While practicing EFT, or tapping, you will softly tap on 9 specific points across your face and upper body, known as ‘tapping points’, while focusing on what you are feeling - emotionally or physically. The gentle pressure sends calming signals to your nervous system, brain and energetic body, helping release tension and restore balance. As a result, EFT can transform not only your emotional state and perspective but also your physiology - and in turn, your life.
What is tapping therapy?
EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique. It’s a powerful self-help tool that aligns the mind, brain and body, helping release emotional blockages and even physical symptoms.
By gently tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on an emotion, topic or issue, EFT works to reduce stress, rewire limiting beliefs, and promote emotional and physiological well-being.
This technique blends elements of ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology, making it a holistic approach to healing that supports both emotional and physical health.
How does tapping work?
Tapping works by sending calming signals to the brain and nervous system while simultaneously addressing emotional or physical distress.
By gently tapping on specific acupressure points, EFT helps regulate the amygdala - the part of the brain responsible for the fight-or-flight response - reducing stress and promoting a sense of safety.
This process also helps to unblock stagnant energy in the body's meridian system, allowing for a smoother flow of energy and emotional release.
As a result, tapping not only helps shift negative thought patterns but also supports overall well-being by bringing the mind and body into balance.
To learn more about the impact and benefits of tapping, head to Blog 1: What's EFT, after all?
Where are the EFT tapping points?
There are nine points used in the traditional Tapping sequence. They are:
- Karate Chop - side of the hand
- Eyebrow
- Side of eye
- Under eye
- Under nose
- Chin
- Collarbone
- Under arm
- Top of head
Image source: The Tapping Solution
Notes
- As you can see, there is a natural sequence to the tapping points, moving down the face and onto the upper body, making them easier to remember.
- These points exist on both sides of the body, so you can tap on either side or both at the same time.
- Most people use two fingers to tap each point, but feel free to adapt as needed.
- The karate chop point (side of the hand) is used for the setup statement. The other 8 remaining points can be tapped in sequence, repeating it as a round as many times as needed.
- How long should you spend on each point? That’s completely up to you! Ideally, you move through the sequence at a steady pace, but there’s no need to count taps or time yourself - what matters most is stimulating all the points.
- When practicing EFT, simply keep going through the sequence. If you forget or skip a point, don’t worry - just continue.
- The key is to apply pressure. While gentle tapping is the most common method, you can also press or rub the area - any of these techniques will effectively stimulate the acupressure points.
How is tapping done?
The process is simple. Check out this blog ‘how to do EFT?’ for the explanation of the process.
Seeking guidance on your healing journey?
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