Tune Into Your Body With EFT Tapping

The mind and body are intertwined in a complex system with the potential for harm as well as healing. Thoughts, feelings and actions manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, a racing heart, or stomach upsets. But many people don’t recognize this connection, and remain largely unaware of the body’s power to reflect what’s happening in the mind and heart. This disconnect between body and mind manifests itself in an assortment of problems such as substance abuse, eating disorders and emotional difficulties.

Tuning into the body and recognizing its messages opens the way to emotional freedom.

And the simple act of tapping key points on the head, chest and hands can release negative feelings and memories stored in the body, creating blocks to healing. A form of psychological acupressure, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping exercises combined with affirmations can help ground us in the body and free the negative emotions frozen there.

Although variations on EFT tapping techniques exist, the practice centers on using the fingertips to tap points linked to recognized acupressure points to “short circuit” emotional blockages in the body’s bioenergy system.

Tapping points on the head include the top of the head, around the eyes, under the nose, and between the lower lip and chin. Moving down the body, the sequence includes points beneath the collarbones and on the ribs beneath the armpit. Hand points include the wrists and the “karate chop” point on the side of the hand, between the little finger and the wrist.

A variety of affirmations focusing on the problem or trauma at hand accompany tapping. These statements name the issue and follow it with a present tense statement that expresses acceptance and positive change, such as, “Even though I have ________, I accept myself completely.” Experts in EFT techniques point out that one sequence of tapping may eradicate some problems, but others may take longer. And, if tapping raises overwhelming emotions, it may be helpful to practice the techniques with a trained therapist.

Conventional Western culture downplays the body’s power to “speak” about the messages of the mind. Mind/body health depends on reconnecting with that power by hearing and honoring the body’s messages. EFT’s tapping techniques, combined with affirmations for acceptance and change, offer a simple, easy to learn path way to physical healing and emotional freedom.