Emotional Freedom Techniques Tapping Procedure

EFT or Emotional Freedom Techniques is a form of Thought Field Therapy or Energy Psychology. It is based on the idea that all negative emotions or physical discomforts are the result of a disruption in the body’s energy system. It can be used to release “negatives” or reinforce “positives”. Since you are only able to process one emotion at a time, you must make a choice. EFT helps you to make that choice energetically. EFT is an emotional version of acupuncture. Instead of needles, you stimulate the meridian points by tapping on them with your fingertips. Try EFT on everything.

To release negative emotions, rate each of your negative beliefs, experiences or physical pain.  Using a scale from1 to 10, give a rating about how bad it makes you feel - a subjective unit of discomfort (SUD).

Take a deep breath, focus on your issue and create a phrase which identifies the problem – a set-up phrase.
“Even though I have …this problem… I deeply and completely accept myself.”

Using two fingers, begin by tapping on spot #1. Spot #1 may be either the thymus gland located at the center of the breastbone, or the side of the hand at the karate chop point. Focus on your issue and breathe deeply while tapping spot #1 and repeating the set-up phrase 3 times.

After tapping on spot #1 (thymus or karate chop) and repeating the set-up phrase, continue by tapping through the 9-Step Sequence, saying “releasing this problem”…“don’t need this problem”…“letting go of this problem”. It doesn’t matter if you tap on either your right or left side. Or you can use both hands while tapping through the 9-Step Sequence; tapping on both sides of the body at the same time.

2. inner eyebrow
3. outer eyebrow
4. under eye
5. under nose
6. chin
7. collarbone
8. under arm
9. crown of head.

Take a deep breath, evaluate your SUD and continue the process until you have reached a level of comfort.

For a particularly intense issue, continue tapping on the outer side of the thumb, pointer, middle and little fingers, as well as the karate chop point on the side of the hand. Again evaluate your SUD.

You may also use the 9-Step Sequence to release any unwanted emotions at the time you are experiencing the feeling. It is not necessary to use a set-up phrase or verbally express and identify the emotions…just tap as you connect with releasing the feelings.

To reinforce and choose positive behaviors and affirmations, use the 9-Step Sequence to tap as you speak your choices. For example, after you have “released anxiety” you can then “choose to be calm”. You can also choose confidence, motivation, joy, health, empowerment or any other positive state of being. Take a moment to tap through the 9-Step Sequence while you read and focus on your affirmations. Notice if you are energetically aligned with your desires. If not, take the opportunity to tap away any limitations.

There are many ways to fine tune the procedure. The set-up phrase, identifying the problem or formulating the affirmation or choice, is a very important factor. Please contact a Certified EFT Practitioner for help.