Is EFT Right for You?
By Michael Hetherington
In this article, I will delve into:
What is the illness-wellness continuum scale?
What is health?
Where are you located on this scale?
How to use EFT Tapping for greater effectiveness according to your location on the scale
Understanding the Illness-Wellness Continuum Scale
The illness-wellness continuum scale is a model that demonstrates the spectrum of our health, ranging from severe illness to optimal wellness. It provides a visual and numeric framework for recognizing different health statuses and the potential for personal growth and health optimization.
The Zones of the Illness-Wellness Continuum
Zone 1 (Dark Red)
Extreme Illness & Emergency Medicine
- Includes life-threatening conditions that require emergency interventions
- Dependence on intensive medical care (Western medicine)
Examples include heart attacks, life-threatening accidents, strokes, severe traumatic injuries, septic shock, respiratory failure, acute renal failure, complicated childbirth, massive blood loss, severe burns, organ transplantation, life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), poisoning or overdose, neurological emergencies, hypothermic shock, acute psychiatric crises, and intensive care medicine.
Zone 2 (Light Red)
Chronic Conditions
- Features manageable but persistent health issues, such as chronic pain and degenerative diseases
- Requires regular medical interventions, hospital visits and medications
Examples include multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, severe hypertension, severe slipped discs, joint bone degeneration, severe fibromyalgia, chronic diabetes, severe dental problems, cancer, chronic and severe addiction, depression or psychosis.
Zone 3 (Orange)
Mild Health Conditions
- Early signs of health issues, mild diseases
- Needs occasional medical attention and some medication use
Examples include early-onset type 2 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), mild asthma, mild depression, mild chronic anxiety, hypertension, ADHD, tension headaches, early signs of joint and bone degeneration, stress, social anxiety, early signs of fibromyalgia, subclinical hypothyroidism, seasonal allergies, benign prostatic hyperplasia, adjustment disorders, insomnia, mild eczema, and early stages of acid reflux (GERD).
Zone 4 to 6 (Yellow)
Comfort Zone & Typical Health
- No severe disease with minimal medication
- Functional and stable but may lack vitality and peak wellness
- Often regarded as "healthy" by societal standards but can feel tired, stagnant, stuck, or bored
Challenges at this level include routine fatigue, lack of energy and motivation, mild stress, mild seasonal allergies, infrequent migraines, average or low fitness levels, occasional sleep problems, mild ADHD, periodic digestive upsets, normal aging changes, mild joint aches, skin imperfections, mild pre-menstrual symptoms, social anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm and stress.
Zone 7 to 9 (Light Green)
Enhanced Wellbeing
- Actively pursue personal development and health optimization
- No signs of chronic disease (or it's well-managed or in remission)
- Little to no medications, focusing on supplements, diet, performance and exercise
- Engagement in activities like fitness, biohacking, career development skills, public speaking, longevity practices, yoga, Qi Gong, self-care and emotional growth
Challenges at this level include managing high expectations, fear of failure, fear of public speaking, fear of losing approval, stress management, time management, mild ADHD, addictions to performance-enhancing substances (eg. cocaine, anabolic steroids), over-committing, maintaining work-life balance, burnout, workaholic tendencies and relationship strain and difficulties.
Zone 10 (Dark Green)
Optimal Wellness
- Represents the peak of health, mind, emotions, and personal capabilities
- Typically very intelligent and focused on life maintenance and stability of the body, mind, and emotions
- Daily practices include meditation, yoga, martial arts and/or Qi Gong to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health. These people are often called “Masters” and are extremely rare.
- Often possesses superpowers such as resilience to extreme temperatures, incredible body strength or athleticism, enhanced healing or telepathic abilities.
Challenges at this level are few but intense. They include maintaining ongoing health, managing public expectations, addressing leadership challenges, and dealing with the temptations of power, manipulation, and corruption.
Where does EFT Tapping Fit on the Continuum?
Zones 1-2 (Red)
Emergency Medicine & Chronic Conditions
This is not the ideal place for EFT Tapping because the primary focus is on receiving immediate medical treatment and getting stabilised.
So, while EFT Tapping is not ideal here, it can sometimes be used as a complementary method to help with emotional regulation, managing the stress and trauma of the situation, and providing some pain relief.
Zone 3 (Orange)
Mild Conditions
Entry-Level for EFT
As individuals begin to experience the onset of mild health issues, EFT Tapping emerges as a highly beneficial practice at this stage.
EFT can be used to effectively address initial symptoms that, if ignored, could escalate into more serious conditions. Benefits include improved blood pressure, digestion and mental health, and disease progression prevention.
However, the challenge here is that individuals may underestimate their symptoms or delay tapping, which can allow underlying conditions to worsen subtly.
EFT Program Recommendations:
3o-Day Improve Your Digestion EFT Program
Procrastination Buster EFT & Classes
Zone 4-6 (Yellow)
Comfort Zone & Basic Health
In these zones, individuals are generally considered healthy but may experience undercurrents of dissatisfaction or a sense of stagnation—often overlooked yet significant pain points.
EFT Tapping targets these subtle issues by enhancing emotional well-being, sharpening focus, boosting motivation, and fostering a clearer mind.
It addresses the quiet discontent that many feel but cannot pinpoint, making it an invaluable tool for improving quality of life even when traditional markers of health are met.
EFT Program Recommendations:
3o-Day Improve Your Digestion EFT Program
Procrastination Buster EFT & Online Classes
Zones 7-9 (Light Green)
Wellness, Optimization & EFT
High-Functioning Individuals
For those actively engaged in personal development, career success and health optimization, EFT Tapping becomes essential.
EFT is effective in managing the additional pressures and stressors that come with high performance, particularly by addressing fears such as the fear of failure, the fear of success, and the fear of public speaking.
While these individuals enjoy many benefits from their highly active lifestyle, they also face unique challenges like maintaining performance under stress and balancing intense personal development efforts with other aspects of life.
EFT Tapping aids in navigating these challenges by providing emotional and psychological support.
EFT Program Recommendations:
3o-Day Improve Your Digestion EFT Program
Procrastination Buster EFT & Online Classes
Zone 10 (Dark Green)
Peak Wellness
Maintaining Excellence & Mastery
At the pinnacle of wellness and self-mastery, where individuals have reached their optimal state of mind, body, and health, the role of EFT Tapping shifts away from healing or treatment and moves into occasional maintenance.
The challenges here include managing the minor fluctuations in mental and emotional well-being that can disrupt a highly balanced state.
Although less frequently needed, EFT can be applied in occasional moments. It offers support to maintain this peak condition and address any emerging stress or psychological adjustments, ensuring that high achievers continue to operate at their best without distraction or regression.
EFT Program Recommendations:
Final Words
If you’re curious, I would consider myself a 7-8.
The illness-wellness continuum provides a valuable perspective on health and growth. EFT tapping is a versatile tool that aids movement along this continuum, enhancing our ability to achieve a fuller, more satisfying life.
Whether addressing specific health challenges or aiming for peak wellness, EFT tapping offers practical solutions for enhancement and growth.
*This information is not intended to replace advice from your medical doctor or preferred health practitioner.
If you prefer to watch my video explaination (10mins) - click on the video above