What is EFT Tapping?
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping, is an alternative therapy that involves gently tapping on specific meridian points on the body. Practitioners believe tapping can restore balance to the body’s energy system to treat physical and emotional conditions.
EFT tapping focuses on the link between disturbing emotions and physical symptoms stemming from energy flow blockages. By tapping on acupressure points connected to these emotions while verbalizing related affirmations, EFT aims to clear these energy blocks.
The Theory Behind EFT Tapping
EFT tapping stems from the ancient Chinese medicine view of chi as a vital lifeforce energy that runs throughout defined meridians in the body. Any obstruction in this energy flow is believed to cause illness and dysfunction.
Like acupuncture and acupressure, EFT centers on tapping specific meridian end points to influence energy flow. Adding spoken affirmations targets thought patterns tied to the emotional roots of issues. This mind-body approach restores balance on multiple levels simultaneously.
The Body’s Energy Meridians
In EFT and acupuncture, meridians are channels where chi energy flows to connect organs and body systems. Tapping EFT points along these meridians releases blocks in energy to treat bodily symptoms and associated emotional issues together.
Tapping Acupressure Points
Many EFT tapping points overlay with those used in acupuncture and acupressure therapies. Needles are used to stimulate acupoints in acupuncture, while pressure is applied with hands or devices on acupressure points. Gentle fingertip tapping can also target these points.
Adding Verbal Affirmations
A key part of EFT tapping involves voicing positive statements related to the problem being addressed. This verbal element identifies emotional roots while affirming desired outcomes to repattern thoughts and energy flow through focused intention.
The Evidence Behind EFT
EFT was only developed in the 1990's and is still viewed as an alternative therapy. More research is still needed on appropriate uses, ideal techniques, and success rates compared to other therapies.
Smaller studies note EFT shows promise for anxiety, depression, PTSD, pain relief, weight loss, insomnia and more. However, many studies are poorly designed or too small to be conclusive.
How EFT Affects the Brain
Neuroimaging scans performed during EFT treatment sessions indicate tapping impacts activity in the amygdala, hippocampus, and other areas connected with lowering stress response and fear conditioning.
Measuring Biomarkers
Blood tests and saliva samples show EFT reduces stress hormones like cortisol, thus verifying objective physical changes occur with treatment. This also confirms the mind-body connection EFT postulates.
Participant Self-Assessments
Questionnaires used before and after treatment allow participants to self-report improvements for metrics like pain levels, depression, cravings, confidence, and more. This subjective data also tends to show benefits from EFT.
How to Do EFT Tapping
Once you learn proper EFT tapping techniques, you can use this tool on your own easily anytime. Typical EFT tapping sessions only take 5-15 minutes for potentially lasting benefits.
Identify the Issue
Clearly name the emotion, physical symptom, memory, goal or concern you want to address and set your intention to clear this issue.
Test the Intensity
Rate the intensity of emotions, pain or cravings around this issue on a scale of 0-10 before starting EFT. This gives a baseline severity level to compare after tapping.
The Tapping Sequence
Use two fingertips to tap 5-7 times firmly on each point as you repeat verbal affirmations. Follow the tapping sequence moving through all points.
The Verbal Affirmations
Phrase statements naming the issue and affirming positive feelings, outcomes or self-acceptance related to it. Different setup statements and affirmations target unique aspects.
Assess After Tapping
Note intensity levels again on a scale of 0-10 after completing 1-3 tapping rounds. Usually emotional intensity will go down along with physical symptoms.
Repeat as Needed
Change statements to target any remaining problem layers and repeat tapping sequences until reaching 0 intensity or highest relief level possible.
The Key EFT Tapping Points
These are the essential EFT tapping points stimulated along defined energy meridians with associated functions.
Karate Chop Point
Small intestine meridian – eliminates mental blocks when tapped as you state setup affirmations verbally.
Top of the Head
Governing vessel meridian - treats mental distress, headaches, dizziness, and hormone imbalance.
Beginning of the Eyebrow
Bladder meridian – addresses head pain, dizziness, eye strain and emotional distress like grief and shock.
Side of the Eye
Gallbladder meridian – clears headache, migraines, eye issues, relieves anger and boosts courage.
Under the Eye
Stomach meridian – taps away facial blemishes, eye bags, runny nose, allergies, and digestive issues stemming from worry/anxiety.
Under the Nose
Governing vessel meridian – alleviates sinus trouble, worry, overthinking, hormone imbalance, and headaches.
Chin Point
Central vessel meridian – used for tension, stubbornness, jaw tightness, and digestive concerns caused by defiance or resistance.
Beginning of the Collarbone
Kidney meridian – useful for breathing problems, fatigue, throat pain, immune issues and lack of willpower.
Under the Arm
Spleen meridian – improves immunity, digestion, and chronic worrying that manifests in physical symptoms.
Tips for Effective EFT Tapping
Keep these pointers in mind to get the most out of EFT tapping sessions for empowered emotional and physical healing.
Be Specific
Clearly describe and focus on precise issues and desired positive outcomes when stating setup phrases and affirmations during tapping.
Focus Intention
Pay close attention to physical sensations, emotions and tapping points as you repeat statements to send purposeful signals to the body.
Breathe Deeply
Take slow deep breaths to elicit relaxation response. Inhaling while tapping tapping in, exhaling while tapping out further clears energy flow.
Be Persistent
EFT often needs multiple rounds on layered issues. Keep tapping persistently through any emotional intensity until reaching neutral calmness or the highest possible relief level.
Continue tapping daily or weekly on chronic issues to clear repetitive negative thought-emotion loops and ingrained trauma.
Using EFT Tapping Professionally
Consider booking EFT tapping sessions with a certified practitioner if you have trauma, phobias, persistent pain or need support establishing an effective tapping routine for optimal results.
FAQs
Does EFT tapping really work?
Early research shows EFT tapping has potential to help with anxiety, PTSD, pain, weight loss and more. However, many studies are low quality or too small to be conclusive. More research is still needed to verify efficacy.
Can I learn to tap by myself?
Yes, once you learn basic EFT tapping techniques, you can tap on your own at home. Tapping video tutorials make it easy to pick up. Though working with a practitioner can optimize results, especially for complex issues.
How often should you tap?
For short term issues, tap daily until reaching desired relief. For chronic physical or emotional problems tap at least 3 times a week to reinforce positive neurological patterns. Most sessions take just 5-15 minutes for potentially lasting benefits.
Does EFT work long term?
EFT aims to permanently change negative thought-emotion loops contributing to issues. However, lifelong tendencies may require ongoing self-tapping or periodic tune-up sessions to maintain benefits long term. Home tapping gives you tools for ongoing self-care.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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