How to Use EFT Tapping for Allergies And Soothe Its Symptoms?
Allergy turns the simplest joys of life into discomfort and inconvenience. In this article, you will learn about the healing world of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) that can tackle both the physical and emotional aspects of allergies. Read on to find out how EFT Tapping for allergies works, the science behind its effectiveness, and tapping steps to incorporate in your daily routine.
WHAT ARE ALLERGIES | Causes of allergies | Types of allergies and their signs and symptoms | Tests to detect allergies | THE CONCEPT OF INNER CHILD HEALING FOR ALLERGIES MANAGEMENT | How to use EFT Tapping for Allergies management | EFT TAPPING STEPS TO HEAL FROM ALLERGIES | CASE STUDIES SUPPORTING THE EFFICACY OF EFT TAPPING IN OVERCOMING ALLERGIES | BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY CALL
Do you find allergies turning a beautiful spring day into a sneeze-fest? Or maybe transform a delicious meal into a battle with itching and swelling?
You are not alone. From sneezing fits to itchy eyes, allergies significantly impact ones quality of life.
But there exists a natural, non-invasive relief. As a therapist, I had the privilege of guiding a client struggling with severe allergies to gluten and dairy which she believed were tied to past trauma and emotional struggles.
These unresolved emotional wounds impacted her physically as autoimmune conditions like celiac disease and Hashimoto's. By addressing her feelings of rejection and embracing self-love, she experienced significant improvements in her allergies.
One of my other clients Sudha, also experienced significant improvement in her allergy symptoms. She could sleep peacefully and deeply the entire night, which had become a rarity for her in recent months. With Emotional Freedom Techniques, also known as EFT Tapping she observed the sensations calmly and peacefully.
EFT Tapping is a holistic healing modality that combines elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern psychology. By tapping on specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on you specific issue, you can find easy relief from all kinds of distress.
Before we go deeper into how EFT Tapping works with allergies, let’s have an overview of allergies and their relation with physical and emotional health.
What are allergies?
Allergies occur when your body reacts excessively to foreign proteins, known as allergens. While these allergens are typically harmless, patients with allergies experience an exaggerated response from their immune system when exposed to them.
What is an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction is a response from your immune system when it defends against substances that typically don’t pose a threat to the human body.
These substances are known as allergens. You can have an allergic reaction after inhaling, eating, or touching an allergen.
Causes of allergies
An allergic reaction begins when the immune system incorrectly identifies a typically harmless substance as a threat. In response, the immune system produces antibodies specific to that allergen. Upon subsequent exposure to the allergen, these antibodies prompt the release of immune system chemicals, including histamine, which trigger allergy symptoms.
Types of allergies and their signs and symptoms
Allergens vary widely, and sufferers may react differently to them, ranging from mild to severe responses. The most common allergic reactions are:
1.
Skin allergy
Skin allergy, also known as allergic dermatitis or eczema, occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, leading to an immune system response. Common triggers for skin allergies include:
- Contact Allergens: These are substances that directly contact the skin and trigger an allergic reaction. Examples include certain metals (like nickel), cosmetics, fragrances, latex, and certain plants (such as poison ivy).
- Atopic Dermatitis: This is a chronic skin condition characterised by red, itchy, inflamed skin. It often runs in families and is associated with other allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever.
- Hives (Urticaria): Hives are raised, red welts on the skin that are often itchy. They can be triggered by allergens such as certain foods, medications, insect stings, or environmental factors like heat or sunlight.
2.
Dust allergy
Dust allergies are caused by exposure to dust mites, microscopic creatures that thrive in household dust. Dust mites feed on dead skin cells and can be found in bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and soft toys.
When dust mite allergens are inhaled or come into contact with the skin, they can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Symptoms of dust allergies may include, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and difficulty in breathing.
3.
Seasonal allergies
These are also called pollen allergies or hay fever. If you find yourself sneezing or coughing during certain times of the year, you may be experiencing seasonal allergies. Allergies tend to ebb and flow with the blooming cycles of specific plants, and their intensity can fluctuate from one year to the next.
People with pollen allergies also commonly endure symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
4.
Drugs and Medications
Around 5-10 percent of drug reactions are due to allergies. Common triggers include antibiotics like penicillin, aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chemotherapy, monoclonal antibody therapy, and anticonvulsants.
Symptoms comprise skin rash, formation of hives, pruritus (itching), difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and swelling.
5.
