Heal with Precision: Understanding EFT Tapping Points
In this article, you will learn about the EFT Tapping Points, their location and function, how are they connected to the meridians in the body, and how clinical EFT helps in lowering stress to create health and vitality.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a simple and powerful alternative therapy technique that utilises the EFT tapping points on the fingers and body points connected to the meridian system while talking out loud to release stress, tension, and emotional pain to feel lighter, happier, and at peace.
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES And Tapping?
EFT is a therapy technique, developed by Gary Craig in 1997, is a clinically proven stress-relieving tapping process, made popular by the Tapping Solution App, that is practiced by millions of people all over the world.
EFT Tapping works by stimulating the tapping points while saying specific statements out loud to lower stress, anxiety, fears, and past trauma to calm the nervous system.
WHAT IS CLINICAL EFT?
There is Emotional Freedom Techniques and then there is Clinical EFT which has been shown in clinical studies to relieve stress, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological symptoms such as anxiety, obesity, fear, phobias, depressive symptoms, and physical pain. In addition, clinical EFT improves multiple physiological markers and clinically, its efficacy is documented in multiple systematic reviews (1).
The most significant clinical evidence for EFT is to reduce PTSD symptoms by lowering the stress hormone cortisol by stimulating the nine tapping points, letting go of the past, and instilling positive thinking. As a result of the clinical data, Clinical EFT is no longer recognised as an alternative treatment but a mainstream form of therapy.
Clinical EFT can only be learned with a master trainer during EFT Practitioner Training (accredited by EFT international) and follows proposed clinical guidelines (1).
EFT treatment can help with psychological trauma symptom improvement in a tapping session using the EFT tapping sequence to clear negative emotions and provide mental focus.
WHAT ARE MERIDIANS?
EFT Tapping basics have evolved from ancient therapeutic practices such as acupuncture, acupressure, and Thought Field Therapy (TFT) and work by stimulating the tapping points associated with the meridians.
Meridians are energy channels that run throughout your body and through all of your major organs. These energy pathways supply life force energy or Qi to all parts of the body.
This distribution network of meridians is known as the Meridian System, a concept that was derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Acupuncturists adjust their patients' energy by inserting needles at specific points along the meridian points.
EFT is an alternative treatment that works in the same way, but without the needles; instead, the fingers are used to tap on certain points on each side of the body, combining principles of modern psychology and ancient Chinese acupressure (2).
HOW IS EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE RELATED TO MERIDIANS?
The meridians are channels through which energy flows. Sometimes these meridians, get blocked.
Therapies, like acupuncture, work on these blocks. EFT is based on the same theory as acupuncture, but without needles.
EFT Tapping utilises the meridian points that are connected to the:
- Bladder meridian
- Gall bladder meridian
- Heart meridian
- Kidney meridian
- Large intestine meridian
- Liver meridian
- Lung meridian
- Pericardium meridian
- Small intestine meridian
- Spleen meridian
- Stomach meridian
- Triple warmer meridian
EFT Tapping Points are entry or exit points on various meridians on each side of the body. So, tapping triggers kinetic energy into all the blocked meridians and clears the Meridian System.
WHAT ARE THE EFT TAPPING POINTS?
In order to reduce emotional distress and enhance emotional well-being, this therapy entails stimulating particular body spots associated with the meridians and these are known as EFT Tapping points.
WHERE ARE THE EFT TAPPING POINTS LOCATED?
These are the EFT tapping points as per the clinical guidelines:
- Karate chop point: This is the outer border of the fleshy portion of your hand. That's where a karate chop would be applied. This is frequently used as the introduction, where you lay out your concern or issue.
- Top of the head point: At the top of the head, where the hair whorl is located.
- Eyebrow point: This location is located closest to the nose bridge at the start of your eyebrow.
- Side of the eye point: This is situated on the bone that forms the outer corner of your eye.
- Beneath the eye point (also known as under the eye): This is located on the eye socket bone directly beneath your eye.
- Under the nose point: This location is situated in the space between your top lip and nose.
- Upper lip chin point: This point is located in the crease of your chin, directly beneath your lower lip.
- Collarbone point: This point is located beneath your throat, at the intersection of your collarbone and breastbone.
- Below the arm point: This location is approximately 4 inches beneath your underarm on the side of the body.
- Thumb point: This is located on the side of your thumb where the pad of your thumb and nail meet.
- Index finger point: This is located on the area where the nail and finger pad meet on the side of your finger. The side facing your thumb is this one.
- Middle finger point: This is located where the nail and finger pad meet on the side of your middle finger.
- Little finger point: This is located on the side of your little finger where the pad of your finger meets your nail. The side facing your ring finger is this one.
THE HAND TAPPING POINTS
There are points on the side of the hand and the wrist in addition to the fingers.
1.
Karate Chop (Side of hand)
Location - At the centre of the outside part of your hands, between the wrist and the base of the little finger, also referred to as the point on the hands used to deliver a karate chop.
