Reducing Stress through EFT Tapping: A Possibility Explored?
In the quest for effective stress relief, a growing number of individuals are turning to EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) tapping. This innovative practice, developed by Gary Craig, combines traditional Chinese acupressure with modern insights from psychology and energy medicine.
EFT tapping involves a sequence of tapping on specific meridian points, or pressure points, throughout the body. The process begins with identifying the problem causing stress, rating its intensity, creating a setup phrase, and following a five-step sequence.
During the EFT tapping sequence, you'll repeat your phrase and use two or more fingers to tap the following points 5 to 7 times:
- Eyebrow (EB)
- Side of eye (SE)
- Under the eye (UE)
- Under the nose (UN)
- Chin point (Ch)
- Collarbone (CB)
- Top of head (TOH)
- Side of hand (SOH) or Karate chop point (KC)
- Under the arm (UA)
After you've finished the sequence, re-rate where you are on the intensity scale. On a scale of 0 to 10, how do you feel about the issue you were focusing on? Compare these results to where you were before you started tapping. Repeat the process until you rate your intensity at a 0.
While the effectiveness of EFT tapping is not universally accepted, recent research suggests that tapping on targeted points of the body can have long-lasting benefits, particularly in stress relief. A 2016 review found that people who used EFT tapping techniques experienced a major reduction in stress and anxiety. Moreover, a 2020 study suggests that EFT may decrease cortisol levels, the stress hormone, by as much as 43 percent.
However, it's important to note that not all studies support these findings, and experts still need to delve deeper into whether or not tapping has legitimate effects on anxiety and stress.
If you're considering giving EFT tapping a try, remember that it's a personal journey. If it makes you feel good, there are no issues continuing the practice. In fact, it could serve as a useful meditation tool, helping to reduce stress.
In addition to EFT tapping, there are numerous other stress relief tips available. These range from natural remedies like ashwagandha or CBD, eating stress-relieving foods, progressive relaxation, yoga, meditation or mindfulness, breathing exercises, journaling, exercise, getting quality sleep, aromatherapy, massage therapy, talk therapy, listening to music, reading a book, spending time outside, snuggling up your pet, calming hand techniques, and more.
Ultimately, the key is to find what works best for you in managing stress and maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Read also:
- Connection Between ADHD and Trauma?
- West Nile Virus detected in Kentucky for the first time; authorities advise locals to adopt safety measures
- Allergy relief through nasal sprays: confirmed by the Foundation's testing
- Federal authorities mandate the final phase of the San Jacinto River Waste Pits clean-up operation
