Stress Relief at Your Fingertips: EFT and Tapping Solutions

“In simplest terms, EFT is an emotional form of acupuncture except we don't use needles. Instead, we tap with the fingertips to stimulate meridian points while the client is “tuned in” to the problem. We are still learning why EFT (and its many cousins) works so well. The existing theory is that “the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body-mind system. EFT often provides relief for a very wide range of physical (mental and emotional) symptoms (issues). Compared to other techniques, EFT is usually quite gentle and substantial relief is often achieved.”

― Gary Craig, founder of Emotional Freedom Techniques™

EFT Tapping has been used to help people with all types of issues including anxiety, phobias and more. The practitioner works with the client and their specific needs, creating “tapping scripts” using wording that is acquired from talking with the client on the spot. 

The EFT tapping process achieved great results with soldiers returning from the Gulf War who had experienced horrific combat situations, flashback memories, and battle fatigue. They were left with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and went back to their families and society, often with no mental or emotional support other than medication.

The EFT Tapping points are aligned with the meridian points of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. When the designated points are tapped with the fingertips as part of the Tapping process, this creates a stress release within the body. This also helps to release blocks or imbalances in the energy flow of the related meridian, as well as to reset any stuck mental programs that are no longer serving the person or blocking life force and energy.

“Meridians are incredibly sensitive. They can carry the effects of stimulation in the form of healing energy throughout your entire being. It is this special quality that allows the various TCM treatment modalities to work. By using food, herbs, Qigong, acupuncture, or acupressure, the flow of energy in the meridians can be stimulated, restoring balance and health.”

―Nan Lu, O.M.D., M.S.,L.Ac., founding director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation.

From the Chinese medicine perspective, when a person does not express their emotions, the body stores it as an imbalance in the related organ. The same goes for trauma and stress. If we do not deal with the trauma, or reduce the stress of an experience, the body stores it as an imbalance, which can have a mental, emotional and often physically draining effect upon a person. 

For example, you may have heard of the expression, “She was livid”. In Chinese Medicine, they say anger is stored in the liver. “I had to get that off my chest”, relates to grief being stored in the lungs. Our body has an inherent knowledge of how it is connected to itself, like the expression, “I had a gut feeling” when we are contemplating a choice of action.

The illustrations help make it easier to understand the relationship of the Tapping points to the meridian points and related emotions, and why tapping on these points in particular assist in reducing stress, bringing calm and peace of mind.

Each EFT Tapping point (or acupressure point) is bilateral, meaning it is located in the same place on both sides of the body.

A person may choose to tap the points on either side only—for example, left-handed individuals may prefer using the left side.

The tapping does not have to be exact; close enough is good enough.

When I read The EFT Manual that Gary Craig gifted to the world in early 2003, I immediately saw its potential to help with my work. At that time, my goal was to provide effective therapy for my clients. I was already able to tune into my clients and provide them with my perspective and guidance.

By mid-2003, I began writing specific Tapping statements to accurately describe the issues affecting my clients, to use with the Basic Tapping sequence slightly modified to suit my therapy application. As a result of these modifications, I named my version, Targeted Energy Focused Tapping (Targeted EFT) to best describe it as a therapy-based tapping modality.

Targeted EFT became a turning point for me as a therapist because it significantly reduced stress levels and improved clients' mental clarity, enabling them to make better decisions in the moment rather than being influenced by old, negative thoughts and fears their mind had accumulated about the issues and traumas from their lives.

After a Targeted EFT session, clients would tell me their mind felt quiet and calmer for the first time in their life.

The success of EFT and other tapping techniques highlights the power of simple, hands-on tools for emotional healing. If you’re looking for a more personalised and insight-driven approach to healing, Targeted EFT may be a valuable next step.

If you are interested in how Targeted EFT can be used to help younger ones navigate stress, anxiety, and bullying, my book Helping Kids Rise and Shine: A Guidebook for Stress, Anxiety, and Bullying offers a practical guide filled with insight and over 60 easy-to-use Tapping statements.