Food allergies
Most food allergies develop in childhood but can also arise in adulthood. Common food allergens in adults and children may include wheat, soy, fish, eggs, milk, peanuts, shellfish, and tree nuts. Food allergies differ from intolerances.
In that they involve the immune system overreacting to a specific protein in the food, often resulting in immediate allergic symptoms like generalised itching all over the body (generalised pruritus), itching to a specific area of the body (localised pruritus), nausea and vomiting, development of hives, swelling around the mouth, including the throat, tongue, or face.
6.
Latex
While less prevalent nowadays, latex can still be found in various products such as gloves, condoms, balloons, and toys. People suffering with latex allergies may also experience reactions to certain fruits and vegetables, as they share similar proteins with latex.
The typical response to latex is skin irritation, known as contact dermatitis, which occurs as a rash on the skin area that came into contact with latex. This reaction can occur within minutes of latex exposure. Additional symptoms may involve the development of hives, runny nose, pruritus (itchy nose), and respiratory difficulties.
7.
Mold
Mold spores get into your nose and cause rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms. They also can reach the lungs and trigger asthma. Other symptoms include coughing, itchy eyes, congestion, and worsen asthma.
Common molds include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium, thriving in damp environments both indoors and outdoors.
8.
Pet dander
Pet allergies, particularly to cats and dogs, are common. Pet dander, consist of tiny flakes of skin shed by animals. People afflicted by pet allergies often exhibit symptoms akin to hay fever, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and breathing difficulties.
Direct exposure to pet dander can provoke contact dermatitis, leading to the development of a skin rash or hives, and potentially triggering asthma in susceptible individuals.
9.
Venom (Stinging Insect)
Stinging insects possess the capability to inject venom, a toxic substance that can induce allergic reactions. Among the most prevalent stinging insects known to trigger allergies are bees, fire ants, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets.
People allergic to insect venom may experience severe reactions, including swelling, redness, and itching. In some cases, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, can occur, necessitating immediate medical attention.
It's crucial to identify and avoid exposure to allergens whenever possible. Consult with an allergist to identify your allergens and gather their guidance on the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Tests to detect allergies
The primary methods for testing allergies include skin tests, commonly known as scratch tests, where allergens are applied to the skin and reactions observed, typically yielding results within 15 minutes.
Alternatively, blood tests provide results within a few days but at a higher cost, and they cater to people with medication interference or sensitive skin.
For suspected food allergies, elimination diets involve abstaining from certain foods and monitoring symptoms, while oral food challenges, conducted under supervision, administer small amounts of allergens to assess reactions.
These methods aid in diagnosing allergies, guiding treatment plans, and improving overall management strategies.
Emotional and psychological impact due to allergy struggle
The constant vigilance required for allergen avoidance and the potential for allergic reactions can take a toll on mental health and quality of life.
Anxiety specific to food allergies, known as food allergy anxiety (FAA), can lead to over-avoidant behaviors, affecting both childhood development and overall well-being.
Additionally, poorly controlled asthma is associated with behavioral and mood disorders, while atopic dermatitis can cause significant emotional and social impairment, including depression and anxiety.
However, there are strategies to cope with these challenges. Discuss your concerns with healthcare providers and counselors who can address issues such as allergy-related anxiety, quality of life, and social problems like bullying.
They provide evidence-based information and resources to equip yourself with emotional coping skills that can easily navigate the social and emotional impact of allergic diseases.
Understanding the Inner child healing and its connection with allergies
Inner child healing is a therapeutic process that focuses on addressing the emotional needs and wounds from your childhood. It’s based on the concept that you carry a part of yourself, the “inner child,” that holds your early experiences, memories, and emotions. This process involves acknowledging and nurturing this part of yourself, helping to resolve issues that surface in adulthood.
Techniques such as self-compassion, meditation, journaling, and therapy are often used in this healing process.
The goal is to re-parent and nurture the inner child, allowing for the expression of positive traits like curiosity, creativity, and love.
HOW Does healing of the inner child help to overcome allergies?
While there’s no direct scientific evidence linking inner child healing to allergy relief, the process can contribute to overall emotional and mental well-being, which can positively impact physical health.
Here's how:
1.
Stress Reduction
Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and intensify allergic reactions. By resolving past traumas and reducing emotional distress, inner child healing can help lower stress levels.
2.
Improved self-care
Inner child healing often involves developing a better understanding of one’s needs and learning to care for oneself more effectively. This can lead to healthier lifestyle choices, which can boost overall health and potentially improve allergy symptoms.
