What is EFT tapping? How to use the technique for anxiety — Calm Blog (2024)

Mental Health

Written By Calm Editorial Team

Learn what EFT tapping is, the head tapping points, and how it works as a natural therapy to relieve stress and anxiety. Plus, 9 tapping points for anxiety.

Anxiety and stress impact all of us. If you’re looking for an effective, non-invasive way to manage these feelings and support your overall wellbeing, the emotional freedom technique (EFT tapping) may be for you. A practice rooted in the principles of ancient Chinese medicine and modern psychology, this method is increasingly popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness.

What is EFT tapping?

EFT tapping is a holistic healing method that combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern psychological acupressure techniques. EFT tapping is grounded in the belief that the imbalances in the body's energy system can lead to negative emotions and health issues. By focusing on specific points in the body, EFT tapping aims to address emotional and physical distress.

Understanding EFT tapping

EFT tapping involves the gentle tapping of fingers on certain points of the body, known as acupuncture or acupressure points. These points are located along the body's meridians, which are considered the pathways through which energy flows. Unlike acupuncture, which uses needles, EFT tapping is non-invasive and does not require needles.

Practitioners tap on these specific points while focusing on a particular issue or emotion they wish to resolve. This process is believed to stimulate the energy pathways, helping to release blockages and restore balance to the body’s energy system. EFT tapping aims to reduce the intensity of negative emotions, alleviate stress, and promote overall wellbeing.

How does EFT tapping work?

EFT tapping operates on the principle that emotional distress and physical ailments are closely linked to the body's energy system. By targeting this system, EFT tapping aims to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, stress, and other emotional burdens.

The foundations of EFT tapping

The technique draws from the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture, which teaches that the body contains meridian points through which energy flows. EFT tapping, however, does not involve needles. Instead, it utilizes fingertip tapping to stimulate these meridian points, believed to be effective in reducing tension and promoting a state of emotional and physical balance.

Step-by-step guide to EFT tapping

1. Identifying the issue: Begin by pinpointing the specific emotional or physical problem you wish to address. It's important to focus on just one issue at a time to maintain clarity and effectiveness throughout the tapping process.

2. Testing the initial intensity: Assess the issue's intensity on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe. This step helps establish a baseline, allowing you to measure progress after completing the tapping sequence.

3. The setup: Prepare yourself for the tapping process by constructing a setup statement that acknowledges the issue and affirms self-acceptance despite it. This statement is typically framed as, "Even though I have this [issue], I deeply and completely accept myself." While repeating this phrase, tap gently on the side of your hand, known as the karate chop point.

4. The EFT tapping sequence: Proceed through the tapping sequence by lightly tapping on nine key meridian points in the following order:

  1. Top of the head

  2. Beginning of the eyebrows

  3. Side of the eyes

  4. Under the eyes

  5. Under the nose

  6. Chin

  7. Beginning of the collarbone

  8. Under the arms

  9. Top of the head

As you tap on each point, focus on the issue and feel the emotions associated with it. This part of the process is crucial for releasing trapped energy and creating emotional relief.

5. Testing the final intensity: After completing the tapping sequence, pause to reassess the intensity of your issue, using the same 0 to 10 scale. This evaluation helps determine the effectiveness of the session and whether additional rounds of tapping are needed to further reduce discomfort and control anxiety.

What each EFT tapping point does

Each of the nine EFT tapping points corresponds to a specific meridian point believed to influence emotional and physical health. Tapping on these points while focusing on an emotional or physical issue is believed to facilitate energy flow and release blockages, all while reducing symptoms of distress.

  1. Top of the head: Helps to promote calm and clarity

  2. Beginning of the eyebrows: Affects the bladder meridian point and alleviates worry and sadness

  3. Side of the eyes: Corresponds to the gallbladder meridian point and reduces anger and frustration

  4. Under the eyes: Targets the stomach meridian point and helps with anxiety and fear

  5. Under the nose: Influences feelings of self-compassion and emotional balance

  6. Chin: Relates to the central meridian point and aids with clarity and personal insight

  7. Beginning of the collarbone: Affects the kidney meridian point and helps to relieve stress and fear

  8. Under the arms: Corresponds to the spleen meridian point and alleviates feelings of guilt and worry

  9. Top of the head: Completes the cycle, promoting a sense of overall balance and peace

Does EFT tapping really work?

