EFT Tapping Points and Meridians

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Meridian Points

In this article, you will learn about Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and the meridians associated with each of the EFT Tapping points. In addition you will learn about the 12 meridians and 8 additional meridians and how they are connected to gaining relief from health challenges.

What if I told you that there is an invisible system in the human body which if you learnt to stimulate, you could restore the balance of health from digestive challenges to stress, anxiety and depression, would you believe me?

Well, the first time I found out about it, I did not believe it either.

But I have since learnt that meridians have been employed for centuries in acupuncture and acupressure, and more recently in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), to assist individuals in recovering from any physical and emotional discomfort.

WHAT ARE MERIDIANS AND HOW IS IT CONNECTED TO EFT TAPPING ?

Meridians are invisible pathways in the human body through which vital energy is believed to flow.

The human body contains 12 primary meridians and eight additional meridians, forming an interconnected network that links various organs and body parts (1).

These meridians carry the energy, or information that sustains all living things and helps them grow. This energy is also referred to as Chi, subtle energy, Prana, and vital energy.

While meridians are invisible, an experienced acupuncturist can detect and trace the pathways with their hands.

About 5,000 years ago, the Chinese mapped these energy channels known as meridian lines and developed acupuncture to balance any disrupted energy, or Chi, in these meridians.

At times, the movement of energy can become hindered or impeded, for instance, when experiencing intense emotions or undergoing traumatic events.

To restore the free flow of energy you can use:

Acupuncture
Acupressure
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
Energy Yoga

WHAT IS EFT TAPPING POINTS AND HOW ARE THEY CONNECTED TO MERIDIANS?

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a clinically proven therapy method that uses the act of tapping on the meridians in the body to overcome past trauma, the stress as a result of trauma (PTSD), anxiety, depression, fears and emotional challenges to feel happy, healthy and vibrant (2).

The practice of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) harnesses the power of the meridians to release blockages and restore balance to the body's energy system. By tapping on specific points along the meridians, and focusing on a particular issue or emotion you want to resolve, you can release any tension and restore the flow of energy.

Restoring the flow of energy can aid the body in regaining optimal health.

EFT has been the subject of various research studies, including outcome studies that compare the effectiveness of EFT with other treatments, mechanisms papers that explore how EFT works scientifically, clinical reports that describe the use of EFT with special populations, and review papers that gather and evaluate the published evidence on the topic.

These studies aim to provide a better understanding of the potential benefits and mechanisms of EFT as a therapeutic intervention.

People who have tried EFT report feeling lighter, freer, and more relaxed than ever before. They have found relief from physical pain, anxiety, stress, and phobias, as well as an overall sense of peace and well-being.

The practice of EFT Tapping on the meridians is simple, safe, and effective, making it a popular alternative or complementary therapy for many people.

EFT meridians are an integral part of the Emotional Freedom Technique, providing a means of accessing and balancing the body's energy system to promote healing and well-being.

They are a path to true emotional freedom and physical healing, accessible to anyone who is willing to tap into their power.

Why are meRIdians important?

The concept of meridians is considered important because it is believed to provide a framework for understanding the flow of life energy, or "Qi," throughout the body.

The idea is that imbalances or blockages in the flow of energy along these pathways can cause health problems, both physical and emotional. By balancing the flow of energy along the meridians, health and well-being is restored.

THE 12 PRIMARY MERIDIANS, ENERGY YOGA & EFT TAPPING POINTS

There are 12 primary meridians in the body, each named for the main organ or system they serve.

These meridians appear as separate segments but are interconnected beneath the skin. Each meridian is associated with a specific time period when its energy is strongest and specific emotions.

Each meridian is linked to a specific organ and has a distinctive function that supports our overall well-being. Energy flowing through these meridians is thought to influence our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

When a meridian is imbalanced, it can cause various symptoms and health problems. By knowing the functions and optimal energy times of each meridian, we can improve our health and rebalance our body's energy system.

Below are the details of the 12 meridians:

Lung Meridian

Function: Regulates respiration and intake of energy.

Symptoms of imbalance: Viral and bacterial infections, excessive perspiration, inflammation issues in the upper parts of the body, problems with the olfactory organs (nose/sense of smell), and adverse skin conditions.

The Lung Meridian is also associated with the emotion of grief and can be affected by emotional imbalances related to loss or sadness.

Time of day: 3:00am–5:00am

Energy Yoga exercise: Lung flush

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: The thumb

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Large Intestine Meridian

Function: Extracts and processes water from waste material before expelling it.

Symptoms of imbalance: Abdominal pain, shoulder pain, sinusitis, and on an emotional level, difficulty with holding on, or letting go.

