Nurturing Animal Wellness with EFT Tapping on Animals
Do you want to gently ease your pet's discomfort in a natural way? In this article, you will learn how to improve the emotional and physical well-being of animals through Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). EFT Tapping on animals can alleviate anxiety, fear, and behavioural issues in your beloved pets, helping develop a deeper connection.
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES | EFT TAPPING ON ANIMALS | APPLICATIONS OF EFT TAPPING ON ANIMALS | ENHANCING THE HUMAN-ANIMAL CONNECTION WITH EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES | WHY PETS LOVE EFT TAPPING | EFT TAPPING STEPS FOR ANIMALS | SURROGATE EFT TAPPING STEPS FOR PETS | THE SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT FOR EFT TAPPING IN ANIMAL WELLNESS | CONCLUSION
Are you looking for natural ways to help your or your client’s pets feel better? If so, you're not alone.
Many pet owners have the desire to provide their animals with the best possible care, seeking solutions that promote healing and harmony.
As caring guardians, it's natural to want to alleviate their suffering and help them live happier, healthier lives.
As your understanding of the emotional lives of animals grows, so does the recognition of their capacity to experience stress, anxiety, and other emotions.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping can help in nurturing the emotional and physical health of animals.
This natural healing method can be particularly beneficial for animals who struggle to communicate their needs verbally, allowing them to release tension and find relief in a non-invasive way.
With EFT Tapping, you can forge deeper connections with your pets and create a comforting environment for them.
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES?
In your pursuit of emotional and physical well-being, you may have come across the term ‘EFT Tapping’ and wondered what it really is.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a holistic healing modality that combines elements of ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology.
It involves gently tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on acknowledging and addressing emotional distress or imbalances.
You might be experiencing various issues in your life, such as stress, anxiety, pain, or limiting beliefs, that are holding you back from living fully. Tapping helps release energy blockages and promotes a sense of balance and calm within you or your loved ones.
It's okay to acknowledge your struggles and challenges, and a tool like EFT Tapping offers you a safe and supportive space to explore and release them.
It can help address emotional and physical challenges in both humans and animals.
For animals, EFT can be applied directly or through surrogate tapping, where you tap on yourself while focusing on your pet’s issue.
THE MAGIC OF EFT TAPPING ON ANIMALS
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping involves gentle tapping on specific points on your pet's body while focusing on their emotional or physical discomfort. This technique helps release blocked energy and promotes relaxation, allowing your pet's natural healing mechanisms to activate. By addressing both emotional and physical issues, EFT Tapping can help animals experience more happiness and comfort in their lives.
Whether your pet is struggling with anxiety, fear, pain, or behavioural issues, tapping can offer significant benefits. It can also be used to support animals during times of transition, such as moving to a new home or adjusting to changes in their environment.
As you explore EFT Tapping on animals, you'll learn practical techniques and tips for effectively applying this method to your pet's unique needs.
Just like humans, animals can benefit from the calming effects of tapping. Whether you have a nervous pet, a horse with performance anxiety, or a dog with separation anxiety, tapping can help soothe their nerves, release tension, and restore emotional equilibrium.
For animals, who communicate through body language and energy, EFT Tapping offers a non-verbal channel to release emotional blockages. It's a silent dialogue of compassion and understanding, and animals can feel your empathy through the gentle rhythm of your tapping.
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APPLICATIONS OF EFT TAPPING ON ANIMALS
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping can be beneficial for a wide range of animals, including domestic pets, farm animals, wildlife, and even exotic species. The effectiveness of EFT is not limited by species but rather by the ability of the animal to respond to touch and energy-based therapies.
Common issues addressed with EFT Tapping on animals include anxiety, fear, aggression, separation anxiety, behavioural problems, and physical pain or discomfort.
1.
EFT Tapping for Domestic Pets:
Domestic pets, such as dogs, cats, and horses, are among the most common recipients of EFT Tapping. These animals often form close bonds with their human caregivers and can benefit greatly from the support provided by EFT.
