How to Reduce Stress with Tapping
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become increasingly common, especially among 30- to 40-year-old women. As traditional methods for coping with anxiety may not always be effective, exploring alternative remedies is crucial. Tapping is just one new natural stress relief tactic that is well worth trying.
This blog introduces tapping, a powerful technique based on the principles of emotional freedom techniques (EFT), that can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Understanding Tapping
If you’ve never heard of it, tapping sounds a bit strange. After all, what can a bit of tapping around your body do to reduce stress? If you’re skeptical, let’s start with the basics. What is tapping and where did it come from?
Tapping, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), is a natural stress relief method that combines elements of ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology.
Developed by Gary Craig in the 1990s, tapping aims to balance the body’s energy system and alleviate emotional distress by stimulating specific meridian points while focusing on the issue at hand.
EFT is rooted in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is closely related to acupuncture, which involves stimulating energy points along meridians using needles.
Instead of needles, tapping employs gentle fingertip tapping on these energy points while focusing on negative emotions or physical sensations.
Tapping is believed to work by reducing stress and balancing the body’s energy system. It restores balance by sending calming signals to the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions and stress responses
One possible explanation for tapping’s effectiveness is the concept of “psychological acupuncture,” where stimulating meridian points may release endorphins and other neurochemicals, thus providing relief from emotional distress (Feinstein, 2010).
How To Get Started with Tapping
One example of what tapping looks like in practice.
To begin your tapping journey, it’s a great idea to consult with a certified EFT practitioner. These experienced professionals can guide you through the process, helping you understand and apply the natural stress relief technique effectively. You can find certified practitioners online or through local wellness centers. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have had success with tapping.
Once you’re familiar with the concept of tapping, it’s time to learn the basic tapping points. There are nine primary points to focus on, each corresponding to a specific meridian in the body. Here’s a simple rundown of the points:
- Top of the head (crown)
- Eyebrow (inner edge)
- Side of the eye (temple)
- Under the eye (upper cheekbone)
- Under the nose (above the upper lip)
- Chin (below the lower lip)
- Collarbone (just below the collarbone’s junction)
- Under the arm (side of the ribcage)
- Side of the hand (the “karate chop” point)
Tapping for Stress, in Practice
Working with your EFT practitioner is the best way to start incorporating tapping into your life, but there are also plenty of other resources online that can help you get started. Why don’t we look at an example of how to use tapping for stress relief?
To start tapping, think about what’s causing your stress and how intense it feels on a scale of 0 to 10. Make a statement that shows you accept the problem, like: “Even though I feel anxious, I completely accept myself.”
Gently tap the side of your hand while saying the statement. Create a shorter version of the statement and tap through eight other points on your body while repeating it. After finishing, take a deep breath and see if your stress has lessened. Repeat as needed for relief.
Combining Tapping with Other Natural Stress Relief Alternatives
We are strong believers that an integrated approach to anxiety and stress relief is always better. So how does tapping work with other calming practices?
Integrating tapping with meditation and mindfulness practices can enhance stress relief, as both techniques promote mental clarity and emotional balance. Practicing mindfulness while tapping can help deepen your focus on the present moment and your emotional state.
Or, what about pairing tapping with yoga and breathing exercises to strengthen its stress-reducing effects. Yoga’s gentle stretches and deep breaths can help relax the body, while tapping addresses emotional stress, creating a holistic approach to well-being.
We love to combine tapping with CBD, as it may further alleviate anxiousness. CBD, a natural compound found in cannabis plants, has been shown to have calming effects. Using tapping and CBD together can potentially offer a powerful, complementary approach to reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
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