Time of day: 5:00am–7:00am

Energy Yoga exercise: Neck flush and sinus release.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: The index finger

Stomach Meridian

Function: Digests and extracts energy from food and distributes that energy to the spleen and intestines.

Symptoms of imbalance: Feelings of worry and nervousness, and a lack of acceptance.

Time of day: 7:00am–9:00am

Energy Yoga exercise: Cross the hands and hold under the eye.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: Under the eye

Spleen Meridian

Function: Distributes nutrients throughout the body, maintains muscle and limb tone, and regulates blood flow.

Symptoms of imbalance: Diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, lack of appetite, prolapsed internal organs, weak muscles, general fatigue, brain fog and absent mindedness.

Time of day: 9:00am–11:00am

Energy Yoga exercise: The Hug Hold & Heart Hold Breathing.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: Under the arm point

Heart Meridian

Function: Circulates blood to all the organs in the body.

Symptoms of imbalance: Chest pains, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, hot flashes, cold sweats, irritability, and insomnia. It is believed that a balanced Heart Meridian promotes healthy emotional expression and fosters healthy relationships with oneself and others. It allows for joy and bliss in one’s life, while an imbalance can lead to psychological problems like anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.

Time of day: 11:00am–1:00pm

Energy Yoga exercise: Finger Hold Breathing, Little Finger Breathing, Heart Hold Breathing with gratitide and compassion, and Heaven & Earth Breathing.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: The Little Finger

Small Intestine Meridian

Function: Distributes nutrients throughout the body.

Symptoms of imbalance: Poor circulation, weak legs, feeling cold, swollen lymph glands, sore/stiff shoulders, acne, nerve pain, poor digestion and stomach distention.

Time of day: 1:00pm–3:00pm

Time of day: 7:00pm–9:00pm

Energy Yoga exercise: Neck Flush and Sinus Release.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: The Index Finger

Bladder Meridian

Function: Removes liquid waste from the body.

Symptoms of imbalance: Stiffness in the neck and shoulders, headaches, back pains, and all urinary diseases. Emotionally, an imbalance of bladder energy caused by feelings of anger and an inability to express emotions.

Time of day: 3:00pm–5:00pm

Time of day: 7:00pm–9:00pm

Energy Yoga exercise: Hair Combing, Eyebrow pulling, Forehead pulling.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: The Eyebrow Point

The Bladder Meridian can also be supported through lifestyle changes that promote healthy urination and fluid balance, such as maintaining good hydration, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and managing conditions like diabetes and kidney disease.

Kidney Meridian

Function: Stores sexual energy, regulates the reproductive system, and produces blood and bone marrow.

Symptoms of imbalance: Genital-urinary disorders, backaches, asthma, and tinnitus. The kidney meridian controls willpower, determination, and ability to cope with hardship as far as emotional control goes.

Time of day: 5:00pm–7:00pm

Energy Yoga exercise: Tantrum release, Kidney Cleanse, & Circluar chest rub.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: Under the collarbone

Pericardium (Blood Circulation) Meridian

Function: The pericardium is the area surrounding the heart and protects, lubricates, and removes excess energy from the heart. This is important because it disperses energy throughout the body preventing the heart from becoming over-energised. It is said to protect the heart and regulate emotional responses, which is important for maintaining overall balance in the body and mind.

Symptoms of imbalance: Disorders of the heart, chest, and stomach, as well as difficulty expressing emotions, feeling emotionally guarded or closed off, depression, aversions, and phobias.

Time of day: 7:00pm–9:00pm

Energy Yoga exercise: Neck flush and sinus release.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: The Middle Finger

10.

Triple Warmer (Endocrine) Meridian

Function: The Triple Warmer, also called the Triple Burner or San Jiao, controls the body as a whole. It is associated with the endocrine system, which includes glands such as the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands that regulate hormones and other bodily functions.

The Triple Warmer rather than being responsible for a particular organ system, controls metabolism and regulates heat, moisture and body temperature.

Symptoms of imbalance: Fatigue, digestive issues and hormonal issues. Apart from physical symptoms, emotional imbalances can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, or overwhelm.

Time of day: 9:00pm–11:00pm

Energy Yoga exercise: Triple Warmer Flush, Eye Brow Pulling, and the Heart Hold Breathing.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: The side of the eye and the 9 Gamut (point between the little and ring finger).

Triple Warmer Flush

Place your fingers at your temples and breathe in. As you breath out through the mouth, slowly slide your fingers up and around your ears, and behind your neck and drag them over the top of your shoulders and smooth them to the middle of your chest over your heart.

