WHAT IS EFT TAPPING?
Emotional Freedom Technique (also referred to as EFT or Tapping) is a form of psychology that uses physical tapping techniques to combine the mind, body and its energy fields. The action of tapping is done to treat different emotional and physical illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
HOW DO YOU TAP?
EFT tapping therapy combines aspects of cognitive therapy, exposure therapy and physical touch. For each time you run through this practice, try targeting one specific issue at a time. If you are able to identify more than one fear or stressor, feel free to repeat the process shifting your focus every time. As with meditation, think of this as a practice; set yourself goals to work toward, not necessarily something you’re trying to perfect.
Identify a single concern or fear. Before and after your tapping session rate the level of distress this issue brings you. Use the 1-10 Subjective Unit of Distress (SUDS) scale, with 10 being the most distressing.
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
• accepting yourself despite the problem For example a setup statement could be
“”Even though I feel [scared in this moment] because of [PTSD], I deeply and completely accept myself.“
Each point is tapped in a specific sequence about five to seven times. While tapping, the participate repeats a short phrase to maintain focus on the problem at hand.
Here’s our friend Sarah Aborn, demonstrating Tapping or EFT
HOW DOES TAPPING WORK?
This technique is believed to balance the energy system within the body by targeting “hot spots” or meridian points with rhythmic fingertip tapping. Research suggests the tapping sends signals to the brain, allowing access to negative emotions or issues needing balance.
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 acupressure points:
• 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
• collarbone kidney meridian
• under the arm spleen meridian
TAPPING AND RESEARCH
Through research and studies, EFT has been seen to effectively treat many symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, headaches, addiction and other similar physical and emotional challenges. EFT has also been seen to improve brain function and structure among those who use it regularly. Here are some recent studies:
Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health
If you struggle with anxiety or depression and want a more natural approach to healing from within, we suggest looking into EFT Tapping. Other natural methods to help include acupuncture and/or acupressure. If you have any questions regarding how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help aid your anxiety and depression, schedule an appointment with us.
