What is the science behind tapping?
To begin to understand EFT, we can look to our understanding of how stress effects us.
When we are stressed out and feeling poorly – even at a so-called low level – our bodies are in a state of discomfort or even high alert. This sense of being under threat can continue for hours, days, weeks or months, depending upon our unique orientation to life. We might be quite used to this, or simply accept it as a part of living – even as we struggle under the weight of it – physically, emotionally, in our relationships...
This pressure can seem to come from outside of us, but consider that it actually comes from within us - from our own negative thoughts, unexpressed feelings, or as a response to the early troubling experiences we still carry.
When our stress responses have been triggered, we find ourselves in a state of fight, flight, freeze, flop or fawn. Our bodies release adrenaline and cortisol - powerful stress hormones designed to help us take action for safety and survival or shut down for the same reasons. Sometimes this response is appropriate (jumping out of the way of a speeding car, for example), and sometimes it isn't (e.g. inability to express ourselves clearly, screaming at loved one, stuffing down our pain, reaching for the bottle, etc.)
Does EFT work on ______?
Those of us in the EFT field get this one a lot! If you've read this far, you know tapping works when we allow ourselves to have what we are having, especially any pain, discomfort or uncomfortable thoughts (instead of fighting against these things). For example, if we're anxious, we might just tap with that anxiety, what it feels like in the body OR what we are specifically anxious about (e.g., speaking in front of the school, talking to my son) – and see what happens.
For physical issues, such as an allergic reaction, an injury or a chronic condition, we would tap with how it feels to have the issue, where we feel it/ where it shows up, or even what was going on in our lives when it started.
I have helped people address serious issues, including chronic pain, anxiety, trauma, sleeplessness, allergies, low self-esteem, and more – by working with under-appreciated emotional contributors, like those above. Usually these reveal themselves while we tap...
Does EFT always work? No, but the persistence, experience and skill of the practitioner can make all the difference.
How can I learn EFT?
If you're new to EFT, I've co-written a free introductory manual (available from EFT International). Download it here to get started exploring how tapping can help you.
Are you interested in the science behind EFT or the research that's been done? There are 35+ Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs, the gold-standard for research) involving EFT and EFT-related modalities. Head over to EFT International to explore the research archive.
Finally, if you've heard about EFT, experienced it, or sense that it might be the right tool to help you better assist your clients, consider an EFT training course (beginning February 24th, 2023). Together we practice the ins and outs of tapping with other students in a fun, engaging and cooperative group environment – a fantastic way to learn this life-long skill.