EFT tapping has gained attention and popularity as a method for reducing stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Its effectiveness, however, often prompts inquiry and skepticism. To decide if it’s right for you, consider the following professional input and evidence, as well as personal experiences and the contexts in which EFT tapping is commonly practiced.

Empirical evidence and personal experiences

Research studies have explored the efficacy of EFT tapping in various settings, focusing on outcomes related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress management. These studies have generally reported positive results, indicating that EFT tapping may be a mood booster that significantly reduces emotional distress. Many people who practice EFT tapping have shared anecdotal evidence of its benefits, including feelings of emotional relief, reduced stress levels, and improved mental health.

Clinical vs. self-administered EFT tapping

The application of EFT tapping varies widely, from self-help techniques practiced at home to structured sessions led by certified EFT practitioners. In clinical settings, EFT tapping is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan for addressing specific mental health conditions, such as PTSD, phobias, and traumatic experiences. In these settings, it’s typically implemented by healthcare professionals trained in EFT, ensuring that the technique is applied in a manner that is safe and tailored to the person’s specific therapeutic needs.

Self-administered EFT tapping is commonly used for managing routine stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. While this approach allows people to take an active role in their emotional wellbeing, it’s essential to recognize its limitations, particularly for complex or deep-seated psychological issues. For these situations, seeking guidance from a certified EFT practitioner or mental health professional is advised.

The role of EFT tapping in holistic health

EFT tapping is best understood as part of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. It complements traditional medical treatments and psychological therapies by addressing the energetic and emotional dimensions of our health. As with any therapeutic method, the effectiveness of EFT tapping varies from person to person, depending on individual circ*mstances, the nature of the issues being addressed, and the frequency and consistency of practice.

EFT tapping represents a promising, non-invasive method for alleviating emotional distress and promoting mental health. Empirical studies support its efficacy, and the personal experiences of those who practice EFT tapping also provide compelling testimony to its potential benefits. Whether used independently for managing everyday stress and anxiety or as part of a therapeutic regimen for more serious conditions, EFT tapping offers a supportive approach for improving mental health and wellbeing.

5 benefits of the EFT tapping technique for anxiety

Research suggests EFT tapping offers several benefits, especially for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress.

Reduced stress and anxiety

EFT tapping can help calm the nervous system, reducing the physiological markers of stress and anxiety.

Healthy body

By addressing the emotional aspects of eating, EFT can help reduce cravings and emotional eating.

Reduced depression

Tapping has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of depression.

Diminished post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD

EFT may help to reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reduced physical pain

Many find tapping helpful in managing chronic pain and discomfort.

Tapping technique FAQs

Can I teach myself tapping?

Yes, EFT tapping is a straightforward and user-friendly technique that you can practice on your own to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional issues. Many resources are available — including books, online tutorials, and workshops — that provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform EFT tapping effectively. For complex or persistent issues, or if you’re looking for deeper insights and personalized guidance, consulting with a certified EFT practitioner is advised.

What is tapping for PTSD?

Tapping for PTSD refers to the use of EFT tapping as a therapeutic tool to alleviate the symptoms associated with PTSD. PTSD is a condition that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. EFT tapping helps individuals with PTSD by allowing them to target and alleviate the intense emotional responses tied to their traumatic memories. Through the tapping process, they can often find relief from symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and hyperarousal. Those with PTSD need to approach EFT tapping with the support of a healthcare professional, particularly when dealing with severe or deeply rooted trauma.

Is emotional freedom technique legit?

Many healthcare professionals and researchers consider the emotional freedom technique (EFT) a legitimate complementary therapy. Numerous studies have shown that EFT tapping can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, among other emotional and physical conditions. However, it's important to note that EFT tapping is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include traditional therapy and medication. Skepticism about EFT often stems from its unconventional approach, but ongoing research continues to explore and validate its efficacy and potential benefits.

How does the tapping technique work?

The tapping technique, or EFT tapping, works by combining elements of cognitive therapy with somatic stimulation by tapping fingertips on specific meridian points on the body. This process is believed to work in several ways:

  1. Stress reduction: Tapping is thought to calm the nervous system, as it can reduce the physiological stress response and promotes relaxation.

  2. Energy flow: EFT aims to balance the body's energy system by tapping on meridian points, addressing the energetic disruptions that contribute to emotional distress.

