EFT Tapping Therapy

EFT Tapping Therapy, also known as Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Therapy, is a psychological tool that uses physical tapping on specific acupressure points along the body’s meridians to release negative emotions and reprogram the brain. It is a relatively new form of therapy, having been developed in the 1990s, but has quickly gained popularity and recognition for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental and physical health issues from emotional and mental issues to physical ones.

EFT Tapping Therapy was developed in the 1990s by Gary Craig, an engineer who studied the work of psychologist Roger Callahan in treating phobias and anxiety with tapping on acupuncture points. The history of EFT Tapping Therapy can be traced back to ancient Chinese acupuncture, which recognizes the connection between physical pain and emotional distress. EFT Tapping Therapy takes this concept a step further by tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on specific emotional or psychological issues by either repeating them out loud or to oneself while tapping. This combination of physical stimulation and mental focus is believed to help release negative emotions and reprogram the brain to reduce or eliminate symptoms, emotional and physical.

There are several different types of Tapping Therapy, including Classical EFT, Matrix Reimprinting, TFT (Thought Field Therapy), and Personal Peace Procedure. Classical EFT is the original form of the therapy, focusing on the release of negative emotions. Matrix Reimprinting adds a visualization component, where the practitioner imagines themselves in a past traumatic experience and taps on their acupressure points to release the emotional charge. TFT, or Thought Field Therapy, involves tapping on specific acupuncture points to alleviate psychological and emotional distress. Very similar in nature to EFT, but with some differences in the tapping sequences and the algorithms used. Personal Peace Procedure is a simplified form of EFT that focuses on resolving specific life events that are causing emotional distress.

One of the biggest benefits of EFT Tapping Therapy is its effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental and physical health issues. It has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, as well as improving physical health by reducing chronic pain, headaches, and stress-related symptoms. It can also help improve overall well being by reducing negative emotions, improving self-esteem, and reducing stress.

EFT Tapping Therapy is also a convenient and cost-effective form of therapy, as it can be done anywhere, at any time, without the need for a therapist or medication. This makes it a popular alternative to traditional therapy or medication, especially for those who are hesitant to seek help or who live in areas without access to mental health services.

To obtain EFT Tapping Therapy, you can find a qualified practitioner or learn to do it yourself through self-help books, videos, or online courses and workshops. It is important to find a practitioner who is trained and experienced in EFT Tapping Therapy when seeking therapy or education. When seeking therapy, it is also important to be open and honest about your goals and expectations to ensure the best possible outcome.

You can follow this simple and effective self-help method that involves tapping on specific acupuncture points while focusing on a particular emotional or physical issue. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform EFT Tapping: (Please note that you can use 1, 2, or 3 fingers to tap. The more fingers you use, the larger the surface you tap, the larger the likelihood of tapping the acupuncture points.)

Identify the issue: Start by identifying the issue you want to address, whether it's an emotional issue such as anxiety or fear, or a physical issue such as pain or an allergy.

Rate the intensity: On a scale of 0 to 10, rate the intensity of the issue, with 10 being the highest level of distress, 0 being the lowest.

Set up a reminder phrase: Create a reminder phrase that summarizes the issue, such as "Even though I feel this anxiety in my body, I deeply and completely love and accept myself."

Tap on the karate chop point (small intestine meridian): The karate chop point is located on the fleshy part of the hand, between the wrist and the base of the little finger. Tap this point while repeating the reminder phrase three times to set up the issue you want to work on. This point helps release feeling stuck and promotes ease in moving forward, letting go, healing from grief, and the ability to be happy in the present moment.

Tap on the rest of the tapping points: There are several tapping points on the face and body:

The significance of each point is related to the flow of energy in the body's meridian system. When a person experiences negative emotions, this energy flow becomes disrupted, causing physical and emotional symptoms. By tapping on these points, the energy flow is restored, releasing the negative emotions and promoting physical and emotional healing.

• The crown chakra point (crown chakra) - located at the center of top of the head, where the midline of the skull meets the hairline. This point is associated with balance and harmony, opens the crown chakra and promotes spiritual connection, while "anchoring in" the new balance and alignment from the completed tapping round.