Description - This point is on the small intestine meridian. It is used to start the tapping sequence.
Meridian - Small intestine meridian
Corrects - Psychological reversal, which is a sub-conscious block to the Emotional Freedom Technique. It occurs when the energy flow becomes reversed, and nothing seems to work.
2.
The Wrist Point
Location: On the inner side of your wrist, about one inch below the base of your palm, in line with your pinky finger. It's situated on the crease where your wrist starts.
Description: This point is often used to address emotions related to anxiety, fear, and stress. It's a valuable addition to the EFT Tapping points sequence.
Meridian: Heart protector meridian
Function: Tapping on the wrist point can help reduce feelings of nervousness and tension. It's also beneficial for calming the mind and promoting emotional balance.
THE FACIAL TAPPING POINTS
The EFT Tapping facial points are listed below along with their associated meridians:
1.
Top of the head tapping point
Location - Crown (top) of the head. This point is also known as the Hundred Meeting Point as many meridian pathways cross at the crown of the head.
Meridian - Governing meridian
Releases - Inner critic, lack of focus, and hamster wheel thinking.
Allows - Insight, intuition, spiritual connection, spiritual discernment, focus, wisdom, and clarity.
2.
Eyebrow tapping point
Location - At the beginning of both the eyebrows, just above the nose
Meridian - Bladder meridian
Releases - Trauma, hurt, sadness, nervousness, lack of patience, and frustration.
Allows - Inner peace, and emotional healing.
3.
Side of the eye tapping point
Location - On the bones bordering the outer corners of both the eyes
Meridian - Gall bladder meridian
Releases - Rage, anger, resentment, fear of change, and muddled thinking.
Allows - Clarity, compassion, and understanding.
4.
Under the eye tapping point
Location - On the bones just below both the eyes
Meridian - Stomach meridian
Releases - Fear, anxiety, worry, emptiness, nervousness, and disappointment.
Allows - Contentment, calmness, feeling safe, and feeling "all is well."
5.
Under the nose tapping point
Location - Between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip
Description - This point is on the governing meridian. It helps in releasing shame-related emotions and triggering self-empowerment.
Meridian - Governing meridian
Releases - Embarrassment, shame, guilt, grief, fear of ridicule, powerlessness, fear of failure, psychological reversals
Allows - Self-empowerment, self-acceptance, and compassion.
6.
Chin tapping point
Location - Midway between the chin and the middle of the lower lip
Meridian - Central meridian
Releases - Embarrassment, shame, confusion, uncertainty, and indecisiveness
Allows -Self-acceptance, clarity, certainty, and self-confidence.
7.
Collarbone tapping point
Location - Below the collarbone
Meridian - Kidney meridian (Adrenals)
Releases - Psychological reversal, worry, indecision, feeling stuck, and general stress.
Allows - Clarity, certainty, and ease in moving forward.
8.
Under Arm tapping point
Location - Under the arms about 10 cm from the armpit.
Meridian - Spleen meridian
Releases - Guilt, obsession, worry, insecurity, hopelessness, and poor self-esteem.
Allows - Clarity, certainty, relaxation, and compassion.
THE UPPER BODY TAPPING POINTS
In addition to the facial tapping points, there are points on the upper body. These include:
1.
Sore Spot
Location - On the chest where the lymph drains. This point is about 3 inches below the collarbone. You generally start tapping with the Karate chop. However, you can use an alternative point, which is known as the tender/sore spot. To stimulate this spot, rub it in a circular motion.
Meridian - Related to the lymphatic system
Allows - This point is a good place to start tapping with in cases of low self-esteem. It is also used for psychological reversal, which is a sub-conscious block to EFT Tapping.
Important: Do not tap on the sore spot.
2.
Under the Breast Point
Location: Beneath the breast, where the ribcage meets the soft tissue of the chest wall.
Meridian: Liver meridian.
Allows: Tapping on the under-the-breast point can help release emotional blockages related to femininity, self-worth, setting boundaries, and feelings of safety.
THE FINGER TAPPING POINTS
In addition to the EFT Tapping facial and upper points, there are points on the fingers and the hands that are used for tapping.
The EFT Tapping finger and hand points are mentioned below:
1.
Thumb
Location: On the side of the thumb, near the base of the nail, opposite the index finger.
Meridian: Lung meridian
Allows: Tapping on the thumb point can help in letting go of negative emotions and promoting emotional balance.
2.
Little Finger
Location: On the side of the little finger, near the base of the nail, opposite the thumb.
Meridian: Heart meridian
Function: Tapping on the little finger point can help release emotional blockages and promote a sense of emotional well-being.
3.
Middle Finger
Location: On the side of the middle finger, near the base of the nail, opposite the index finger.
Meridian: Pericardium meridian
Allows: Tapping on the middle finger point can help in releasing emotional tension and restoring emotional equilibrium.
4.
Index Finger
Location: On the side of this finger, near the base of the nail, opposite the thumb.
