Techniques for Tapping Emotional Freedom

Emotional Freedom Techniques, or EFT, was developed by Gary Craig and has helped several individuals in a variety of clinical settings. Many emotional and physical difficulties can be linked to the body's chi energy, which must flow freely for the body to experience total health and well-being, according to some philosophies and Eastern practices. Tapping is the practicing of EFT and is described as a combination of techniques similar to meditation, hypnosis and acupressure.

Affirmation Statements

• According to natural health practitioner Joseph Mercola, D.O., it is important to use affirming statements while performing the physical act of tapping into the body's pressure points and chi locations. Examples of affirming statements include "even though I have such and such a problem, I deeply and completely love and accept myself." Other variations and iterations of affirming statements follow the same basic pattern of acknowledging the problem and creating an expression of self-love and acceptance. According to Mercola, it doesn't matter if you truly believe the statements as long as you say them out loud.

Using a Mirror

• Mercola says another tip is to use a mirror while engaged in the art of tapping and saying your affirming statements. Looking deeply into your eyes to connect with your subconscious, in accordance with EFT thought and practice, can help to highlight your ability to focus on the negative messages that are blocking your progress in obtaining emotional freedom. Using a mirror also can help you focus on forgiving yourself for past mistakes.

Choices Method

• The Choices Method, which was advanced by Patricia Carrington, Ph.D., in the EFT arena, uses a different style of affirming statements that represent a proactive stance toward oneself and does not contradict a patient's view of reality. Rather than using the traditional affirmation statement, the Choice Method allows the patient to choose an expression that captures the antithesis of the negative belief about themselves that is aimed at the specific problem at hand, rather than using a generic statement of affirmation.

Tapping

• Tapping is the act of using chi and pressure points along the face and torso in a specific order by using your fingertips. Remove any glasses, watches and bracelets before beginning the tapping technique. Tapping should be done quickly so that each breath inhalation equals 5 to 7 taps. The tapping sequence begins on the top of the head at the center of the skull and then progresses to the eyebrow above and to the side of the nose. The rest of the tapping points are as follows: side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, the chin, collar bone, under the arm and inside the wrists.