The Triple Warmer is closely connected to the body's stress response and plays a role in regulating the fight or flight response and helping the body adapt to stressful situations.

11.

Gallbladder Meridian

Function: Stores and expels bile produced by the liver to aid digestion. It is also believed to play a role in a variety of other bodily functions, including supporting healthy decision-making, maintaining courage and assertiveness, and promoting physical flexibility.

Symptoms of imbalance: Bloating, liver pains, and yellow discolouration of tongue, skin or urine. Emotional symptoms include feelings of anxiety and indecisiveness.

Time of day: 11:00pm–1:00am

Energy Yoga exercise: Gall Bladder Flush.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: The side of the eye

12.

Liver Meridian

Function: Circulates energy, regulates menstruation and the female reproductive system, and maintains flexibility of tendons and ligaments. It is also believed to play a role in maintaining the overall health and vitality of the body, as well as supporting emotional balance and flexibility.

Symptoms of imbalance: Menstrual disorders, dry skin and eyes, jaundice, blurred vision, vertigo, stiff joints and headaches. On an emotional level, an imbalance of energy in the liver meridian results in anger, irritability, depression, and a lack of control and emotional flexibility.

Time of day: 1:00am–3:00am

Energy Yoga exercise: Liver Quickie Hold.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: The Middle Finger

the 2 Additional Meridians CONNECTED TO THE EFT TAPPING POINTS

The 12 main meridians correspond to specific organs or organ systems in the body. And there are eight additional meridians, also known as Extraordinary Vessels, which are considered important for health and wellness, but are not associated with specific organs.

Of these eight additional meridians, there are two related to the EFT Tapping points and are outlined below.

Governing Vessel

Only two of the body's eight Extraordinary Vessels have acupuncture points along their path. The Governing Vessel is one of these.

It begins between the kidneys, travels to the perineum, through the brain, up the spine, over the top of the head, and then runs down the middle of the face.

The Governing Vessel, also known as the "Sea of Yang," controls all yang meridians and stores, nourishes, and moves yang energy throughout the body. It especially strengthens the kidneys' yin, which is the source of all yin in the body. This vessel is utilised clinically for strengthening the back and spine due to its path within the spine.

It is an important treatment for many back problems, like arthritis, spinal stenosis, or bulging discs.

Additionally, the Governing Vessel can be used to nourish the brain for symptoms like memory loss or dizziness and to get rid of symptoms like runny nose, headache, fever, and stiff neck that come from the outside wind. For symptoms like tremors, tics, convulsions, or vertigo, it can also be used to expel internal wind.

During acupuncture treatment, the Governing Vessel can be stimulated with needles or accessed internally through Qi Gong breathing and movement techniques. Certain herbs can be used in herbal formulations to transmit the effects of other herbs to this Extraordinary Vessel and stimulate the Governing Vessel.

Energy Yoga exercise: Hair Combing.

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: Under the nose

The Conception Vessel (The Central meridian)

The Conception Vessel runs from the lowest point of the trunk—the perineum—up the front of the body to a point a little below the lower lip.

It is the gathering place for all body nutrition and regulates the uterus, menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, and other yin meridians by receiving and transporting their Qi.

The master point on the lung channel is linked to respiratory disorders like childhood asthma.

The Conception Vessel and Yin Heel Vessel, with their associated Lung/Kidney relationship, have a powerful energetic effect on the lungs, chest, and throat. This is especially helpful for correcting breathing imbalances.

Energy Yoga exercise: Triple warmer flush

Corresponding EFT Tapping point: The side of the eye

Which EFT Tapping points correspond to which meridians?

In Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), the tapping points used in EFT correspond to meridians, acupressure points and acupuncture pathways.

The following is a list of the tapping points used in EFT and the meridian lines they correspond to:

Top of the Head - Governing & Bladder Meridian
Eyebrow Point - Bladder & Stomach Meridian
Side of Eye Point - Gallbladder, Triple Warmer, & Small Intestine Meridian
Under Eye Point - Stomach Meridian
Under Nose Point - Governing Vessel & Large Intestine Meridian
Chin Point - Conception Vessel (Central Meridian) & Stomach Meridian
Collarbone Point - Kidney Meridian
Under Arm Point - Spleen Meridian
Crown of Head Point - Bladder Meridian

The EFT Tapping points on the fingers also correspond to the meridians:

Thumb - Lung Meridian
Index Finger - Large Intestine Meridian & Kidney Meridian
Middle Finger - Circulation / Pericardiam Meridian
Ring finger - Triple Warmer Meridian
Little Finger - Heart Meridian (the Small Intestine Meridian is on the other side)
Side of the hand or Karate Chop point - Small Intestine Meridian
Wrist - Heart, Lung, Large Intestine, & Triple Warmer Meridian

What is the connection between meridians and EFT Tapping POINTS?

In Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), the connection between meridians and tapping is that the tapping is done on specific points along the meridian lines.

EFT is a form of psychological acupressure that uses tapping on these points to balance the flow of energy along the meridians and alleviate emotional and physical issues.

According to the principles of EFT, imbalances or blockages in the flow of energy along the meridians can cause negative emotions and physical symptoms.

By tapping on specific points along the meridian lines, practitioners aim to release these blockages and restore balance to the flow of energy.

THE 7 STEPS TO EFT TAPPING AND HOW TO FIND THE EFT TAPPING POINTS?

The 7 steps of EFT are as follows:

A. Identify the issue or goal

The first step is to identify the issue or goal. In order to identify your goals, ask yourself the following questions:

What do you want?
What issue do you want to solve?
How does it make you feel?

B. Get a measure for it

On a scale of 1 to 10, what number would you give it, where 10 is uncomfortable or 1 is not uncomfortable at all. The reason you give it a number is because you want to measure the progress later.

C. Start EFT Tapping on the side of the hand

In order to tap on the side of the hand, you will repeat this statement 3 times:

“Even though I have this problem, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”

D. Tap on the upper body points

After tapping 3 times on the Karate chop, the next step is to tap on the facial and upper body points with the reminder phrase. The reminder phrase is a short phrase that reminds you or your client of the problem, so that it can be cleared.

The example of EFT Tapping statements are below:

Karate chop: “Even though I have this stress, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.” (3 times)

Eyebrow: This stress
Temple/ Side of the eye: So much stress
Under the eye: This stress
Under the nose: Stress
Chin: Stress
Collar bone: This stress
Under the arm: This stress
Thumb: This stress
Index finger: This stress
Middle finger: Stress
Little finger: Stress

• Karate Chop: “Even though I feel stressed, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”

E. Close sequence

Come back to the side of the hand also known as the Karate Chop point and say the starting phrase out loud again.

“Even though I have this problem, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”

F. Relax

Take a breath in and out. Take a sip of water and reflect how you feel.

G. Testing

Finally, ask yourself:

• How are you feeling?

• What happened?

Lastly, ask yourself, “Do you feel the same, better or worse?” Be honest with the response.

THE ADDITIONAL 6 of 8 EXTRAORDINARY VESSEL MERIDIANS

The Girdle Vessel

The Girdle Vessel is one of the eight Extraordinary Vessels that is unique in that it flows horizontally.

The Girdle Vessel wraps around the waist like a belt after beginning at a liver meridian point on the lateral ribs, and descends to the waist line before connecting with a kidney meridian side branch in the back.

The Girdle Vessel divides the body into two halves and ensures that energy flows smoothly between those halves.

Energy can't flow properly through the Girdle Vessel if it is too tight, resulting in pain, sluggishness, or a feeling of weightlessness throughout the body.

It can also stop energy from getting to the legs, which can lead to pain, cold legs, and tight muscles in the outer legs.

When the Girdle Vessel is too weak or loose, it can lead to difficult urination, cloudy urine, and excessive vaginal discharge.

Additionally, a weak Girdle Vessel prevents energy from properly entering the legs' channels, resulting in muscle atrophy and weakness.

The kidney's essence runs out when the Girdle Vessel is weak, draining many other Extraordinary Vessels. Hernias, organ prolapse, and recurrent miscarriages are all signs of a sluggish Girdle Vessel because energy cannot move through the body.

Based on its trajectory and the points where it overlaps with other objects, the Girdle Vessel is closely related to the energy systems of the liver and gallbladder and helps regulate excessive energy.

It can be used to treat symptoms like temporal headaches, migraines, rage, gallbladder pain, and persistent tension in the neck and shoulders, hip pain, low back pain, and abdominal pain based on its pathway.

The Penetrating Vessel

The Penetrating Vessel is one of the most significant Extraordinary Vessels.

Identified as the network’s center, it has numerous branches throughout the body and performs additional energetic and physiological functions.

The Penetrating Vessel originates in the space between the kidneys and has an internal branch that emerges in the perineum after passing through the uterus.

Its descending branch goes down the inner leg to the big toe and medial foot. Its abdominal branch extends throughout the abdomen and chest and flows upward through the abdomen, following the kidney meridian. The head branch continues through the chin, eyes, and throat.

