EFT Tapping: A Natural Way to Ease Anxiety

Key Highlights

• EFT tapping, or emotional freedom technique, is a natural healing method that combines ancient Chinese medicine with acupressure and modern psychology for holistic treatment.
• EFT tapping involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body. These points are believed to be related to energy flow throughout the body.
• EFT tapping is believed to be effective in treating a variety of psychological conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• The practice is said to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety symptoms, improve sleep, and resolve negative thought patterns.
• EFT tapping is simple to learn and can be done anywhere, anytime.

Emotional freedom technique, known as EFT tapping, is a self healing practice. It has become popular in recent years because it may help with mental health. EFT tapping mixes Chinese acupressure and psychology. In this practice, you tap your fingertips on certain points of your body. These points match meridian points. The gentle tapping and saying affirmations together can help your body feel more emotionally free.

Understanding EFT Tapping and Its Origins

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a method that comes from ancient Chinese medicine. It works by tapping on acupressure points. This technique believes that our physical body has pathways and energy centers. The same goes for our energetic body holding our emotions, thoughts, and memories. If we face trauma, this energy body can get blocked. This blockage can cause both physical and emotional problems.

The Basics of EFT Tapping

If you are new to EFT tapping, it may feel a bit odd at first. But the tapping sequence is easy to learn. Before you start tapping, you should know exactly what you want to focus on. This could be an emotion you feel, a repeated thought, or a physical sensation you want to address.

Next, rate how intense that feeling is from 0 to 10. Ten means it is very intense. This helps you keep track of your progress as you go through the tapping sequence. Most EFT tapping sessions start with a move like this: take four fingers on your dominant hand and gently tap the fleshy part of the other hand, just below your pinky and above your wrist.

While tapping, repeat an affirmation that recognizes what you are working on and shows that you accept yourself. For instance, if you feel anxious, you might say, “Even though I am feeling anxious right now, I love myself.”

Historical Background of EFT Tapping

EFT tapping is based on ideas from traditional Chinese medicine and the old practice of acupuncture. In this type of medicine, people believe a life force called “chi” moves through the body along hidden energy paths known as meridians. If these paths are blocked, it can lead to pain or emotional issues.

Acupuncture helps by stimulating these meridian points to bring back balance in the body. This practice has been around for a long time and has some support from scientific studies. On the other hand, EFT tapping is a newer method.

Gary Craig created EFT tapping. He saw a way to make this technique easier for more people to use. With his background as a Stanford engineer, Craig made the tapping technique simple by not using needles so that anyone can do it.

Research is still ongoing to better understand how EFT tapping works. However, studies show that this practice can help lower stress and anxiety, and improve mental health issues.

EFT tapping should not replace regular therapy or medical care. It can be a helpful tool when you want to handle stress and negative feelings on your own. If you have serious or ongoing mental health problems, it’s important to talk to a licensed mental health expert.

How EFT Tapping Affects the Brain

Experts think EFT tapping affects the brain and body in many ways. It is a lot like cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, because both can help change negative thoughts.

Tapping on meridian points may help clear blockages and restore the body’s natural energy flow. These points are thought to connect to the amygdala, the brain part that handles stress, and the hippocampus, which helps us manage our emotions.

When our energy flow is balanced and we can control our emotions better, we may feel less anxious. By tapping on these points and focusing on positives, research shows we can stop the stress response. This allows us to feel more calm and in control.

The Effect on Stress Hormones

When we feel stress, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones cause several changes. Our heart rate goes up, blood pressure rises, breathing becomes shallow, and muscles tighten. This reaction is called the “fight or flight” response. It can help us in real danger, but many people live in constant stress in modern life.

Long-term stress can hurt our physical and mental health. EFT tapping can help stop this stress response by calming the central nervous system. When we relax, our bodies can get back to balance, which is called “homeostasis.”

Research has found that EFT tapping can greatly lower cortisol levels in our body. By easing the stress response, EFT tapping may help lessen the impact of stress over time, like heart issues, stomach problems, and a weak immune system.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Performing EFT Tapping

• Be clear about your focus. Think about what you want to work on. This could be stress, a negative thought, a limiting belief, or anything else that makes you feel upset.
• Rate your discomfort level. Use a scale from 0 to 10. Here, 10 means your discomfort is very high. Rate how you feel about your chosen emotion. This helps you see if you are making progress.
• The setup statement. Write a setup statement that shows you know the negative thought or feeling. Also, affirm that you accept yourself. For example, you can say, “Even though I feel stressed, I deeply and completely accept myself.” Repeat this three times while tapping on the karate chop point, which is on the fleshy side of your hand, just below your pinky finger.
• The tapping sequence. Now, tap 7 times on these points while saying the reminder phrase. This phrase is a short version of your setup statement. From the example above, it would be “This stress.”
  • Top of the head (TH): Tap gently on the top of your head.
  • Eyebrow point (EB): Tap on the inner edge of your eyebrow, closest to your nose.
  • Side of eye (SE): Tap on the bony area outside the corner of your eye (not on your temple).
  • Under eye (UE): Tap on the bony area below your eye, about an inch down from your pupil.
  • Under nose (UN): Tap on the small area between the bottom of your nose and your upper lip.
  • Chin point (CP): Tap in the groove between your lower lip and chin.
  • Collarbone point (CB): Tap where your collarbone, breastbone, and first rib meet. You can find this by placing a finger on the U-shaped notch at the top of your breastbone. Then, move your finger down about an inch and out to the sides about an inch.
  • Under arm (UA): Tap on the side of your body, about four inches under your armpit.
  • Top of the head (TH): After tapping under the arm, go back to the top of your head to end one round.
• Re-rate your discomfort level. Take a deep breath. Now, re-rate how you feel on the same 0 to 10 scale to track your emotional freedom.