3.
Emotional Release
Some believe that physical ailments, including allergies, can be due to emotional pain. Releasing these emotions through inner child work could lessen physical symptoms.
the concept of the Inner Child Matrix
The Inner Child Matrix (ICM) is a therapeutic process that is carefully designed by combining Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) with the concept of the ‘Inner Child’, Quantum Physics, the Law of Attraction, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). It involves connecting with past versions of oneself that hold unresolved traumas or experiences.
The process uses the principles of energy and vibration from Quantum Physics, and the behavioural patterns from NLP to enhance communication, improve thinking patterns, and achieve personal growth. By clearing past traumas and resetting past memories, ICM aims to release stored emotional pain which can be the reason for physical illness.
Please note that this is a broad interpretation based on the principles of inner child healing and general wellness. It’s always best to consult with a certified practitioner for personalised advice and healing.
How to use EFT Tapping for Allergies management?
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a psychotherapeutic approach used to address illness by targeting unresolved emotions or emotional baggage as a root cause. It works by reducing emotional responses associated with distress and disease, aiming to alleviate discomfort and promote the body's natural healing process.
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes allergies are caused by disruptions in the body's energy flow.
EFT Tapping helps restore balance to the body's energy system. You get to tap specific meridian points on your body while focusing on the issue being treated, in this case, allergies, to alleviate symptoms.
By tapping into these points, EFT aims to release stored toxins and emotional burdens associated with allergies, thereby preventing triggering responses upon future exposure to allergens.
The ultimate goal is to clear emotional blockages related to allergies, allowing the body to respond more effectively when faced with allergens in the future.
It is essential to understand that while many people experience significant relief, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some may find relief after just a few tapping sessions, while others may require more time and practice.
Use EFT Tapping to complement, not replace the existing allergy treatments. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new wellness practice, especially if you have severe allergies or underlying health conditions.
EFT TAPPING STEPS TO HEAL FROM ALLERGIES
Step 1:
First, use EFT Tapping to explore what it feels like to be allergic to a particular food, weather, or thing.
Look for the physical sensations in the body linked with the allergy and use the physical tension tapping process to reduce the sensations.
1.
Investigate the physical nature of your allergy
Connect with the allergy and notice where do you feel it in the body. Then use the physical tension tapping process to clear the surface feelings and feel calmer.
Briefly, you can begin by asking yourself the following questions to probe further:
- Where in the body do you experience the allergy?
- What is the colour, texture, size, and shape of the allergy in the body?
- What are the sensations like? For example, rough or smooth.
2.
Measure the level of Allergy
Ask yourself,
"What number is the allergy at, where 10 is really high and 1 is not high at all."
Go with whatever comes up spontaneously, without thinking much about it.
3.
Tap on the Karate Chop
Begin by tapping on the Karate Chop or Side of the Hand EFT Tapping Points,
"Even though I feel annoyed and uncomfortable because of my allergy, I feel it in my arm and it's at a number 8 and it's violet in colour and it feels rough, I deeply and completely love and accept myself."
(Repeat 3 times.)
4.
Tap on the facial EFT Tapping points
Next, tap on the facial and upper body EFT Tapping Points using these phrases:
- Eyebrow: This allergy...
- Side of the Eye: So much allergy...
- Under the Eye: Allergy in my arm...
- Under the Nose: It's a violet colour...
- Chin: At a number 8...
- Collarbone: So rough...
- Under the Arm: This allergy...
- Thumb: I feel it in my chest...
- Index Finger: So allergic...
- Middle Finger: Really allergic...
- Little Finger: The colour violet…
5.
Close the sequence
It's time to close the sequence by coming back to the EFT Karate Chop Tapping points and repeat once,
"Even though I feel annoyed and uncomfortable, and I feel it in my arm and it's at a number 8 and it's violet in colour and it feels rough, I deeply and completely love and accept myself."
6.
Relax
Inhale and exhale gently and take a sip of water.
7.
Test
At the end of the EFT Tapping, you can ask yourself the following questions:
- What number is the allergy at now?
- What happened?
- How does it make you feel?
You can repeat this process by going back to Step 1 if you feel like the number could come down a little more.
Step 2:
Address past experiences of allergies.
Explore past unpleasant memories related to allergies and use EFT Tapping to resolve them.
To unveil memories tied to allergy symptoms, consider asking:
When have you previously experienced these sensations?
