times without addressing the emotional aspects the symptoms return.  Do your best to relate the tension in your neck and shoulders to your emotions.  What or who is leaving you feeling "uptight"?  Do you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders?  If you tune in with the tension, does it remind you of a past event?  When did it begin?  Does it seem to have a pattern? 

If you address these things individually, incorporating the "tension in my neck and shoulders", you should begin to experience longer lasting relief.

If you can't seem to relate it to a specific emotion or event, many times using something as simple as:

    Even though I have all these emotions in my neck and shoulders, and I am not
    sure what they are all about, I am ready to let it go.

can prove to be an effective approach.

Another possibility to consider would be an unconscious resistance to letting it go, which you might want to approach something like this:

    Even though a part of me is resistant to letting go of all this tension in my neck
    and shoulders, I am ready to let it go anyway.

    Even though a part of me may think I need this tension in my neck and shoulders,
    I am letting this part of me know it is safe to let it go.  We don't need this
    anymore.   I am thanking this part of me for doing its best to protect me,
    but I am asking it to take on a new job.  That new job is to help me feel safe
    comfortable and free to be me. 

Recognizing that it isn't necessarily important to know exactly what the resistance is about - is important.  Chances are, unless it is related to a complex core issue, you stand a good chance of overcoming the challenge.

Try playing with this setup language:

    Even though I have all this tension and frustration in my neck and shoulders

    Even though I am annoyed by this tension in my neck and shoulders that just
    keeps coming back, I choose to feel calm and relaxed.

    Even though all this tension and emotions in my neck and shoulders, think they
    have found a permanent home, I give myself permission to feel completely at   
    ease.

If you are feeling defeated or sad about slow progress, the return of the tension or perhaps beginning to wonder if EFT isn't going to work for you, please do yourself a favor and consider tapping on each and every aspect that presents itself.  As always, persistence and tuning in with what you are truly feeling is an essential key.

Happy tapping!