  3. Cognitive shifts: Focusing on the issue while tapping and voicing positive affirmations can help reframe negative thought patterns, leading to emotional relief.

The effectiveness of EFT tapping is attributed to its ability to directly affect the body's stress response mechanisms and energy system, providing a holistic approach to healing. While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, many people report significant improvements in their emotional wellbeing after practicing EFT tapping.

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RegularlySometimesRarelyNever

`; // Replace with actual HTML content // Function to append HTML and add close functionality function appendHtmlAndAddCloseFunctionality(htmlSnippet, targetClass) { var targetElement = document.querySelector(targetClass); if (targetElement) { targetElement.insertAdjacentHTML('beforebegin', htmlSnippet); var closeButton = targetElement.previousElementSibling.querySelector('.quiz-close'); if (closeButton) { closeButton.addEventListener('click', function(event) { event.preventDefault(); targetElement.previousElementSibling.remove(); }); } } } // Append snippet 1 if (allowedUrlsSnippet1.includes(currentPath)) { appendHtmlAndAddCloseFunctionality(snippetHTML1, '.content'); } else if (allowedUrlsSnippet2.includes(currentPath)) { appendHtmlAndAddCloseFunctionality(snippetHTML2, '.content'); } else if (allowedUrlsSnippet3.includes(currentPath)) { appendHtmlAndAddCloseFunctionality(snippetHTML3, '.content'); } else if (currentPath.includes('journey-redirect')) { let meta = document.createElement('meta') meta.name = 'robots' meta.content = 'noindex' document.head.appendChild(meta) } else { appendHtmlAndAddCloseFunctionality(snippetHTML2, '.content') } // Quiz Flow Tracking Code // Function to extract a specific part of the URL slug function getSlugPart() { var path = window.location.pathname; // Get the pathname of the URL var slug = path.split('/').pop(); // Split the pathname by '/' and get the last part return slug || 'Unknown'; // Return the slug part or 'Unknown' if it's not available } // Function to set UTM parameters on elements with the class 'quiz-link' function setUTMParameters() { var slugPart = getSlugPart(); // Get the specific part of the slug var quizLinks = document.querySelectorAll('.quiz-link'); // Select all elements with the class 'quiz-link' quizLinks.forEach(function(link) { var originalUrl = link.href; var utmParameters = `utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=${encodeURIComponent(slugPart)}&utm_medium=organic`; // UTM parameters with the slug part var separator = originalUrl.includes('?') ? '&' : '?'; // Determine if we need to start with '?' or append with '&' link.href = `${originalUrl}${separator}${utmParameters}`; // Append UTM parameters to the URL }); } setUTMParameters(); // Execute the function when the page loads // Continue reading let cutoffBtn const eventProperties = { page_name: currentPath, calm_user_id: null } const allowedUrls = [] if (allowedUrls.includes(currentPath)) { // Article cutoff const contentWrapperRow = document.querySelector('.blog-item-content .sqs-row'); const contentWrapperCol = contentWrapperRow.querySelector('.sqs-col-12'); const cutoffBtnHtml = `

