Based on ancient methods, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping, helps release stored emotional energy and reduce anxiety. Learn how to use this simple method to calm the mind and body.
Have you ever had an anxious thought or troubling memory and felt it pulse through your body? Perhaps it made your arms tingle, your stomach uncomfortable or your head fuzzy. That’s because it’s believed there are certain points in the body where emotional energy is stored. Emotional freedom technique (EFT), also known as tapping, targets these areas and aims to restore the balance of energy.
Affirming acceptance of your emotion and completing the tapping sequence reminds your body that it’s safe to feel the emotion and it’s safe to let it go
How to practise EFT in 6 simple steps
We suggest finding a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed before following this sequence.
1. Identify the issue
Tune into what’s bothering you and how you feel about it. Be utterly truthful and honest with yourself.
2. Measure the initial intensity
Rate how it makes you feel on a scale of one to 10.
3 . Create a statement
Decide on a statement that describes how the issue makes you feel, followed by a statement of self-acceptance.
For example: ‘Even though I feel X, I send myself love.’
4. Start the sequence
Recite your statement as you move around the following tapping points on the body (the precise number of taps isn’t important, but between three and seven is effective):
Side of the hands
Top of the head
Inner corner of the eyebrows
Side of the eyes
Under the nose
Under the eyes
Under the chin
Collarbone
Under the arms
Return to the side of the hand
5. Take a deep breath
Once you’ve completed a sequence through the body, stop and breathe. Tune into how you feel and notice if there’s any difference.
6. Test the final intensity
Assign a number on a scale of one to 10 to how you feel about the issue. Check to see if you feel any better and repeat the sequence as many times as needed.
ILLUSTRATIONS: Sara Thielker