For example, dogs may experience anxiety due to separation from their owners or past traumas, while cats may exhibit stress-related behaviours such as excessive grooming or hiding. EFT can help them release emotional tension and find a sense of calm.
2.
EFT Tapping for Farm Animals:
Farm animals, including cows, sheep, can also benefit from EFT Tapping, especially in agricultural settings where they may be exposed to various stressors such as confinement, transportation, and handling. By tapping on specific meridian points, caretakers can promote overall well-being in their livestock.
For example, dairy cows may experience anxiety during milking, while pigs may exhibit signs of distress during transportation.
3.
EFT Tapping for Wildlife:
Wildlife rehabilitation centres and sanctuaries often use EFT Tapping to support the physical and emotional recovery of injured or orphaned animals. For example, orphaned birds or mammals may experience separation anxiety or fear of humans, while injured animals may be in pain or discomfort.
EFT can help these animals cope with their circumstances and facilitate their healing process.
4.
EFT Tapping for Exotic Animals:
Exotic animals, such as parrots, reptiles, rabbits can also benefit from EFT Tapping. Caretakers and owners of exotic pets can use EFT to address issues such as behavioural problems, stress-related illnesses, and emotional trauma. By tapping on specific acupressure points, they can help these animals feel more secure and at ease in their surroundings.
As you can see, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping helps to create a safe and supportive space for animals to heal and thrive.
ENHANCE THE HUMAN-ANIMAL CONNECTION WITH EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES
Animals are highly sensitive beings who can easily pick up on the emotions and energy of their human caregivers. If you're feeling stressed or anxious, your pet may absorb these emotions, leading to their own feelings of unease or agitation.
EFT Tapping can help break this cycle of emotional transfer by allowing you to release your own stress and support your pet’s emotional health too (1).
Animals can also experience physical discomfort or pain, whether from injury, illness, or old age. EFT Tapping can complement traditional veterinary care by providing relief from pain and promoting faster healing. By tapping on specific points associated with physical discomfort, you can help animals find relief from their symptoms.
Additionally, animals, especially those who have experienced trauma or abuse, may carry emotional scars that impact their behaviour. For them, EFT becomes a compassionate way to address these underlying issues, allowing animals to release past traumas.
Beyond its therapeutic benefits, EFT Tapping for animals also deepens the bond between humans and their pets. By actively participating in the tapping process, pet owners and caregivers can strengthen their connection with their animals, developing trust, communication, and mutual understanding.
Imagine a scenario where your dog exhibits signs of anxiety during thunderstorms. Through EFT Tapping, you can connect with your pet on a deeper level, addressing their fears and anxieties in a soothing manner.
Many practitioners’ report profound experiences of empathy and connection when tapping with animals.
"When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul."
A.D. Williams
WHY WILL YOUR PETS LOVE EFT TAPPING?
Imagine your furry friend experiencing relief from anxiety, trauma, or physical discomfort without invasive procedures or medications. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping offers precisely that. Here's how it can benefit your beloved pet:
1.
Stress Reduction
Animals, like humans, can experience stress from various sources such as changes in environment, separation anxiety, or past traumas. EFT Tapping helps to release this tension, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
2.
Behavioural Issues
Whether it's excessive barking, aggression, or destructive behaviour, animals may exhibit symptoms of underlying emotional distress. By addressing the root cause through EFT Tapping, you can help your pet find balance and harmony in their behaviour.
3.
Physical Healing
EFT Tapping isn't just about emotional well-being; it can also facilitate physical healing. From chronic pain to recovery from surgery, the gentle energy flow induced by tapping can support the body's natural healing processes.
4.
Bonding and Trust
Through the shared experience of tapping, you and your animals can deepen your bond and strengthen trust. It's a moment of connection where your pet feels understood and supported on a deeper level.
EFT TAPPING STEPS FOR ANIMALS
By incorporating EFT Tapping into your routine with your pets, you can nurture a deeper bond and provide valuable support for their health.
For the below tapping sequence, we’ll be focusing on the emotion of ‘frustration’ as an example.
Step 1:
Establish a Safe Environment
Before beginning with the tapping session, ensure that your pet is in a comfortable and safe environment. Choose a quiet space where your pet feels relaxed and secure, minimising any potential distractions.
