However, if you have both hands free you can certainly tap on both sides for good measure. Please note that if step 2 does not occur then step 3 is impossible. In other words, if the memory does not cause a disruption in the body’s energy system then the negative emotion cannot occur. That is why some people are bothered by certain memories and others are not. The difference is that some people have a tendency for their energy systems to become imbalanced under such memories, while others do not.
Some researchers have tested the effectiveness of tapping by setting up “sham” studies in which subjects performed tasks similar to but not identical to EFT tapping. One analysis of these studies supported the effectiveness of EFT by showing that sham actions were not as effective as EFT tapping. What’s so exciting is how incredibly quickly it can alleviate issues like depression, anxiety and insomnia, as well severe PTSD, physical pain, even illness. A 2016 systematic review found that EFT was effective in reducing anxiety compared to controls, but also called for more research to establish the relative efficacy to that of established treatments. This study was, however, limited in that the stress questionnaire they used had not been validated and one of the investigators led both the experimental and control groups, possibly contaminating the results. The health care workers study18 found no significant difference between five 1-day workshops delivered by 2 different trainers.
According to the researchers, these findings indicated that EFT might be useful as a brief, cost effective, and successful treatment. The bulk of the research on EFT relates to the treatment of anxiety. Several recent studies suggest that EFT may be effective for some conditions, such as anxiety and PTSD. While some points — for example, the EB, SE, and UE — have a “twin point” on the other side of the body, it is only necessary to tap on one side. However, individuals can tap these points on both sides if both of their hands are free.
On the index finger , tap on the side of the finger that is closest to the thumb, even with the base of the nail. Once you have located that one, you can find the similar MF , BF , and Th points on each hand.
Helps Treat PTSD and Trauma in a Clinical Setting
Wells et al21 original study of EFT for small animal phobias found that EFT produced greater decrease in intense fear of small animals than did a comparison breathing condition. A partial replication and extension by Baker and Sigel22 assessed whether such findings reflected nonspecific factors common to many forms of psychotherapy, some methodological artifact , and/or therapeutic ingredients specific to EFT. People who use this technique believe tapping the body can create a balance in your energy system and treat pain. According to its developer, Gary Craig, a disruption in energy is the cause of all negative emotions and pain. The authors note that their findings support those of the original study, indicating that EFT may be an effective method for lowering stress in both standard and clinical applications. Research suggests that standard EFT tapping leads to significant improvements in anxiety and may lower cortisol, the stress hormone. Meanwhile, clinical EFT is an evidence-based practice for anxiety, depression, phobias, and PTSD.
Tips for Getting Started With Tapping
It is comparatively painless (see What can I expect from EFT Tapping?for possible exceptions). You will be asked to briefly recall your problem , but that is all. In fact, with properly done Tapping, generating prolonged emotional discomfort is frowned upon. This is but one example of where EFT Tapping is a radical departure from conventional methods. Imagine the possibility of making peace with your emotions and finding true balance in your life.
At 6 months after the treatment, 79.5% of participants did not fit the criteria, which the researchers said indicated the long term benefits of EFT. A 2012 study involving 30 students with moderate-to-severe depression reported that those who received four group sessions of EFT treatment had significantly less depression than those in the control group, who received no treatment. In addition to the studies that evaluate EFT on people with both anxiety and depression, other research focuses on EFT for those with depression alone.
The researchers reported that participants experienced significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, as well as in pain levels and cravings. Before beginning each round of tapping, the person should decide on a simple reminder phrase to repeat while tapping the karate chop point. This point is at the center of the fleshy part of the outer hand. If Matrix Reimprinting. Alternative Healing you want to use EFT tapping, you can perform your own tapping sequences or you can work with a practitioner. EFT tapping is easy to use as a self-help technique because you can do it any time you feel the need. EFT tapping has roots in the 1970s when several doctors began stimulating acupressure points to help their patients deal with stress, fear, and phobias.
To me, however, the real proof of EFT’s power is not to be found in the laboratory. Accordingly, this Tutorial is designed so you can put this Tapping process through its paces yourself and come to your own conclusions. Obviously, the more skillful you become at EFT the better will be your results and the more thorough will be your understanding of “What is EFT Tapping.” A tool you can use any time and any place giving you the power to feel better at your fingertips. Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.