The Penetrating Vessel is a powerful vessel because it is connected with many of the body's 12 primary meridians and organs and covers many of its pathways.

The Penetrating Vessel is very important for treating gynecological conditions. It is believed to transform the essence of the kidney into menstrual blood and is essential for healthy menstruation.

It can be used to treat any type of blood stasis pattern as it is particularly concerned with adequate blood movement throughout the body.

Because of its ability to spread throughout the chest, the Penetrating Vessel has a special connection to blood from the heart and is associated with heart rhythm, cardiac function, and emotional problems like anxiety and panic attacks.

The Penetrating Vessel:

Keeps blood and energy moving throughout the body. If there is pain or stagnation in the body, the Penetrating Vessel isn't working as well as it should.
Is closely associated with the correct directional flow of energy in each system because it maintains flow throughout the primary channels.
Has as a close connection to the stomach and can help with nausea and other stomach symptoms.
Is opened through specific points on the wrists and feet.

Yin Linking Vessel

The Yin Linking Vessel connects all the Yin channels to a pressure point in the inner arm near the wrist.

This vessels path begins above the ankle, and moves into the muscle's core before reaching the lower abdomen at a point which connects the stomach, spleen, kidneys, and liver from the inner leg. It controls the chi in the Yin meridians (liver, kidney, and spleen), which are located throughout the body's interior.

The Yin Linking Vessel nourishes the heart by transferring blood and chi from the Lower and Middle Burners to the Upper Burner. It helps with mental health and digestive issues, and chest pain.

The Yang Linking Vessel

The Yang Linking Vessel is one of the 12 main meridians and is associated with the large intestine.

It is believed to regulate the distribution of body fluids and control the elimination of waste.

The Yang meridian, also known as the Large Intestine Meridian, is said to run from the index finger to the cheek, and then along the cheekbone to the base of the ear. It then continues down the neck, along the spine, to the sacrum, and to the outside of the thigh and knee, finally ending at the lateral aspect of the fourth toe.

It helps in treating immunity issues and lower back pain.

The Yin Heel Vessel

The Yin Heel Vessel is one of the eight extraordinary meridians and is not associated with any specific organ, but is believed to play a role in regulating the flow of vital energy (Qi) throughout the body.

The pathway of the Yin Heel Vessel is said to begin at the inner corner of the eye, run down along the nose, across the upper lip, and down along the front of the neck. It then continues down along the chest, abdomen, and legs, ending at the sole of the foot.

The Yin Heel Vessel is believed to play a role in regulating the flow of energy in the front part of the body and to help maintain the balance of Yin and Yang energies.

It is also believed to be involved in the regulation of body fluids, circulation of blood, and the maintenance of overall health and wellbeing.

Yang Stepping Vessel

Yang Stepping Vessel is one of the eight extraordinary meridians. Like the Yin Heel Vessel, it is not associated with any specific organ, but is believed to play a role in regulating the flow of vital energy throughout the body.

The pathway of the Yang Stepping Vessel is said to begin at the lateral aspect of the eye, run up along the temple, over the top of the head, and down the back of the neck. It then continues down the spine, along the back of the legs and ends at the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot.

The Yang Stepping Vessel is believed to play a role in regulating the flow of energy in the back part of the body and to help maintain the balance of Yin and Yang energies. It is also believed to regulate body fluids, blood circulation and maintain overall health and wellbeing.

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CONCLUSION

Meridians are energy pathways in the body that you can stimulate using EFT Tapping to reverse anxiety, depression, phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other mental health illnesses to restore health and harmony to your body and mind. EFT Tapping is a technique that utilises the ancient system of acupuncture to promote healing and reduce symptoms of various health conditions. In addition to promoting physical and mental health, it is also found to be effective in increasing wealth and improving relationships.

By tapping on certain points along the meridians and thinking about a problem or feeling you want to gain freedom from, you can release any tension and restore the normal flow of energy.

Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, or other emotional or physical issues, EFT Tapping and Energy Yoga can stimulate the body's meridian pathways and help you achieve greater well-being and improve the overall quality of your life.

How To Self-Heal & Become An EFT Practitioner

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In summary, meridians are the energy pathways used in EFT Tapping to help bring the energy system of the body back into balance. Traditional Chinese medicine is the basis for meridians, and acupuncture points are used in them.

References:

Disclaimer: The information on this website is purely for educational purposes and does not in any way replace the requirement for medical and psychological diagnosis and treatment. Please seek professional medical and psychological diagnosis and advice for all medical and mental health conditions. It is advised to always book any consultations with qualified professionals.

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