` if (contentWrapperRow && contentWrapperCol) { contentWrapperCol.classList.add('cutoff') contentWrapperRow.insertAdjacentHTML('beforeend', cutoffBtnHtml); cutoffBtn = contentWrapperRow.querySelector('.cutoff__btn__btn'); cutoffBtn.addEventListener('click', () => { contentWrapperCol.classList.remove('cutoff') cutoffBtn.parentElement.remove() if (typeof amplitude != 'undefined') { amplitude.track('Blog : Continue Reading : Clicked', eventProperties); } }) } } // Paragraphs seen, continue reading button seen const paras = document.querySelectorAll('.blog-item-content p'); const pFirst = paras[0] const pMiddle = paras[Math.round(paras.length / 2)] const pLast = paras[paras.length - 2] const eventStops = { first: false, middle: false, last: false, cutoff: false } function throttle(fn, wait) { var time = Date.now(); return function() { if ((time + wait - Date.now()) < 0) { fn(); time = Date.now(); } } } function isInViewport(element, eventKey) { if (element) { var bounding = element.getBoundingClientRect(); if ( bounding.top >= 0 && bounding.left >= 0 && bounding.right <= (window.innerWidth || document.documentElement.clientWidth) && bounding.bottom <= (window.innerHeight || document.documentElement.clientHeight) && !eventStops[eventKey] ) { eventStops[eventKey] = true return true; } } } const sendEvents = order => { if (order === 'cutoff') { dataLayer.push({'event': 'continue_reading_seen'}) if (typeof amplitude != 'undefined') amplitude.track('Blog : Continue Reading : Seen', eventProperties); } else { dataLayer.push({'event': `${order}_paragraph`}) if (typeof amplitude != 'undefined') amplitude.track(`Blog : Article Scroll : ${capitalizeFirstLetter(order)} Paragraph`, eventProperties); } } const checkParaSendEvent = () => { if (isInViewport(pFirst, 'first')) sendEvents('first'); if (isInViewport(pMiddle, 'middle')) sendEvents('middle'); if (isInViewport(pLast, 'last')) sendEvents('last'); if (isInViewport(cutoffBtn, 'cutoff')) sendEvents('cutoff') } const capitalizeFirstLetter = (string) => { return string.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + string.slice(1); } window.addEventListener('scroll', throttle(checkParaSendEvent, 150)) // Topic Targeted App Audio Track CTAs const ctaToReplace = document.querySelectorAll('img[src*="try-calm-for-free.png"]')[0] const appAudioData = [ { title: 'sleep_quality', html: `

5 tools you need to sleep better tonight

  • Improve your sleep with these science-backed tips
  • From neuroscientist and sleep expert, Dr. Matthew Walker
  • Bite-sized audio lessons for long-term results

Sleep Better

Easy Tips for Better Sleep

Dr. Mathew Walker Neuroscientist and Sleep Expert
  • Don't Try, and Don't Worry! 4 min
  • Your Sleep Type 5 min
  • Sleep and Your Mood 4 min
  • Your Sleep Environment 4 min
  • Sleeping with Your Phone 4 min

Sleep Better

`, urls: ['/blog/vivid-dreams','/blog/how-to-prevent-nightmares','/blog/why-dont-i-remember-my-dreams','/blog/stress-dreams','/blog/waking-up-tired','/blog/how-to-get-more-deep-sleep','/blog/how-to-get-over-jet-lag','/blog/sleep-anxiety','/blog/screen-time-before-bed'] }, { title: 'grounding', html: `

Get grounded in three minutes

  • Calm your body and mind using your breath
  • From former monk and bestselling author, Jay Shetty
  • Short audio practice to help you find balance

Calm Your Mind

Jay Shetty Author, Coach, Former Monk

Calm Your Mind

`, urls: ['/blog/5-4-3-2-1-a-simple-exercise-to-calm-the-mind','/blog/how-to-stop-intrusive-thoughts','/blog/box-breathing','/blog/driving-anxiety','/blog/grounding-techniques','/blog/how-to-stop-overthinking'] }, { title: 'fall_asleep', html: `

Ready to fall asleep with ease tonight?

  • Quiet your mind and body using this guided exercise
  • From mindfulness specialist Chibs Okereke
  • Soothing audio session to unwind into sleep

Get To Sleep

Chibs Okereke Mindfulness Instructor

Get To Sleep

`, urls: ['/blog/racing-thoughts-at-night','/blog/why-do-i-keep-waking-up-at-3am','/blog/breathing-exercises-for-sleep'] }, { title: 'work_stress', html: `

How to beat work stress & burnout like a boss

  • Relieve stress and anxiety quickly during the workday
  • From stress and burnout specialist, Chibs Okereke
  • Short exercises to help you find your calm

Take a Break

Quick Breaks

Chibs Okereke Mindfulness Instructor
  • Managing Overwhelm 5 min
  • 60 Second Reboot 1 min
  • Step Away From the Computer 4 min
  • Let's Unplug 4 min

Take a Break

`, urls: ['/blog/how-to-recover-from-burnout','/blog/beat-burnout','/blog/sunday-scaries'] }, { title: 'sleep_sounds', html: `

The music you need for better sleep

  • Get more restful sleep with delta wave music
  • Produced with Binaural Beats, scientifically shown to enhance sleep
  • 8 hours of music for deep sleep

Get Deep Sleep

Delta Waves for Deep Sleep

Curated by experts at Calm
  • Halting Thoughts (Delta 145 Hz - 147 Hz) 60 min
  • Slow Release (Delta Binaural) 60 min
  • Careful Mind (Delta 83 Hz - 84 Hz) 60 min
  • Calm Body (Delta Binaural) 59 min

