EFT (aka tapping) helps when we are willing to sit with our uncomfortable thoughts, feelings or symptoms instead of engaging in trying to fix (or avoid) our discomfort. For example, if we're anxious, we might tap with what it feels like to have this anxiety (e.g., "a ball in my chest") or what we're specifically anxious about (e.g., "speaking in front of the school", "talking to my son") until the emotional intensity subsides and we feel relief.

For physical issues, such as allergic reactions, injuries or chronic conditions, for example, we might tap with how the symptoms feel, where we feel them/where they show up, or what was going on in our lives when they started. We might even get curious about what the issue might be trying to tell us, or what we might be getting out of it.

With persistence and skill, EFT can be an excellent complement to medical or other primary care, as it addresses the emotional contributors to our problems, which can otherwise be minimized or neglected. When we tap with our true feelings and thoughts in a gentle, structured, somatic (body-centered) way, we can experience surprisingly positive and measurable results.