What Is EFT Tapping? 5-Step Technique for Anxiety Relief

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. It’s also referred to as tapping or psychological acupressure. People who use this technique believe that tapping the body can create a balance in your energy system and treat pain. According to its developer, Gary Craig, a disruption in energy is the cause of all negative emotions and pain.

How Does EFT Tapping Work?

EFT tapping is similar to acupuncture, focusing on the meridian points – or energy hotspots – to restore balance to your body’s energy. It’s believed that restoring this energy balance can relieve symptoms caused by a negative experience or emotion.

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What Are the Benefits of EFT Tapping?

EFT tapping has been used to treat people with anxiety and people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While still being researched, the technique has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD in war veterans. In addition, EFT tapping has been used to treat physical pain, depression, and insomnia.

How to Practice EFT Tapping

EFT tapping can be divided into five steps. If you have more than one issue or fear, you can repeat this sequence to address it and reduce or eliminate the intensity of your negative feeling.

Step 1: Identify the Issue

In order for this technique to be effective, you must first identify the issue or fear you have. This will be your focal point while you’re tapping. Focusing on only one problem at a time is purported to enhance your outcome.

Step 2: Test the Initial Intensity

After you identify your problem area, you need to set a benchmark level of intensity. The intensity level is rated on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst or most difficult. The scale assesses the emotional or physical pain and discomfort you feel from your focal issue.

Step 3: The Setup

Prior to tapping, you need to establish a phrase that explains what you’re trying to address. It must focus on two main goals: acknowledging the issues and accepting yourself despite the problem. The common setup phrase is: “Even though I have this [fear or problem], I deeply and completely accept myself.”

Step 4: EFT Tapping Sequence

The EFT tapping sequence is the methodic tapping on the ends of nine meridian points. There are 12 major meridians that mirror each side of the body and correspond to an internal organ. However, EFT mainly focuses on these nine:

* Side of hand (karate chop): small intestine meridian
* Top of head: governing vessel
* Eyebrow: bladder meridian
* Side of the eye: gallbladder meridian
* Under the eye: stomach meridian
* Under the nose: governing vessel
* Chin: central vessel
* Beginning of the collarbone: kidney meridian
* Under the arm: spleen meridian

Begin by tapping the side of hand point while simultaneously reciting your setup phrase three times. Then, tap each following point seven times, moving down the body in this ascending order.

Step 5: Test the Final Intensity

At the end of your sequence, rate your intensity level on a scale from 0 to 10. Compare your results with your initial intensity level. If you haven’t reached 0, repeat this process until you do.

Conclusion

EFT tapping is an alternative acupressure therapy treatment used to restore balance to your disrupted energy. It’s been an authorized treatment for war veterans with PTSD, and it’s demonstrated some benefits as a treatment for anxiety, depression, physical pain, and insomnia. While there are some success stories, researchers are still investigating its effectiveness on other disorders and illnesses.

FAQs

* Q: What is EFT tapping?
A: EFT tapping is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress.
* Q: How does EFT tapping work?
A: EFT tapping focuses on the meridian points – or energy hotspots – to restore balance to your body’s energy.
* Q: What are the benefits of EFT tapping?
A: EFT tapping has been used to treat people with anxiety and people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
* Q: Is EFT tapping safe?
A: Yes, EFT tapping is considered a safe and non-invasive technique. However, it’s always recommended to consult with your doctor before starting any new treatment.
* Q: Can I use EFT tapping for other disorders and illnesses?
A: While EFT tapping has been used to treat physical pain, depression, and insomnia, researchers are still investigating its effectiveness on other disorders and illnesses.