Approach your pet with a calm and gentle demeanour, allowing them to become accustomed to your presence.
For this tapping sequence, let’s take your pet’s ‘frustration’ during recovery from illness as the primary emotion.
1.
Temperature Check
Begin by observing your pet's behaviour and body language to identify signs of frustration in their recovery process. Recognise specific aspects of their condition or environment that may be causing frustration. Be attentive to any triggers that exacerbate their frustration.
2.
Explore the Physical Sensations
Observe your pet's behaviour and body language to identify any areas of discomfort or distress. Whether it's anxiety, fear, physical pain, or behavioural issues, pay attention to subtle cues such as whimpering, pacing, or avoiding certain activities, which may indicate underlying emotional or physical pain.
Quantify the intensity of their frustration on a scale of 0 to 10 by observing their behaviour and reactions. (where 0 is the lowest and 10, the highest)
3.
Begin Tapping on the Karate Chop (Side of the Hand)
Use a tapping statement to acknowledge their feelings, for example:
“Even though [pet’s name] is feeling frustrated with their recovery, and they show this frustration by [describe behaviour], it’s at a number [X], and it makes them feel [describe the sensation], I deeply and completely love and accept them.”
4.
Start Tapping on the Facial and Upper Body EFT Tapping Points
Similar to humans, animals have specific meridian points where tapping can stimulate the body's energy flow and promote healing. Once you've identified the tapping points, gently tap each point with your fingertips while focusing on the specific issue affecting your pet.
Use light pressure and rhythmic tapping motions, allowing your pet to relax and release any tension or negative energy.These points include:
- Top of the head: You're experiencing frustration... (Located at the crown of the head)
- Eyebrow: You feel this frustration deeply… (Along the eyebrow line, above the nose bridge)
- Side of the eye: It's at the intensity… (On the outer edge of the eye socket)
- Under the eye: It's challenging for you to handle… (Beneath the eye, along the bone)
- Under the nose: The frustration… (Above the upper lip, below the nostrils)
- Chin: It's overwhelming... (Beneath the lower lip, in the centre)
- Collarbone: So frustrating… (On the bony ridge above the breastbone)
- Under the arm: You're experiencing it deeply… (Along the side of the body, in line with the front legs (for quadrupeds)
5.
Close the Sequence by Tapping on the Karate Chop Again
Repeat the setup statement from Step 3 to reinforce self-acceptance despite the frustration:
“Even though [pet’s name] is feeling frustrated with their recovery, and they show this frustration by [describe behaviour], it’s at a number [X], and it makes them feel [describe the sensation], I deeply and completely love and accept them.”
6.
Observe, allow them to relax, and provide comfort
After the tapping session, observe any changes in your animal's behaviour or demeanour. Allow them to relax in a calm environment and provide comforting gestures such as gentle strokes or soothing words.
7.
Test and reflect
Test the effectiveness of the tapping session by observing improvements in their mood or behaviour. Your pet may exhibit subtle changes such as sighing, yawning, or becoming more at ease, indicating that the tapping is having a positive impact.
If necessary, you may repeat the tapping rounds to further alleviate their frustration.
Step 2:
Delve Into Past Experiences Related to Your Pet’s Health Issues and Address Them
Connect with the emotions surrounding your animal's health issue and observe their body language and reactions.
To uncover memories associated with their symptoms, consider observing:
- When did you first notice signs of your pet's health issue?
- What events or changes were happening around that time?
- Have you noticed similar physical or emotional reactions in your pet before?
- Can you identify triggers that worsen their symptoms?
By tapping into these observations and understanding their emotions, you can facilitate healing and promote recovery from their health issues.
Step 3:
Address Any Limiting Beliefs from the Past
Reflect on past incidents that may have contributed to your animal's current feelings of frustration and any limiting beliefs about their recovery process. Work on transforming these beliefs into positive affirmations that support their healing journey.
Step 4:
Conclude the Session with Positive Tapping
Once you've completed the tapping sequence, take a moment to offer your pet affection and praise for their participation. Allow them to rest and integrate the healing energies generated during the session.
