Tapping or, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a powerful technique that I often recommend to my patients. It can dramatically reduce negative emotional states and fears and, since many physical symptoms have their root in emotional traumas., it can be helpful for pain conditions, as well.
I learned about Tapping through a friend of a friend who is an exceptional psychotherapist and had been practicing psychotherapy for 20+ years. When the Newton town shooting occurred, a terrible tragedy in a small town in Connecticut, in which a shooter entered a school and shot & killed, many people, mostly children, this psychotherapist volunteered to work with the friends and family’s of the victims.
She chose to implement EFT for these individuals and, she recognized that it was even more effective than her standard psychotherapy sessions. She told me that she found it so effective, in fact, that is the only method she now uses with her patients.
The best part of Tapping/EFT, in my opinion, is that it’s free! You don’t need anything other than a clear focus on a problem, phobia, or negative emotional state, some self-compassion, and your own two hands. Just tap in a certain sequence, focusing on the problem at hand and self-acceptance of such a problem. Many people choose to speak to themselves out loud saying such things as, “Although I am afraid of speaking in front of the 100 people who will be at my lecture tomorrow, I complete love and accept myself.” Another example would be, “Although my migraines cause me frustration and I often take
it out on my husband and children, I complete and fully love and accept myself.”If you don't think you have much self-compassion, fake it until you make it! This is how you retrain your brain by making new neural connections.
Youtube is a great place to learn and introduce yourself to Tapping. There are thousands of videos with people who will guide you through tapping exercises. Sequences of points to tap and styles of EFT vary but, I recommend finding one that you like and committing to try it 1-2 times per day for an entire week. You should be checking in with yourself before and after each session so that you can see how differently (ie. how much better) it makes you feel!
I have personally witnessed the power of tapping in many areas of my life and, it has been a tremendous help in overcoming my strong phobia of public speaking. I enjoy using calming essential oils while Tapping as, these have a powerful effect on the Limbic system, which is the primordial part of the brain involved in 'fight or flight' responses. Just put 1-2 drops of an essential oil of your choice (Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Vetiver, Frankincense are all helpful for the nervous system) onto your palms, rub your palms together, close your eyes, bring your palms up to your nose, and take a long, deep inhalation.
I hope this post is useful and I sincerely hope you choose to implement Tapping, or EFT, into your life so you too, can derive the benefits. For more information, see www.thetappingsolution.com or book an appointment with me, Allison, Licensed Acupuncturist, at Basic Balance in Devine Back & Body Care.