What Is Emotional Tapping Therapy? How Emotional Freedom Technique Can Help You

Emotional Freedom Techniques, also known as EFT, is an emerging treatment for physical pain and mental health conditions. Theoretically, this type of therapy uses tapping movements on various areas of the body to balance the energy in the body and, in turn, lessen physical and emotional pain. The Emotional Freedom Technique is still being researched, but it appears to be an effective treatment for PTSD and anxiety disorders among other conditions. Here, you can learn more about how emotional tapping therapy works and who may benefit from this type of tapping therapy.

Overview of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

The Emotional Freedom Technique was founded in the 1990s by Gary Craig, a Stanford graduate, and a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Emotional tapping therapy is a type of body-centered therapy that uses the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture as its cornerstone. 

Acupuncture focuses on the idea that energy flows along particular pathways (known as meridians) and that there are different points in the body that correspond with certain organs. For example, the area under the eye corresponds with the stomach, while the side of the hand corresponds with the small intestine. Studies show that acupuncture can be a beneficial and effective treatment for certain pain conditions.

EFT tapping draws upon the foundations of acupuncture to treat various health conditions and psychological symptoms. However, instead of using small needles as one would in acupuncture, EFT tapping is performed with the hands, which apply pressure to specific areas. The idea is that gentle tapping solution sends signals to the brain to lessen stress and promote more positive emotions as the energy in the body becomes rebalanced. 

EFT for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder

EFT treatment may be suitable for people who are interested in alternative therapies or those who cannot or do not want to take medications for physical or mental health conditions. It may also be effective for those who have tried and benefited from acupuncture treatment.

How does emotional tapping therapy work?

EFT can be practiced independently or with a certified EFT practitioner. Typically, an individual using EFT will first focus on a problem or feeling they want to resolve. Once they have this issue in mind, they can note their feelings of distress about that issue on a scale from one to 10. 

Developing affirmations

After identifying an area of focus, individuals are encouraged to think of an affirming statement or mantra to repeat throughout the tapping process; these mantras usually center around self-acceptance. An example of an affirming statement might be, “Although I am anxious about giving a presentation tomorrow, I completely accept and love myself.” Individuals continue to repeat the affirmation as they tap various parts of the body. 

Evaluating symptoms

Once they’ve completed tapping each area, they can, once again, assess their level of distress from one to 10. If the distress has decreased to a number they are satisfied with, they can end their EFT session there. If they are not satisfied, they can repeat the EFT tapping sequence until they feel better. 

EFT tapping points

There are several points along the face, hands, and body that may be tapped during EFT. Many people use a standard sequence in an EFT tapping session. A popular tapping point sequence is as follows:

• Top of the head (TOH): center of the top of the head
• Beginning of the eyebrow (EB): the start of the eyebrow nearest to the nose
• Side of the eye (SE): the bone on the outer side of the eye
• Under the eye (UE): the bone under the eye
• Under the nose (UN): the area between the nose and upper lip
• Chin point (CH): between the lower lip and bottom of the chin
• Beginning of the collarbone (CB): the center of the collarbone
• Under the arm (UA): four to five inches below the armpit

Individuals may tap around five times on each area to move through the sequence. 

EFT for post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that may occur after a person witnesses or experiences a traumatic event such as a car wreck, natural disaster, or losing a loved one, for instance. People with PTSD may experience symptoms like nightmares, nervousness, irritability, flashbacks, and others. 

Study – Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for post-traumatic stress disorder

In a 2013 study involving 30 veterans with PTSD, EFT reduced PTSD and psychological distress significantly, leading to psychological trauma symptom improvement. Moreover, a 2017 survey of EFT practitioners revealed that 10 or fewer sessions of EFT could help treat complex PTSD. Nearly 90% of the surveyed EFT practitioners reported that almost all their clients (over 90%) made progress with EFT.

EFT for depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that can involve symptoms of sadness, loss of interest in things once enjoyed, sleep problems, appetite changes, fatigue, and more. Many people experience depression at some point in life, and it can be a challenging condition to live with.  

Study – Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for depression

A 2016 meta-analysis demonstrated that clinical EFT (or EFT provided by a certified practitioner) was highly effective in reducing symptoms of depression. Moreover, individuals involved in the studies seemed to benefit from EFT over time. 

EFT for anxiety

Anxiety is another common mental health condition that can make people feel worried, restless, and on edge. Anxiety can lead to sleep and appetite changes, along with interpersonal problems. There are many ways to treat anxiety, and EFT appears to be one of them. 

Study – Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for anxiety

A 2016 randomized controlled trial demonstrated EFT as an effective treatment for anxiety. Participants in the study reported improvements at 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

Addressing mental health concerns in talk therapy

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) can be an effective form of treatment for several health conditions. Additionally, this intervention is usually pain-free and relatively easy to implement. However, EFT has not been proven to treat all mental health conditions. Talk therapy is a commonly utilized modality that can alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Therapeutic alternatives to emotional tapping therapy

If you’re experiencing challenges related to your mental health, it could be a good idea to investigate other types of therapy in addition to EFT tapping. Many online mental health professionals are trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, and other types of therapy that can target specific issues like depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. 

Benefits of online therapy

Through online therapy, you can connect with a therapist without leaving your home. You can also message your therapist throughout the day, which can be helpful for those experiencing frequent or severe symptoms. Additionally, online therapy can offer the flexibility to schedule appointments without having to address logistical challenges like parking, commuting, and taking time off work, for example.

The efficacy of online therapy for mental health challenges

You may wonder whether online therapy is as effective as in-office therapy, and the answer, often, is yes. One study tested the effectiveness of online counseling for major depressive disorder, and results indicate that people using online psychotherapy experience significantly decreased symptoms of depression after receiving therapy.