End the sequence with affirmations that develop resilience and a sense of calm for your pet, such as:
“Even though [pet's name] is facing frustration in their recovery journey, I choose to celebrate their progress and support them with love and patience. I deeply and completely love and accept them.”
Follow up with additional tapping sessions as needed, maintaining regular communication and connection with your pet to support them.
SURROGATE EFT TAPPING STEPS FOR PETS
If your pets aren’t comfortable with physical tapping, there’s another way called Surrogate EFT Tapping for animals and pets.
It is a powerful technique that allows you to perform EFT Tapping on behalf of someone else, even when they are not physically present. In this case, an animal.
What is Surrogate Tapping for Animals?
Surrogate Tapping involves tapping on yourself while focusing on your other being’s (animal's) issue, allowing you to channel healing energy to your pet remotely by tapping on yourself instead. This technique is based on the principle that energy knows no bounds and can be transmitted across distances, facilitating healing and relief for them.
You put yourself in the shoes of the animal, visualising yourself in the same situation as them, then tapping on yourself on their behalf.
Essentially, surrogate work is invisible work done from the space of unconditional love and trust.
The most fundamental and crucial aspect of Surrogate EFT Tapping is the intention. The intention must be to do the highest and the best for someone.
Following are the Surrogate Tapping steps for Animals:
Step 1:
Create a Supportive Environment for Surrogate Tapping
Before initiating the surrogate tapping session for your pet or any other animal, it's crucial to create a calm and secure environment for healing. Choose a quiet space where you feel comfortable and relaxed, minimising any potential distractions.
Ensure that you are in a positive and grounded state of mind to transfer healing energy to them.
For this tapping sequence, let’s take the emotion of ‘fear’ in your pet as an example.
This step involves exploring the physical sensations in the body associated with the emotion of fear (for example, shivering, restlessness, anxious breathing) and using the physical tension-tapping process to reduce those sensations.
1.
Connect with Your Pet's Energy Do a Temperature Check
Begin by connecting with your pet's/animal’s energy and emotions from a distance, focusing on the desired outcome for their healing.
Visualise them in your mind's eye and send them love, comfort, and healing energy. Begin by observing their behaviour and body language to identify signs of fear. Be attentive to any triggers that exacerbate their frustration.
2.
Explore the Physical Sensations
Measure the intensity of their fear on a scale of 0 to 10 by observing their behaviour and reactions. (where 0 is the lowest and 10, the highest)
3.
Begin Tapping on the Karate Chop (Side of the Hand)
Use a tapping statement to acknowledge their feelings, for example:
“Even though [pet/animal’s name] is feeling fearful, and they show this fear by [describe behaviour], it’s at a number [X], and it makes them feel [describe the sensation], I deeply and completely love and accept them.”
4.
Start Tapping on the Surrogate EFT Tapping Points
Similar to direct tapping, surrogate tapping targets specific meridian points on your own body to facilitate healing for your pet. Familiarise yourself with the tapping points.
- Karate Chop Point: You are scared…
- Eyebrow: You're feeling this fear deeply...
- Temple: You sense it strongly...
- Under the Eye: It's at the intensity...
- Under the Nose: It's difficult for you to handle...
- Chin: The fear is centred within you...
- Collarbone: It's overwhelming...
- Under the Arm: So...
- Thumb: So...
- Index Finger: You're feeling this fear because...
- Middle Finger: You're experiencing it deeply...
5.
Close the Sequence by Tapping on the Karate Chop Again
Repeat the setup statement from Step 3 to reinforce self-acceptance despite the frustration:
“Even though [pet/animal’s name] is feeling fearful, and they show this fear by [describe behaviour], it’s at a number [X], and it makes them feel [describe the sensation], I deeply and completely love and accept them.”
6.
Breathe, Relax, and Hydrate
Take a moment to breathe deeply, relax, and drink some water.
7.
Test and reflect
After completing the surrogate tapping session, take a moment to observe any changes in their behaviour. Notice any subtle shifts in their energy and mood, indicating the effectiveness of the tapping session.
