Emotional Freedom Technique, more commonly known as tapping, revolves around the principle that tapping specific points on the body can restore balance to the body's energy system, thereby addressing negative emotions and pain. I love that this specific sequence works alongside the TCM (Traditional meridian lines) and has corresponding organs, so alongside a yoga practice we can interweave more magical Eastern techniques for a powerful outcome.
How Does EFT Tapping Work?
Like acupuncture, EFT targets the meridian points, believed to be energy hotspots that, when disrupted, lead to negative emotions and physical discomfort. Gary Craig, the developer of EFT, suggests that imbalances in the body's energy are connected to pain and emotional discomfort. It is said that by accessing these meridian points, one may alleviate the symptoms resulting from previous negative experiences or emotions.
Drawing from ancient Chinese medicine, the concept of meridian points serves as channels through which the body's energy flows, maintaining overall health. EFT offers a non-invasive approach to acupuncture, utilizing fingertip tapping rather than needles. Advocates of EFT believe that this tapping technique aids in accessing the body's energy, facilitating communication with the brain regions responsible for stress regulation. Stimulating these meridian points through tapping is believed to diminish negative emotions and recalibrate the disrupted energy flow, ultimately restoring harmony within the individual.
EFT Tapping in 5 Steps
To harness the benefits of EFT tapping effectively, one can follow a structured sequence composed of five key steps. By repeating this process when dealing with multiple issues or fears, individuals can progressively reduce or eliminate the intensity of their negative emotions.
Identify the Issue : Acknowledge the specific emotion or physical pain you wish to address through EFT tapping.
Rate Intensity : Assign a level of intensity to the identified issue on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe.
Create an Affirmation : Create a positive affirmation that names your emotional of physical discomfort shared with acceptance and love.
Tapping Routine : Perform the fingertip tapping on the designated meridian points while repeating the affirmation.
Reassess : Evaluate the intensity of the issue post-tapping session and note any changes in emotional or physical distress levels.
Tapping Points
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, sometimes referred to as “karate chop” (KC): small intestine meridian
Decision making, clear thinking.
Top of head (TH): governing vessel
Balances yin/yang, regulates the body and mind.
Eyebrow (EB): bladder meridian
Soothes nervous system, helps us cope with change, resistance, fear.
Side of the eye (SE): gallbladder meridian
Stabilizes emotional states, eases dizziness, headaches, restlessness.
Under the eye (UE): stomach meridian
Mental stability, soothes worry and digestive problems.
Under the nose (UN): governing vessel
Regulates the nervous system and bodies harmony.
Chin (Ch): central vessel
Calms the mind and heart, feel nourished, rested.
Beginning of the collarbone (CB): kidney meridian
Helps us to find fluidity, soothes anxiety, anchors & helps us to feel grounded.
Under the arm (UA): spleen meridian
Clear thoughts, inquisitive learning, problem solving.
Begin by tapping the side of hand point while simultaneously reciting your affirmation three times. Then, tap each following point seven times, moving down the body in this ascending order:
Top of the head
eyebrow
side of the eye
under the eye
under the nose
chin
beginning of the collarbone
under the arm
Finish at the top of the head
Your Affirmation
When we are exploring a phase or mantra, we want to acknowledge how we truly feel within that moment, we are not filtering or blurring the edges, for us to overcome emotional discomfort it's important to speak clearly. Here are a few examples:
Even though I feel angry because of [A person], I love and accept myself wholly.
Even though [A conversation] has made me feel upset. I love and accept myself completely.
Even though I am [Letting it go], I deeply and completely accept myself.
Even though I feel that [I am not okay as I am], I love and accept myself completely.
Even though I think [I am not as good as another], I love and accept myself wholly.
Even though I believe that [I don’t belong], I deeply and completely accept myself.
Even though I fear [I won’t be accepted], I deeply and completely accept myself.
Even though I feel [Let down], I deeply and completely accept myself.
Reframes or short mantras that can be gentle reminders after the practice or even a little love note to yourself over the following days:
I am worthy of love
I am open to joy
I am true to myself
I take care of myself
I end relationships that are not healthy
I change only myself
I am living my life fully
I speak my truth
I am myself and I enjoy it
Conclusion
EFT can be practiced anywhere anytime, maybe it's something that we visit in times of need, maybe is can become a daily practice that helps us to process and move through challenging moments. It's a lovely modality to have in your self care practice and I hope that you enjoy experimenting with the techniques!
Though ongoing research continues to explore the efficacy of EFT tapping, anecdotal evidence suggests its potential in managing anxiety and PTSD. By harmonizing the body's energy flow and addressing imbalances at a deeper level, EFT tapping offers a holistic approach to healing that goes beyond conventional methods.
In conclusion, the art of EFT tapping unveils a world where the body's energy and emotional well-being interconnect, paving the way for a harmonious balance in one's life. Let us tap into the potential that lies within – the potential of EFT tapping to unlock emotional freedom and restore equilibrium in the intricate dance of mind, body, and spirit.
Thank you for reading,
V x
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