Get Deep Sleep

`, urls: ['/blog/what-is-green-noise','/blog/sounds-to-help-you-sleep','/blog/best-music-to-fall-asleep-to'] }, { title: 'anxiety', html: `

The 11 anti-anxiety tools you need in your life

  • Relieve anxiety with these game-changing tools
  • From clinical psychologist & online educator, Dr. Julie Smith
  • Bite-sized audio sessions for long-term relief

Overcome Anxiety

Overcome Stress and Anxiety

Dr. Julie Smith Clinical Psychologist and Educator
  • Calm Your Heart with Deeper Breaths 3 min
  • Challenge Your Negative Thoughts 4 min
  • Guided Breathing to Release Tension 10 min
  • Distance Yourself From Anxious Thoughts 5 min
  • Create Emotional Safety 4 min

Overcome Anxiety

`, urls: ['/blog/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack','/blog/how-to-calm-anxiety-attack','/blog/breathing-exercises-for-anxiety','/blog/feeling-anxious-for-no-reason','/blog/flight-anxiety-tips','/blog/affirmations-for-anxiety'] }, { title: 'relationships', html: `

How to cultivate happier and healthier relationships

  • Strengthen your connections (even during conflict)
  • From the Head of Mindfulness at Calm
  • 12 audio sessions to create lasting change

Improve Your Relationships

Relationships with Others Series

Tamara Levitt Head of Mindfulness at Calm
  • Nurturing Relationships 10 min
  • Holding Space 10 min
  • Listening 10 min
  • Boundaries 10 min
  • Empathy 10 min

Improve Your Relationships

`, urls: ['/blog/how-to-overcome-social-anxiety','/blog/questions-to-ask-to-get-to-know-someone','/blog/taking-a-break-in-a-relationship','/blog/anxiety-in-relationships','/blog/long-distance-relationship','/blog/emotional-connection','/blog/first-date-nerves'] } ] appAudioData.forEach(instance => { if (instance.urls.includes(currentPath) && ctaToReplace) { const ctaToReplaceWrapper = ctaToReplace.closest('.sqs-row') if (ctaToReplaceWrapper) { ctaToReplaceWrapper.insertAdjacentHTML('beforebegin', instance.html) ctaToReplaceWrapper.remove() } return } })}); // Audio Sample Functionality Codewindow.onload = function() { // Replace 'audioFileURL' with the direct link to your audio file const audioFileURL = 'https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57b5ef68c534a5cc06edc769/t/65a78d86aa34af6af3428203/1705479566073/SLEP_0184_DreamWithMe_EN_2CH_MK_20230802_HomepageCutdown.mp3/original/SLEP_0184_DreamWithMe_EN_2CH_MK_20230802_HomepageCutdown.mp3'; // Getting the play/pause button by its ID and icons by their IDs const playPauseButton = document.getElementById('harry-styles-sleep-story-play-pause-button'); const playIcon = document.getElementById('harry-styles-sleep-story-play-icon'); const pauseIcon = document.getElementById('harry-styles-sleep-story-pause-icon'); // Check if elements exist if (playPauseButton && playIcon && pauseIcon) { // Initially hide the pause icon pauseIcon.style.display = 'none'; // Creating the audio object const audio = new Audio(audioFileURL); // Event listener for play/pause button playPauseButton.addEventListener('click', function() { if (audio.paused) { audio.play(); playIcon.style.display = 'none'; pauseIcon.style.display = 'block'; } else { audio.pause(); playIcon.style.display = 'block'; pauseIcon.style.display = 'none'; } }); // Dispatch the custom event after the player is ready let e = new Event("amplitudeaudioloaded"); document.dispatchEvent(e); }};

tappingeft

Calm Editorial Team

What is EFT tapping? How to use the technique for anxiety — Calm Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is EFT tapping? How to use the technique for anxiety — Calm Blog? ›

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an emerging practice that involves gently tapping specific points on your body while focusing on a calming phrase. Some common areas to engage in tapping include the outer palm, center of your forehead, below your nose, and below your lip, just to name a few.

What is the EFT method for anxiety? ›

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or Tapping is an effective, efficacious, and evidenced-based practice that can relieve feelings of stress and anxiety quickly and then practiced by the individual on their own. Stress and anxiety reduction lead to feelings of well-being which support psychological health.

