EFT Tapping: What It Is and How It Can Help

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by stress or anxiety and wished for a simple, non-invasive way to manage your emotions? EFT, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, often known as tapping, could be the tool you’re looking for. It is a self-help method that combines the principles of ancient Chinese acupressure with modern psychology.

Understanding the Basics of EFT Tapping

EFT tapping is a technique where you use your fingertips to tap on specific meridian points on the body. These are energetic hotspots that are believed to be connected to our emotional health. The theory behind EFT suggests that by tapping on these points while focusing on negative emotions or physical pains, you can reduce the intensity of these feelings, leading to a sense of calm and clarity.

The process starts by identifying the issue you want to work on, such as anxiety, fear, or a specific phobic reaction. Once the issue is clear in your mind, you assess the intensity of your discomfort on a scale from zero to ten, where ten is the most intense the feel can be. Then, you commence the tapping sequence, focusing on the negative emotions while reciting an affirmation.

Key Meridian Points Used in EFT

• The karate chop point (side of the hand)
• The eyebrow point (at the beginning of the eyebrow)
• The side of the eye
• The under-eye point
• Under the nose
• The chin point
• The collarbone point
• Under the arm
• The top of the head

You tap on these points in a sequence, while repeating a setup statement that acknowledges the issue and helps you accept yourself despite it.

How EFT Tapping Can Improve Your Well-Being

Stress and emotional distress often manifest in the body in various ways. For example, stress can increase cortisol levels, leading to inflammation and other health issues. Tapping has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, thereby potentially improving your overall health.

Physical Health

Many people use EFT tapping to address physical pain. While tapping, you concentrate on the pain and the negative emotions tied to it. This mindful practice can lead to a decreased perception of pain. Though it’s not a cure, many users find relief in the decrease of intensity, which can sometimes lead to pain going away completely.

Emotional Relief

When it comes to emotional distress, EFT tapping has a lot to offer. It can be used for:

• Reducing short-term or chronic stress
• Overcoming fears and phobias
• Managing anxiety and depression
• Dealing with traumatic memories
• Improving self-esteem and self-image

While working on emotional pains, tapping helps by giving you a physical action to pair with your psychological work. This dual action can be more effective than just talking or thinking through problems.

What to Expect During an EFT Tapping Session

An EFT tapping session, whether guided by a practitioner or done individually, typically follows these steps:

Identifying the Issue

The session starts by pinpointing the specific problem you want to address. It is key to focus on only one issue at a time to direct the full force of the tapping on that problem.

The Setup

The setup involves stating the problem and an affirmation of self-acceptance, which could be something like, “Even though I have this fear of spiders, I deeply and completely accept myself.” You say this phrase three times while continuously tapping the karate chop point.

The Sequence

After the setup, you move through the tapping points, starting from the eyebrow and ending at the top of the head. At each point, you remind yourself of the problem, usually by repeating a reminder phrase like, “this fear of spiders.”

The Assessment

Once the sequence is completed, you take a moment to evaluate the intensity of your issue again. If the intensity level has dropped, you’re making progress. If not, you might repeat the sequence, adjusting your phrases to better target your emotional response.

EFT Tapping: Trying It Out Yourself

EFT tapping is simple enough for anyone to try. The basic steps outlined above can be practiced alone or with the help of online resources or books. Gary Craig, the founder of EFT, has published numerous on the subject, and his work could be a great starting point if you’re interested in learning more.

It’s worth noting, though, that while EFT can be beneficial for many, it does not replace professional medical advice. It’s always best to consult a healthcare provider for serious or persistent problems.

Finishing Thoughts

EFT tapping isn’t a magic cure, but many people find it to be a powerful ally in their quest for better health and emotional balance. With its roots in traditional Chinese medicine and its growth through psychological practices, EFT stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of the mind and body.

Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, phobia, or a chronic pain condition, EFT tapping offers a simple, non-invasive method you might want to explore. It encourages you to actively participate in your healing process – all you need are your fingertips and an open mind. So why not give it a try? You might just tap your way to a calmer, more balanced state of being.