Step 2:
Connect with Their Past Experiences and Explore its Impact on Their Emotional State
Take a moment to delve into your pet's/animal’s history and how it might be shaping their current emotional state, particularly focusing on fear. Reflect on their past experiences, traumas, or significant events that could be influencing their fear.
Reflect on questions such as:
- What was your pet's life like before they came into your care? Were there any instances where they showed signs of fear?
- Have they experienced any traumatic events or changes in their environment that could contribute to their fear?
- Are there any patterns or behaviours that seem to stem from their past experiences of fear?
- How might their previous relationships or living conditions be affecting their current fear response?
Understanding their past can provide valuable insights into their present emotional struggles and help tailor your approach to alleviate their fear.
Step 3:
Identify and Address Any Limiting Beliefs Impacting Your Pet's Well-being
Take a moment to consider if there are any underlying beliefs or perceptions that may be contributing to their emotional or behavioural challenges.
Reflect on questions such as:
Are there any beliefs or attitudes that I hold about my pet's fear or their ability to overcome it?
How have they perceived any past experiences of fear, and how might these perceptions be influencing their current behaviour?
How do I communicate with them when they're fearful, and how might my language and tone be impacting them?
By identifying and addressing any limiting beliefs, you can help your pet overcome emotional barriers and create a supportive environment for their healing.
Step 4:
Conclude the Session with Positive Tapping
Once you have completed the tapping sequence, take a moment to express gratitude for the healing energy shared with your pet. Trust that the intentions set during the session will continue to unfold for the highest good of your pet.
As you conclude the tapping session with your pet, transition from addressing their fear to affirming positive beliefs and intentions.
Use soothing language to reassure and comfort your pet:
"Even though fear may have gripped you in the past, know that you are safe and loved. You have the inner strength and resilience to overcome any challenges. I love and accept myself anyway."
THE SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT FOR EFT TAPPING IN ANIMAL WELLNESS
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping is believed to balance the body's energy system and alleviate emotional distress, pain, and other symptoms.
While the concept of using EFT for animals may seem unconventional to some, research and anecdotal evidence suggest otherwise.
Scientific Studies on EFT for Animals:
Several scientific studies have investigated the effectiveness of EFT in animals, providing valuable insights into its potential benefits.
One notable study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis, examined the effects of EFT on shelter dogs with behavioural issues. It was discovered that the dogs who received EFT Tapping sessions showed significant improvements in anxiety levels, aggression, and overall behaviour compared to control groups (2).
Case Studies and Anecdotal Evidence:
In addition to formal research studies, numerous case studies and anecdotal reports provide compelling evidence of EFT's effectiveness in animals. Veterinarians, animal behaviourists, and pet owners alike have reported positive outcomes when using EFT to address various issues in animals, including anxiety, fear, trauma, and physical pain.
Allison Culver, Assistant Director of The Lightfoot Way in Houston, TX, turned to holistic healing modalities like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping following the loss of her cats to a common disease, driving her to seek natural ways to enhance the lives of all animals (3).
Pet owners and animal practitioners have successfully used EFT Tapping to help animals overcome separation anxiety, fear of thunderstorms or fireworks, aggression towards other animals, and past trauma or abuse.
CONCLUSION
Animals, much like humans, can experience a wide range of emotions, including fear, sadness, and frustration. These emotions can manifest in various ways, such as aggression, withdrawal, or destructive behaviour.
Using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping in your interactions with animals, you offer them comfort and support in moments of need. Remember, it's not just about the technique itself but the intention and love you infuse into each session.
Tapping also helps you to deepen your understanding and connection with your pets. Through the power of EFT Tapping, you can create a bond of healing and harmony for both you and your beloved animal companions.
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, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping offers animals a gentle means to alleviate stress, trauma, and emotional blockages, offering them a sense of calm and relaxation. It helps in addressing behavioural issues by targeting the underlying emotional roots, promoting harmony and balance in their actions. Surrogate Tapping offers healing and support even when direct tapping on your pet is not feasible. EFT also facilitates physical healing by supporting the body's natural processes, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for your animals and pets.
References:
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