Do you have a lot of emotional trauma and anxiety that you just can’t seem to shake? If so, you may want to consider trying tapping therapy. Tapping therapy is a relatively new technique that has been shown to be very effective at releasing emotional trauma and anxiety. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of tapping therapy and how it can help you overcome your emotional struggles!
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What Is Tapping Therapy?
Tapping therapy is described as a form of psychological acupressure, based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture. And that is to treat physical and emotional ailments for over five thousand years but without the invasiveness of needles. It is also known as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).
The theory behind tapping is that our bodies are hardwired to react to stress and trauma. This causes a disruption in our energy system which can lead to physical, emotional, and mental problems. When we tap on specific points in the body, it helps to release the blockages in our energy system and restore balance.
It is believed that tapping therapy is effective because it helps the overall quality of life. People usually considered this therapy to be a last resort, but it has been shown to be helpful for people of all ages. Now as we have discussed what tapping therapy actually is, let’s look into the research that has been conducted on this topic.
Research Behind Tapping
There are many studies that have been conducted on tapping therapy and its efficacy. A study done in 2014 showed that tapping could be an effective treatment for PTSD. The study found that those who underwent tapping therapy had a significant reduction in symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression.
A study was conducted with 100 participants who were asked to rate their level of stress and anxiety before and after tapping therapy. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in both stress and anxiety levels after just one session of tapping therapy.
Also, the research suggests that tapping is a promising treatment for anxiety and depression. A study done in 2016 found that those who underwent tapping therapy had significantly reduced levels of anxiety and depression, compared to those who did not receive any treatment.
So, we can see from the research that tapping therapy is an effective treatment for various mental health conditions, including:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
If you are struggling with any of these conditions, tapping therapy may be a helpful treatment for you. It is a safe and non-invasive way to help heal the mind and body.
How Does It Work?
There is always a feeling or emotion that we are consciously aware of. When we feel these emotions, there is always a part of our brain that is processing this information. The limbic system is responsible for our fight-or-flight response and it is also the area where our emotional memories are stored.
And there, tapping therapy, also known as EFT works by tapping on specific points in the body while focusing on the emotion that you want to release. Tapping on these points sends a signal to the limbic system that it is safe to release the emotion.
By tapping on these points, you are essentially rewiring your brain to let go of the emotional trauma and anxiety. In other words, you are retraining your brain to respond in a different way to the trigger that is causing you anxiety.
There are a few different ways that you can find the pressure points on your face. One way is to use your fingers to lightly tap on your face until you feel a slight indentation. Another way is to use what is called a “tapping tool”. This is a small tool that you can purchase that has a blunt end that is specifically designed for tapping on the face.
Once you have located the pressure point, you will want to use your index finger and tap on the point for about five seconds. You can then move to the next point and repeat the process. You will want to continue this until you have tapped on all of the pressure points. So, if you are looking for a way to release the emotions that are holding you back, it may be the answer for you.
What Are The 5 Tapping Steps?
Every therapy comes with steps and proper procedures to follow in order for it to be effective. The same goes for tapping therapy. There are five steps you need to remember and implement when tapping:
Identifying the problem or issue at hand
The first step is always identifying what it is that’s causing you distress. This could be a memory of past trauma, an upcoming event that’s making you anxious, or anything else that’s causing negative emotions. Once you’ve identified the issue, you can start to work on resolving it. It also helps in setting the intention for your tapping session.
Rating the intensity of the problem or issue
The next step is to rate the intensity of the emotions you’re feeling on a scale of 0-to-100. This will help you track your progress as you go through the tapping process. It’s important to be as honest as possible when rating the intensity level, as this will give you a more accurate measure of your progress.
Tapping on the acupressure points
There are a total of 12 meridian points on the body that are connected to the various organs. Tapping on these points helps to release any blockages and restore balance within the body. This is the third most important step in the tapping process. It is also known as the “tapping” step. Also, it is done in a repeatable sequence to enhance the effectiveness of the therapy.
Releasing the negative emotions
The fourth step is all about releasing the negative emotions that are associated with the issue at hand. This can be done by visualizing the emotion leaving your body or simply by letting go of it. Either way, this step is crucial in resolving the issue. For example is important to not focus on the memory of the trauma, but rather on the feeling of release.
Rating the final intensity
This is the final step of tapping therapy. You will once again rate the intensity of your emotions on a scale from 0 to 100. The goal is to see a decrease in the intensity level from when you started tapping. If there is no change or if the intensity increases, then you may need to adjust your approach.
So these are the five major steps of tapping therapy that a professional would use. However, you can also do this at home by yourself. Just be sure to be as specific as possible with your language and really focus on the emotions you want to release.
If you want to learn more about this and how it can help you release emotional trauma and anxiety, then please reach out to a professional.
What Are The Points For Tapping?
