EFT (emotional freedom technique), or tapping, helps stimulate the neural pathways, which Eastern medicine often correlates to meridians or marma points. This aligns well with Ayurveda’s system of connected wellness, in which your body, mind, senses, and soul are connected through physical, subtle, and spiritual channels to help create and maintain overall balance. As such, tapping helps relieve stress, anxiety, and shift emotional states. In fact, the VA has integrated EFT into their PTSD treatment programs for veterans.

But tapping is more than a tool to help relieve stress and anxiety. It can help remove other energy blockages as well to help you get to where you want to go.

I first tried tapping out of curiosity. It became an important addition to my self-care toolbox a year ago after a serious car accident. When I combine tapping with deep abdominal breathing, the results are even more powerful.

What I like about it the most is that it doesn’t gloss over the “bad parts”. It doesn’t tell you to “just cheer up”. Instead, it recommends that you to tap into (literally and figuratively) and acknowledge the parts that hurt before shifting them. Tapping makes you do the work so you can move forward better, more aligned.

How does tapping work?

Tapping combines gentle pressure on certain acupressure points with three types of verbal prompts. The verbal cues help move your narrative along from where you are to where you want to be.

It takes practice, patience, and time to master EFT. And there will be times when it’ll come more easily and there will be times when it’ll come more slowly. You may be drawn to do each step or sequence a few times before moving on to the next one, and that’s ok. Just go at your own pace and stick with it.

Step 1: Acknowledge the present.

Recognize and acknowledge your current emotional, mental and physical experience.

💡“Even though I’m feeling stress in my body, I honor how I feel and relax more with each tap.”

Repeat this, or something like this, as you tap on each acupoint.

Step 2: Identify root cause and lower intensity.

Get specific about the cause of distress and with each breath and tap, begin to release it.

💡“So much unknown about this job search is hard to handle.”

As you tap along, breathe deeper and with each breath, relax a bit more. You may repeat this phase several times until your emotional intensity decreases.

Step 3: Build positive momentum.

When you feel calmer, begin adding positive statements.

💡“It’s ok not to have all the answers.”

💡“I’m calm and collected, ready to move forward.”

You can repeat this tapping sequence as many times as you need to. Over time, this can help you shift from tension to action, grounded in calm.

The good thing about tapping is that you can do it at any time, anywhere. It can help you focus before a job interview, conquer self-doubt or boost your energy. The possibilities are limitless.

Intrigued?

There are many tapping resources online, but as always, it’s best to work with a qualified professional for personalized support.

And if you’re interested, I’m happy to share the script I used for acute stress disorder and PTSD after my car accident. Use it as is or make it your own. Just leave a comment.

Over to you.

Have you tried tapping—or another tool that’s made a significant impact on your life in high-stakes situations?

This article is merely intended to share a different perspective on helping manage distress or other emotions of discomfort, not to give medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation for medical advice.

Image by Ehsan Ahmadi, Unsplash