• The eyebrow point (bladder meridian) - located at the beginning of the eyebrow, above and to one side of the nose. This point is associated with insight and intuition and helps to release trauma, hurt, and sadness and promotes peace and emotional healing.

• The side of the eye (gallbladder meridian) - located at the outer corner of the eye, near the temple. This point is associated with insight and perception, and helps to release resentment and anger and promotes clarity and compassion.

• Under the eye (stomach meridian) - located on the cheekbone, directly under the eye. This point is associated with release of pent-up emotions and helps to release fear and anxiety and promotes contentment, calmness, and the feeling of safety.

• Under the nose (governing vessel meridian) - located between the upper lip and the nose. This point is associated with the release of anger, frustration, shame and powerlessness and promotes self-acceptance, self-empowerment, and compassion for self and others.

• The chin point (central meridian) - located just below the bottom lip, near the chin. This point is associated with release of frustration, disappointment, confusion and uncertainty and promotes clarity, certainty, confidence, and self-acceptance.

• The collarbone point (kidney meridian) - located at the base of the throat, near the collarbone. This point is associated with the release of stress, anxiety, and the feeling of being stuck and promotes ease in moving forward, confidence, and clarity.

• The underarm point (spleen meridian) - located 4 inches below the armpit, along the rib cage. This point is associated with release of anger, fear, resentment, guilt, worry, and obsessing and promotes clarity, confidence, relaxation, and compassion for self and others.

Tap each point while repeating the reminder phrase.

Some practitioners also include tapping points on the fingers, the fingertip points, located at the tips of all ten fingers, to "round off" an EFT sequence and can be tapped while repeating a positive affirmation or phrase to reinforce the work you have done. Each point is associated with different aspects of the body's energy system, as well as with emotions and mental states, just like the tapping points mentioned earlier.

Thumb (lung meridian) - Releases negative thinking, judgment, self-righteousness, grief, and loss and promotes acceptance of self and others, healing from loss, ability to see the positives in life.

Index Finger (large intestine meridian) - Helps to let go of the past and embrace new beginnings. The index finger is also associated with clarity of thought, focus, and direction, and promotes self-forgiveness, releasing the past, and being more joyful and peaceful in the present.

Middle Finger (pericardium meridian) - This finger is associated with calming the mind and easing anxiety and sexuality issues, and is also associated with balance, stability, and adaptability, and promotes bonding, relaxation, generosity, acceptance of self and others, and trust.

Ring Finger (triple burner meridian) - Helps to release negative emotions, such as anger or frustration, the ring finger is also associated with creativity, self-expression, and confidence and helps with planning and decision-making, clarity, getting unstuck.

Little Finger (heart meridian) - This finger is associated with connecting with others and nurturing relationships. The little finger is associated with intelligence, communication, and diplomacy, and promotes unconditional love, forgiveness, compassion, and self-care.

Focus on the issue: As you tap on the tapping points, focus on the issue and the intensity of it. You may notice the intensity level change as you tap.

Test the intensity: After tapping on all the points, rate the intensity of the issue again. It should have decreased. If not, repeat the process until you see a noticeable difference.

Repeat the process: Repeat the EFT Tapping process as needed until the issue has been completely resolved.

Note: It is important to approach EFT Tapping with an open and curious mind, and not to judge or criticize yourself during the process. EFT Tapping can be a powerful tool for reducing stress, improving mental and physical health, and promoting overall well-being. EFT tapping is not a substitute for medical treatment, and individuals experiencing serious mental or physical health issues should consult a healthcare professional. However, many people have found EFT tapping to be a helpful complementary therapy for many issues and for improving overall well-being.

EFT Tapping Therapy is a relatively new form of therapy that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental and physical health issues. It is a cost-effective and convenient alternative to traditional therapy and medication, and can be done anywhere, at any time. To obtain EFT Tapping Therapy, one can find a qualified practitioner or learn to do it themselves through self-help resources. It is important to find a practitioner who is trained and experienced in EFT Tapping Therapy, and to be open and honest about one's goals and expectations to ensure the best possible outcome. It’s important to remember that we are all different and Tapping Therapy may not work for everyone.

The claims in this article are based on my own personal research and experience as an EFT/TFT Tapping Therapy Practitioner, and are in no way meant to be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical advice and care.

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