by CJ Puotinen
Some medical problems are just as frustrating for physicians as they are for the patients they are trying to treat. One such problem is candidiasis, a systemic infection caused by Candida albicans, an organism that is classified as both a yeast and a fungus.
Candida occurs naturally and is normally held in check by beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
However, following treatment with antibiotics, which destroys beneficial as well as harmful bacteria, or when well fed (Candida yeast thrives on sugar and carbohydrates), Candida can take over.
An estimated 35 percent of women using birth control pills have chronic vaginal yeast infections. In men, jock itch and athletes foot are common Candida-related problems.
Children, especially those who have been on antibiotics, can develop thrush (a throat infection), allergies, and other problems. Even the family dog can develop chronic ear infections because of Candida.
Raul Vergini, MD, a physician in Italy, knows how difficult it is to eliminate candidiasis, so when one of his patients couldn't get rid of this condition, he offered a different prescription. He taught her EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).
EFT involves a combination of acupressure and focused thought and is said to correct energy imbalances that contribute to health problems. At first glance that may seem strange and, for most of us, imagining that such a procedure can correct a chronic health problem is a bit of a stretch.
Can tapping with the fingertips on key acupuncture points actually treat an illness like candidiasis?
The answer is yes, and there is much evidence of EFT's wide-reaching ability to provide substantial benefits for almost every physical and emotional ailment. The EFT Web site is loaded with actual case histories and urges everyone to "Try it on Everything!"
Dr. Vergini thought it was worth a try. His 29-year-old patient was in her seventh month of pregnancy and had been suffering for five months with persistent itching, burning, discharge, and inflamed irritation.
Her gynecologist had advised her to avoid sugar, use an antimycotic soap, and apply a prescription antifungal cream locally, none of which helped. She had previously tried homeopathic treatments as well as prescription washings and vaginal suppositories.
Dr. Vergini had recently begun to study EFT, reading a free training manual that he downloaded from EFT's official Web site and watching videotaped training seminars on DVD. He knew enough to teach his patients the basics, and she tapped with him as they focused on her symptoms.
"After a couple of days she called me and told me that the itching and burning were almost completely gone," Dr. Vergini reported. "After a week the discharge was also gone.
"Now from her reports and from what I can see, she can be considered clinically free of Candida. She was also able to easily control, with EFT, the stomach burning she experienced every evening after dinner, especially when lying down. I think that EFT made another great score here."
For more information, explore the EFT Web site and its numerous success stories regarding fears, phobias, emotional traumas and physical ailments.
While a complete description of EFT is beyond the scope of this article, you can learn all the basics from the free EFT Get Started Package on the EFT Web site. This includes a free download of the 79-page EFT Manual. Those wishing to save time and dive right in can get the affordable five-star training DVDs.
Please consult qualified health professionals before putting EFT into practice for yourself or others.