Tapping is an effective technique that has been studied and proven to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), or tapping is a type of acupressure treatment that helps to restore balance and disrupted energy. EFT is used to help veterans with PTSD and people who are in treatment for anxiety, depression, chronic pain and insomnia. Like acupuncture, EFT focuses on the body’s meridian points (energy spots) to restore balance to your body’s energy. Instead of needles used in acupuncture, EFT uses fingertip tapping to apply pressure to these points.
EFT in 4 steps
1. Identify and name the issue or fear you have, focusing on 1 problem at a time.
2. Before beginning, rate the intensity of your anxiety or problem from a 1-10. This will give you a foundation # to check in with after your practice and compare to.
3. Establish a short phrase that describes your problems which includes the 2 goals: 1-acknowledging the problem 2-fully accepting yourself despite the problem. For example: “Although I have this problem _____, I deeply and completely accept myself”. Focus on how the problem makes you feel in order to relieve the distress that is causing you.
4. Engage in EFT tapping sequence which include 9 meridian points starting at the top and working down.
Begin by tapping the karate chop point while simultaneously reciting your setup phrase three times. Then, tap each following point seven times, moving down the body in this ascending order:
- eyebrow
- side of the eye
- under the eye
- under the nose
- chin
- beginning of the collarbone
- under the arm
After tapping the underarm point, finish the sequence at the top of the head point.
At the end of the process, re-rate the intensity level you are feeling from 0-10, how does the level compare with the initial level. Repeat if necessary until you reach 0.
Using this technique as well as regular therapy sessions together can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms for most people. Call today for a FREE consultation!
Jennifer Miners, LCSW CA LIC#92574
805-232-4023