It’s simple to do and the research says the results are good. So, let’s get tapping.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping, is a self-help technique that uses gentle tapping on specific acupressure points on the body to release emotional blocks and promote healing. It is a simple yet powerful technique that can be used to help support treatment for a wide range of emotional and physical issues, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Phobias
  • Pain
  • Weight loss
  • Chronic illness

EFT is based on the idea that negative emotions are caused by imbalances in our energy system. By tapping on the acupressure points, we can release these imbalances and restore balance to our energy system. This can lead to the reduction or elimination of negative emotions and symptoms.

How it’s done

According to The Tapping Solution, to do the process of tapping, you start by identifying the issue that you want to address, then assess how you feel about it and the level of intensity of how you feel (e.g., on a scale of 0 to 10).

Next, set up a statement to acknowledge the problem, followed by words of acceptance about the problem, e.g., “Even though I am anxious about my interview, I accept how I feel and give myself permission to relax.”

With four fingers of one hand, begin tapping the karate chop point on your other hand. This point is located at the centre of the fleshy part of the outside of your hand (either hand) between the top of the wrist and the base of the little finger. Repeat your statement out loud three times while tapping that point.

Now take a deep breath and then tap on these acupressure points in the following sequence:

  1. Top of the head (crown)
  2. Eyebrow point (inner corner of the eyebrow)
  3. Side of the eye (outer corner of the eye)
  4. Under the eye (bone below the eye)
  5. Nose (point between the nose and upper lip)
  6. Chin (point between the lower lip and the chin)
  7. Collarbone (centre of the collarbone)
  8. Underarm (top of the inner arm)
  9. Top of the head (crown) again

As you tap on each point, repeat a positive affirmation to yourself related to the issue that you are addressing. For example, if you are tapping for anxiety, you may say something like, “I am calm and relaxed” or “I am safe and secure.”

You can tap on each point seven to 10 times, or until you feel a shift in your energy. You can repeat the entire sequence as many times as needed.

EFT is a safe and effective technique that can be used by people of all ages. While some opt to learn and do it themselves, there are also professionals who offer the service.

Examples of how tapping has been used:

EFT has been used in various settings to support treatment. Here are some examples of where it has been used successfully before:

  • EFT has been used to help people – including war veterans, survivors of natural disasters and victims of abuse – to recover from trauma.
  • EFT has also been used to help people suffering from chronic pain such as back pain, arthritis and headaches.
  • EFT can be used to improve athletic performance and reduce stress in the workplace.

Click here for a free tapping tutorial with Nick Ortner, New York Times bestselling author on EFT.