EFT tapping can be done on many parts of the body. But some spots work really well for easing anxiety symptoms. Usually, EFT sessions start by tapping on the side of the hand. This spot is called the karate chop point. Tapping here is believed to wake up the energy lines in your body. It helps get you ready for the tapping sequence.

Another key point is found on the top of the head. This spot relates to clarity, focus, and calmness. It can help slow down racing thoughts and bring peace. The eyebrow point and the side-of-the-eye point deal with anger, resentment, and frustration. These feelings often come with anxiety. Tapping on these areas can help let go of these feelings.

Benefits of EFT Tapping for Mental Health

While more studies are needed to truly understand EFT tapping, many people are finding it helpful for mental health issues. Some scientific evidence and personal stories suggest that EFT can be a good addition to other treatments. Fans of EFT tapping say it can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep.

Easing Anxiety Symptoms with EFT Tapping

EFT tapping is a strong tool for managing anxiety symptoms. It involves tapping on meridian points while paying attention to how you feel and the negative thoughts you have about anxiety. This practice can break the cycle of stress in your body. Many people want natural ways to improve their mental health.

For instance, if you have social anxiety, you might do EFT tapping before social events to help calm your nerves. If you feel anxious about a presentation, tapping can help you focus your mind and energy.

EFT Tapping for Depression

EFT tapping is not a substitute for professional mental health care, especially for conditions like depression and PTSD. However, many studies suggest it can be a helpful addition. Research shows that tapping can lessen the symptoms of depression. EFT tapping helps by changing negative thoughts and beliefs that cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

The Role of EFT in Holistic Health Practices

EFT tapping combines parts of traditional Chinese medicine with modern psychological science. This method offers a unique way to heal. Unlike regular medical care that often only treats symptoms, EFT tapping works on the root problems causing distress in the brain. It helps us understand how our minds and bodies connect via energetic pathways. As a form of energy healing, it empowers people to take part in their healing process.

Integrating EFT Tapping with other Remedies

EFT tapping is an easy practice to combine with other natural remedies. These remedies aim to bring balance and promote healing in both the body and the mind. While EFT tapping can work alone, it becomes even stronger when used with other remedies that support its effects.

For instance, using EFT along with mindfulness meditation can enhance the experience. Mindfulness meditation helps you focus on the present moment without judgment. This helps people notice their emotions and body feelings without losing control over them. With EFT tapping, you can address specific feelings or thoughts that arise during meditation. It makes it easier to process emotions and let them go.

This combined approach helps with both mental and energetic parts of emotional health. It may lead to better self-awareness, improved emotional control, and a sense of calm. However, remember that EFT tapping is not a replacement for regular medical care for any mental illness. It is a useful tool to use with other natural remedies to support your overall mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

EFT Tapping with Meditation

EFT tapping and meditation share a common goal. Both practices help create inner peace and support emotional health. Though they are different, they work well together. This combination can help us become more aware of ourselves, manage our feelings better, and find stillness within.

Meditation helps calm the mind. It trains us to focus and stay aware of the present moment. When we meditate regularly, we learn to watch our thoughts and feelings without judging them. This can lessen their hold on our overall well-being. EFT tapping specifically targets energy issues linked to negative emotions, traumas, or beliefs that limit us.

In EFT, we tap on specific meridian points while thinking about these problems. This action can help to clear energy blockages and restore free-flowing energy in the body. Using both practices together offers a well-rounded approach to well-being. It addresses both our mental and energy needs for emotional balance.

Araya Amenti’s 21-day Program

Araya Amenti’s 21-Day program to Rewire your Mind is a great course that teaches you to incorporate EFT tapping into your daily life. It is based on her knowledge as a Certified EFT Practitioner. She also has a YouTube video on the subject below. Her 21-Day Program is usually $99. I have convinced her to lower the price to $44.99 for a limited time. Grab this offer while it lasts.

Conclusion

EFT Tapping is a natural way to help with anxiety. It works by pressing on important points on the body. This technique comes from Chinese alternative medicine, and there is scientific proof that it can lower stress hormones and improve mental health. If you add EFT Tapping to your daily routine, you may feel its benefits for your overall health. It doesn’t matter if you are new to this or looking for advanced methods. EFT Tapping can work well with other therapies and meditation. Use EFT Tapping as a helpful tool for better mental health and to calm your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can EFT Tapping Be Self Taught?

EFT tapping is something you can teach yourself. Many people begin by learning the basic tapping technique and setup statement from online resources or books. If you’re just starting with EFT, it might be a good idea to work with a certified EFT practitioner. This can help ensure that you use the right technique.

How often should I practice EFT Tapping for Anxiety?

The best frequency for EFT can differ for each person. It also depends on how severe their anxiety symptoms are. Many people discover that having a few quick tapping sessions each week works well. This can be a good way to feel more emotional freedom.

Is EFT Tapping Safe for Everyone?

EFT is usually safe for many people. Still, it is vital to know some situations where it might not be suitable. For example, if you have mental health conditions like schizophrenia or epilepsy, or if you deal with chronic pain, you should talk to your doctor.

Can EFT Tapping Replace Traditional Therapy?

EFT tapping can help with different problems. It is not a way to replace traditional therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy. Instead, EFT tapping can be a useful tool to use along with traditional treatments. This can benefit people who are looking for ways to manage emotional and psychological disorders.