How to use tapping to calm anxiety? ›

4. The EFT tapping sequence: Proceed through the tapping sequence by lightly tapping on nine key meridian points in the following order:
  1. Top of the head.
  2. Beginning of the eyebrows.
  3. Side of the eyes.
  4. Under the eyes.
  5. Under the nose.
  6. Chin.
  7. Beginning of the collarbone.
  8. Under the arms.
Apr 4, 2024

What is EFT tapping and how does it work? ›

EFT tapping falls into the category of body-centered therapies. Tapping draws on the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture, which teaches that the body's energy travels along specific pathways. Certain points on these pathways are stimulated to improve the flow of energy.

What are the 5 steps to tapping? ›

To help you and your children practice Tapping, here's how to do Tapping in 5 easy steps:
  1. Step 1: Find the feeling. ...
  2. Step 2: Tap on the karate chop point and say the worry. ...
  3. Step 3: Go through the points again with a more neutral tone. ...
  4. Step 4: The fun part! ...
  5. Step 5: Focus on how your child feels now. ...
  6. Final Words.

How do I start tapping? ›

How to do EFT
  1. Think of an issue that's bothering you. ...
  2. Measure how your issue makes you feel. ...
  3. Create a statement that describes your issue, followed by a statement of self-acceptance. ...
  4. Tap repeatedly on the edge of your palm, below your little finger. ...
  5. Now tap on the rest of the points on your body, one at a time.

What to say when tapping for anxiety? ›

Create a statement that describes your issue, followed by a statement of self-acceptance. For example, you could say, "Even though I feel anxious about work tomorrow, I deeply and completely accept myself." Or you could say, "Even though my partner broke up with me, I deeply and completely accept myself."

Where is the best place to tap for anxiety? ›

Where Do You Tap for Anxiety?
  • The side of your hand.
  • The inside of your eyebrow, where the hair of your eyebrow starts.
  • The side of your eye.
  • The area just under your eye.
  • The area under your nose.
  • The area between your bottom lip and chin.
  • Roughly two inches below your collarbone.
Jun 30, 2023

Why should tapping be avoided? ›

Some people may experience more pain or discomfort during a tapping session, and there is a risk that the technique could potentially exacerbate existing mental health problems or even lead to new ones. Given all of these concerns, it is clear that tapping should be avoided as a treatment for mental health problems.

Does EFT really work? ›

EFT tapping has been shown to be beneficial for people experiencing anxiety, depression, phobias and PTSD. However, Ewing says although there are many scientific studies showing the benefits of EFT tapping, it's not as widely accepted as other holistic or complementary therapies, such as acupuncture.

What are the risks of EFT tapping? ›

Are there any side-effects of EFT? Most people have no negative after-effects from EFT. Quite the reverse. But a few do experience something unusual – tingling, numbness, uneasiness, fatigue.

How long does it take for EFT tapping to work? ›

Lower intensity issues may only require four or five rounds to provide relief, while more intense issues may take 10 or 12 rounds. Intense or chronic issues are best addressed through consistent tapping over time. The benefits are cumulative, meaning you will get the best results by tapping everyday.

What does EFT tapping do to the brain? ›

Any imbalance can influence disease or sickness. Acupuncture uses needles to apply pressure to these energy points. EFT uses fingertip tapping to apply pressure. Proponents say the tapping helps you access your body's energy and send signals to the part of the brain that controls stress.

Is EFT scientifically proven? ›

Several recent studies suggest that EFT may be effective for some conditions, such as anxiety and PTSD. However, the research to date is limited, and some of the studies are very small. One criticism is that some of the earlier studies have flaws in their scientific methods, which can make the results unreliable.

How many fingers do you use for tapping? ›

Then, you tap alternately, using the fingertips of the left and right hand to tap softly. Most people use all five fingers on each hand, but depending on what part of the body you are tapping, there are times when it is easier to omit the thumb or little finger.

What are the basics of EFT therapy? ›

The basic idea in EFT is that although emotions are basically adaptive, they can become problematic for a variety of reasons: past traumas, skill deficits (e.g., never having learned to symbolize emotions in awareness or having been taught to ignore or dismiss them), or emotion avoidance (for fear of their impact on ...

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