Tapping is quickly becoming one of the easiest ways to reduce anxiety that comes unexpectedly. This strategy focuses on the Meridian points of your body, which you tap to maintain your body’s balance and energy. Tapping while speaking affirming words allows you to feel a sense of acceptance and calm and encourages you to reframe the situation that’s causing the anxiety.
Tapping on these points on your body sends a signal to the amygdala (fight or flight part of the brain) to calm down and relax. Restoring calm to your mind helps to reduce anxiety, and allows for you to connect to your emotions and thoughts in a controlled way.
The Tapping Points
So where exactly should you be tapping? The important points on your body are the same ones that are targeted by acupuncture or acupressure, and include the following—
- outside fleshy part of the hand
- top of head
- eyebrow
- side of the eye
- under the eye
- under the nose
- chin
- beginning of the collarbone
- under the arm
Words of Affirmation
In addition to the physical tapping, experts encourage repeating affirming phrases that keep you from being so hard on yourself. Most phrases start with “Even though…” For example, you could say “even though I’m feeling overwhelmed and fearful, I accept who I am, and how I feel.” As you say these, go to each point and repeatedly tap over and over for best results.
The best way to practice tapping is to find an EFT Practioner that you trust and who can help you with your anxiety and teach you to tap on your own!