When you are tapping on your face there are certain points that you will want to hit. These pressure points are located on what is called the “meridian lines”. There are 14 of these lines and they each correspond with a different organ or body system. The theory behind tapping is that by stimulating these pressure points you can release any blockages that may be causing physical or emotional problems.
There are certain points on the face and body that are more commonly used in tapping therapy. These are:
- The eyebrow point: This is located at the beginning of the brow, just above the nose.
- The side of the eye: This point is located at the outer corner of the eye.
- Under the eye: This point is located under the eye, about half an inch below the pupil.
- Under the nose: This point is located directly under the nose.
- The chin: This point is located in the crease of the chin.
- Collarbone: This point is located at the beginning of the collarbone, about an inch from the base of the neck.
- The top of the head: This point is located at the very top of the head.
You can tap on any or all of these points depending on what issue you are trying to address. For example, if you are feeling anxious you may want to tap on the side of the eye and under the eye. If you are dealing with a lot of anger, you may want to tap on the eyebrow point and the chin.
There are also other nine internal organs where this therapy focuses.
- Spleen: This point is located on the inside of the ankle, about two inches above the bone.
- Liver: This point is located on the right side of the body, just below the ribs.
- Gallbladder: This point is located on the right side of the body, just below the liver.
- Stomach: This point is located on the left side of the body, just below the ribs.
- Kidney: This point is located on the inside of the ankle, about two inches below the bone.
- Heart: This point is located in the center of the chest.
- Small Intestine: This point is located on the right side of the body, about two inches below the ribs.
- Bladder: This point is located on the inside of the ankle, about four inches below the bone.
- Triple Heater: This point is located on the back of the neck, about halfway between the base of the skull and the top of the shoulder.
Overall, it will be beneficial for you to familiarize yourself with all of the points so that you can address any issue that may come up.
Benefits of Tapping therapy
There are several benefits of tapping therapy. Some of the common benefits include:
- Release emotional trauma and anxiety. It is believed that this can help to release emotions that are trapped in the body. This can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels.
- Improve sleep quality. It can also help to improve sleep quality. This is because it can help to relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety and stress.
- Reduce pain. This is usually characterized by migraines and tension headaches. And EFT steps can help to alleviate pain by releasing the emotions that are causing it.
- Enhance self-esteem and confidence. This is because tapping can help to release the negative emotions that are holding you back. This can help to improve your self-esteem and confidence.
- Regulate blood pressure and heart rate. When you are stressed or suffering from anxiety, your blood pressure and heart rate can go up. Tapping can help to regulate these by releasing the emotions that are causing them.
- Improve energy levels. People usually report feeling more energetic after this type of therapy. Because it helps to release the emotions that are draining your energy.
- Better concentration. When you are relaxed and not stressed, you will be able to concentrate better. This is because tapping can help to release the emotions that are distracting you.
- Reduce cravings. Tapping can also help to reduce cravings. This is because it can help to release the emotions that are causing them.
So, these are overall benefits that can be hugely helpful for your health in different ways. If you are looking to improve your overall health and well-being, then tapping therapy could be something that you want to consider. You will be surprised at how effective it can be and the changes that it can make in your life.
Things You Must Consider
Before starting any therapy it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to make sure it is right for you. Tapping therapy should not be used as a replacement for traditional medical care or treatment. If you have any reservations about starting tapping therapy, consider the following:
- The therapist you are working with is qualified and has experience in treating anxiety and emotional trauma.
- You feel comfortable with the therapist and feel like you can trust them.
- You are willing to commit to the therapy and do the work required outside of sessions (e.g., homework assignments).
- Also, you should be willing to explore difficult emotions and memories.
- And understand that tapping therapy may not provide immediate relief and that symptom reduction may take time.
Along with this, there are several things that you must keep in mind before choosing tapping therapy. You should also be aware that:
- Tapping therapy can be emotionally challenging
- The process can take time
If you’re considering tapping therapy, be sure to do your research and find a qualified therapist that you feel comfortable with. This is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Remember, tapping therapy may not be right for everyone, but it could provide you with the relief you need from anxiety and emotional trauma.
Conclusion
To conclude, tapping therapy is an effective way to release emotional trauma and anxiety. It is a simple, yet powerful tool that can be used to improve your overall wellbeing. This is believed to be because tapping helps to release the negative emotions that are stored in the body, which can lead to a feeling of relief and calmness.
If you are struggling with anxiety or stress, then give tapping therapy a try! Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing anxiety, so find what works for you and stick with it. Tap into your inner strength and let go of the negative emotions that are holding you back from living a happy and fulfilling life.
If you’re looking for more information on this type, check out Therapy Mantra. The team of experts will help guide you on your recovery journey. Trust the process and let the therapists work their magic! Contact us today to learn more about our services. You can also book an online therapy session or download our free Android or iOS app.