Meridian: Large intestine meridian
Allows: Tapping on this point can help release emotional tension and foster emotional equilibrium.
Avoid tapping on this finger if pregnant or in the process of conceiving.
Note: The ring finger is not always used because the 9-Gamut point is on the same meridian.
The actual point on the ring finger is on the opposite edge of the finger (in red), as shown below.
THE LOWER BODY TAPPING POINTS
1.
The Ankle Point
Location: On the inner side of the ankle, just above the anklebone.
Meridian: Kidney meridian
Allows: Tapping on the ankle point can help release emotional blockages, promote grounding, and bring emotional balance.
Avoid this point if pregnant or in the process of conceiving.
2.
The Calf Points
- Location: On the side of the calf muscle, about four inches below the knee.
- Meridian: Associated with the Stomach meridian
- Allows: Tapping on the calf points can help release emotional tension and promote a sense of relaxation.
HOW TO TAP?
In the framework of the alternative therapy method, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), tapping is a methodical series of light taps on several body spots intended to reduce emotional discomfort and enhance emotional health.
Here are the steps on how to use EFT for tapping:
Determine the Problem: Clearly state the emotional issue, issue, or feeling that needs to be addressed and rate the initial intensity.
Setup Phrase: To begin, create a setup phrase. For example, "Even though I have this [state the issue], I deeply and completely love and accept myself."
Karate Chop Point: Repeat your setup phrase three times while tapping the fleshy area on the outer edge of your opposite hand with the four fingers of one hand.
Tapping Sequence: Using your fingertips, go through each tapping point on one or both sides of the body while concentrating on the problem.
Reminder Phrase: As you tap each point, summarise the problem with a succinct reminder phrase. If anxiety is the problem you're having, for instance, your reminder phrase can be "this anxiety."
Close: The EFT tapping round ends on the Karate Chop with the words, "I deeply and completely accept myself", creating a space for self-love and acceptance.
Repeat the pattern: Perform many rounds of the tapping pattern while utilising the reminder phrase. Try to feel the feelings as you tap and let go of any resistance.
Evaluate Your Feelings: Following a few rounds, pause to rate your emotional intensity (or initial intensity) on a 0–10 scale, with 10 representing the highest feeling. At times there can be physical reactions or sensations that are part of the healing process.
Final Thought: As you conclude the tapping, take a moment to relax and repeat a positive thought, like "I choose to release this [issue] and welcome positive change."
USEFUL AFFIRMATIONS WITH EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE
Here are some useful EFT Tapping affirmations that you can practice:
Anxiety:
"Even though I feel anxious, I deeply and completely accept myself."
"I release this anxiety and choose to embrace a sense of calm."
"I am safe, and I let go of worry and fear."
Stress:
"Even though I'm stressed, I choose to release this tension and deeply and completely accept and love myself anyway."
"I release any stress and welcome a peaceful state of mind."
"I acknowledge my stress and choose to tap into my inner strength."
Self-Confidence:
"Even though I doubt myself, I deeply and completely accept myself."
"I release self-doubt and embrace my worth and potential."
"I am confident, capable, and deserving of success."
Emotional Pain:
"Even though I'm carrying emotional pain and it's causing physical pain, I completely accept the pain and choose to heal and let go."
"I release past hurts and open my heart to healing and growth."
"I am resilient, and I release the pain that no longer serves me."
Body Image:
"Even though I struggle with body image, I deeply and completely love and honor myself."
"I release any negative beliefs about my body and cultivate self-acceptance."
"I embrace my body's uniqueness and choose to feel confident."
Fear:
"Even though I'm feeling fearful, I choose to release this fear and find inner peace."
"I let go of fear and trust that I am capable of overcoming challenges."
"I am brave, and I welcome courage into my life."
Anger:
"Even though I'm angry, I choose to release this anger and choose a peaceful response."
"I release any pent-up anger and invite harmony into my emotions."
"I am in control of my emotions, and I choose to respond with compassion."
CONCLUSION
Consider the meridian system in the human body to be a water distribution system in your home, where the pipes from the tank connect to all the taps. Now, if the pipes are free from blocks, there is a continuous supply of water when you open the taps.
However, if there are blocks in the pipes or the taps, water does not flow freely and there is no water supply. If you clear the blockages, water flows again freely.
Similarly, the pipes are the meridians and the taps are parts/organs in your body. If there are no blocks in the meridians, the energy flows freely to the various parts/organs. However, if there are blockages, there is disharmony in the body, and until the blocks are cleared, the energy cannot flow freely.
With EFT Tapping, EFT Practitioners clear these blockages (to treat posttraumatic stress disorder) by tapping on the entry and exit meridian points to lower stress and create health.
Love,
Dr Rangana Rupavi Choudhuri (PhD)
In summary, the Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT Tapping combines talk therapy with tapping on meridian points, helping you to gain relief from the surface as well as deep-rooted emotional, physical, and psychological challenges. The tapping points are located on the face, upper body, hands, fingers, and the lower body.
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