EFT tapping technique
What is EFT tapping and can it really help with anxiety and stress?
Projekt-Plan
{{whyLabel}}: Understanding the history and success stories of EFT builds the necessary trust in the technique to ensure long-term commitment.
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- Focus on the chapters explaining the 'Basic Recipe'.
- Take notes on how the amygdala (the brain's fear center) responds to tapping.
- Pay attention to the 'Psychological Reversal' concept which explains why we sometimes resist healing.
{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have finished the book and can explain the basic concept of EFT to someone else.
{{whyLabel}}: Knowing that EFT is clinically proven to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) by up to 43% provides logical grounding for your practice.
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- Look up the 2020 study by Dr. Peta Stapleton regarding cortisol reduction.
- Understand that tapping sends a calming signal to the amygdala, physically deactivating the stress response.
- Internalize that this is a physiological intervention, not just 'positive thinking'.
{{doneWhenLabel}}: You can cite the primary physiological benefit of tapping (cortisol reduction).
{{whyLabel}}: EFT is most effective when it is highly specific rather than general.
{{howLabel}}:
- List three recurring situations that cause you anxiety (e.g., 'public speaking', 'financial checking', 'social gatherings').
- Describe the physical sensation for each (e.g., 'tightness in chest', 'sweaty palms').
- Rank them from 1-10 on the SUD (Subjective Units of Distress) scale.
{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a written list of 3 specific triggers with their corresponding SUD scores.
{{whyLabel}}: Fluidity in the physical movement allows you to focus entirely on your emotional state during a session.
{{howLabel}}:
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- Side of Hand (Karate Chop), 2. Top of Head, 3. Eyebrow (inner edge), 4. Side of Eye (on the bone).
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- Under Eye (on the bone), 6. Under Nose, 7. Chin (crease below lip).
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- Collarbone (just below the bone), 9. Under Arm (4 inches below armpit).
{{doneWhenLabel}}: You can tap through all 9 points in order without looking at a diagram.
{{whyLabel}}: The Setup Statement acknowledges the problem while affirming self-acceptance, which is crucial for neutralizing the emotional charge.
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- Use the formula: 'Even though I have [Specific Problem], I deeply and completely accept myself.'
- Example: 'Even though I feel this tightness in my chest when thinking about my presentation, I deeply and completely accept myself.'
- Ensure the statement feels honest and uses your own words.
{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have written down one complete Setup Statement for your primary stressor.
{{whyLabel}}: The Reminder Phrase keeps your brain focused on the specific emotion while the tapping calms the nervous system.
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- Shorten your Setup Statement to a 2-3 word phrase (e.g., 'This chest tightness').
- Tap 5-7 times on each point while repeating the phrase out loud.
- Focus on the physical sensation of the emotion as you tap.
{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have completed one full round (all 9 points) using a reminder phrase.
{{whyLabel}}: Consistency is the key to rewiring the brain's stress response and establishing a new baseline of calm.
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- Set a daily alarm for your session.
- Start by rating your current stress (0-10).
- Perform 3-5 rounds of tapping on whatever is on your mind for the day.
- Re-rate your stress after the session.
{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have completed 30 consecutive days of morning tapping.
{{whyLabel}}: Using the tool in real-time teaches your nervous system that it can return to safety even in high-pressure moments.
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- When you feel a sudden spike in anxiety, immediately tap the 'Side of Hand' point.
- If in public, you can discreetly tap the side of your thumb or finger points.
- Focus on your breath and repeat: 'I am safe in this moment.'
{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have successfully used tapping to lower your SUD score during at least one real-life stressful event.
{{whyLabel}}: Tracking progress helps you identify patterns and see the long-term reduction in your overall anxiety levels.
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- Record the date, the issue, the starting SUD (0-10), and the ending SUD.
- Note any 'Aha!' moments or shifts in perspective that occur during tapping.
- Review your entries weekly to see which triggers are losing their power.
{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have 4 weeks of consistent entries in your journal.
{{whyLabel}}: This advanced technique allows you to safely process specific painful memories without becoming overwhelmed.
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- Think of a specific memory as a short movie (2-3 minutes).
- Give the movie a title.
- Tap through the points while 'watching' the movie in your mind, stopping to tap whenever a specific part feels intense.
- Continue until you can watch the whole 'movie' with a SUD score of 0.
{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have successfully neutralized one minor negative memory using this technique.
{{whyLabel}}: A professional can help you uncover 'blind spots' and core beliefs that are difficult to reach on your own.
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- Search for practitioners certified by 'EFT International' or 'AEFTP'.
- Look for someone who specializes in anxiety or your specific area of concern.
- Schedule an introductory session to see if you resonate with their approach.
{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have researched and contacted one certified practitioner for a consultation.