Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), sometimes known as “meridian tapping” or “acupressure tapping” is one of my favourite energy therapy techniques – especially for clients to do at home.
I’m all for self-healing! I personally can’t imagine where my health would be without EFT. I know there are many forms of “tapping” but I have found the points used in the traditional Emotional Freedom Technique founded by Gary Craig, to be most effective.
EFT employs gentle tapping on face and body points while integrating specific wording about negative emotions or events into the routine. This helps balance the body’s energy in relationship to that charged emotional issue. This is a basic explanation, but you can visit my EFT Resources page to find out exactly how EFT works.
This technique was one that I picked up very quickly, even before getting professional training. I very intuitively lead my clients through tapping with excellent results – even some “one session wonders!” I always encourage clients to use this at home, but they are often concerned that they will mess it up or it won’t work without me (which is not true by the way). I even have kids do this with great success and I know they are not doing it perfectly. 🙂
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Without further ado, here is the tapping directions:
Start: Rate the intensity of your issue on a scale of 1-10.
Step 1:
Create your set-up statement. Say it three times while tapping the karate chop point (point 1 on the side of your hand). “Even though I have this _____ (state the problem with details), I __________ (insert positive statement).
Example:
“Even though I have this burning in my chest because I’m nervous about work, I choose to be calm” (or “I completely love and accept myself.” Any positive statement will work!)
Tip: Link your symptom to an event, person, or physical feeling.
Step 2:
Tap the remainder of the points while you “vent” about the problem using whatever comes to mind at each one.
Example:
Point 1 – “This horrible burning in my chest”
Point 2 – “I feel so terrified”
Point 3 – “This burning about work”
Point 4 – “This burning nervousness in my chest about work.”
Step 3:
Take two deep breaths. Rate your issue again. When your number decreases at all, start step one again and incorporate the words “still some of this” (below) into your phrases for the next sequence.
Example for set-up:
“Even though I still have some of this burning in my chest from work, I know I am o.k.”
Example for the remainder of points:
“This remaining burning.” “This remaining nervousness.”
Step 4:
When you get the relief you want, end by tapping each of the points while using some positive phrases such as:
“I’m o.k. now,” “I feel confident and peaceful now,” “My chest is calm now.”
If you want to see video instructions for this then please watch below:
If you have used EFT for healing, we’d love to hear your experiences in the comments section below. Also, if you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with your friends and family. After all, sharing is caring!
Author: Amy B. Scher
Amy B. Scher is a leading voice in the field of mind-body-spirit healing and the Los Angeles-based author of How to Heal Yourself When No One Else Can (Llewellyn Worldwide, January 8, 2016). As an energy therapist, Amy uses energy therapy techniques to help those experiencing illness and those in need of emotional healing. She has been featured on healthcare blogs, CNN, Curve, Elephant Journal, Cosmopolitan, OM Times, and the San Francisco Book Review. Most importantly, Amy lives by her self-created motto: “When life kicks your ass, kick back.” Visit her website: amybscher.com