What do these sensations evoke in your memory?
When did these sensations first emerge, and what was happening at the time?
Have you ever experienced a period without these symptoms?
What typically triggers these symptoms, and who or what is involved?
Asking these questions can reveal past events connected to your allergies.
Step 3:
Explore any limiting beliefs that restrict your ability to overcome allergies.
For allergies, first, uncover the limiting beliefs which can either be at the surface level or associated with the deeper root memories. Then shift them from stressful to empowering. For example,
- "I'll always be allergic" shift the belief to "I have the power to manage and overcome my allergies."
- "My allergy controls my life" to "I know how I can manage my allergy and can find effective ways to minimise its impact on my life."
- “There's nothing I can do to alleviate my symptoms" to "I am proactive in finding solutions to alleviate my allergy symptoms."
Step 4:
Close with positive EFT Tapping for allergies.
Examples of a positive tapping sequence might be:
- “Even though I’ve had this allergy for so long and it deteriorated my health. I choose to be healthy and allergy-free now.”
- "Even though I was feeling helpless against my allergy triggers, I am open to the possibility of identifying and managing my triggers effectively."
Case studies supporting the effICACY OF EFT TAPPING IN OVERCOMING ALLERGIES
Andy’s wife got rid of severe allergies with Emotional Freedom Techniques
Andy Mason recounts his wife's journey battling Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and severe allergies over several years. Despite seeking help from various specialists and undergoing numerous treatments, relief remained elusive. However, upon discovering Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), they decided to give EFT Tapping a try.
They approached each allergy with versatility, crafting setup phrases like "Even though I have this allergy to _________," which would quickly evoke allergic reactions. They then systematically addressed each symptom associated with the allergies, persistently working to reduce the intensity level to zero. Sometimes, they had to address shifting symptoms until all were resolved.
In cases where emotional issues surrounding the allergies emerged, they employed EFT to address those as well. Remarkably, tackling those emotional aspects often resulted in the clearance or reduction of other allergies. Despite the fatigue experienced by his wife from the process, they gradually worked through multiple allergies, eventually eliminating the need for allergy treatments.
Overall, the impact of EFT on their lives has been profound, marking a significant improvement in his wife's quality of life and relieving the financial burden of constant medication and treatments (1).
EFT eased allergy symptoms of Terry with simple tapping!
After being diagnosed with various allergies and exploring different interventions, including pharmaceutical nasal sprays and herbal remedies, Terry found temporary relief but faced challenges with sustainability and side effects.
With curiosity and openness to alternatives, she turned to EFT during a moment of running out of usual remedies. Keeping the approach simple, she tapped into presenting symptoms such as tingling sensations and nasal discomfort, expressing self-acceptance throughout the process.
Remarkably, after just a few rounds of tapping, the symptoms often subsided and became more bearable, with repeated sessions leading to complete elimination. This newfound relief brought about by EFT Tapping has become a go-to solution whenever symptoms reappear, showcasing the ongoing amazement and gratitude for the technique's effectiveness over many years of use (2).
EFT Tapping resolved egg allergy rooted in emotional trauma!
During the session, the woman mentioned being allergic to eggs and inquired if EFT could help.
Confirming the sensitivity through applied kinesiology, the woman recalled the onset of the allergy roughly two decades ago after consuming her mother's homemade lemon meringue pie, which contained egg whites and yolks.
Recognising the potential emotional link between the allergy and the woman’s strained relationship with her mother, EFT was employed to target the initial allergic reaction, past conflicts with her mother, and present fears of allergic responses.
Following the session, she retested negative for egg sensitivity and cautiously tested her tolerance by touching an egg to her lips without experiencing any adverse reactions. This case illustrates how EFT can effectively address allergies rooted in emotional trauma (3).
Allergies can be disruptive and burdensome, affecting both physical comfort and emotional well-being. However, the good part is that, for relief, you don't have to rely solely on medications or avoidance strategies.
By integrating holistic approaches like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), you can tap into your body's innate healing capabilities and address the underlying emotional roots of your allergies.
Love,
Dr Rangana Rupavi Choudhari (PhD)
P.S. Want to discover if EFT Tapping is right for you? Book a Complimentary Discovery Call.
In summary, identifying allergens and integrating EFT Tapping technique into allergy management plans ultimately offers a gentle and natural relief. It is a holistic approach to target the emotional roots of allergies and finding lasting relief. With gentle tapping on specific meridian points, you can retrain your body's response to allergens.
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