How Tapping Works

Tapping therapies generally focus on the same points used in acupuncture and acupressure. Each of these points lie on meridians through which the body’s energy flows. Negative emotions and experiences are thought to cause blockages in the flow of energy, tapping on these points is said to clear up such blockages. When practicing tapping therapy, individuals typically target a specific emotion that they wish to release. Focusing on a positive affirmation while tapping on the specified point is thought to enhance emotional healing.

Uses 

In alternative medicine, tapping is used to treat the following

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Phobias
• Stress
• Trauma
• Pain

Benefits

Research on the health effects of tapping is fairly limited, some evidence offers certain benefits. Some key findings from the available studies on tapping.

Pain

Several studies indicate that tapping may be of some benefit to people with chronic pain. In a 2008 study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, for instance, Neuro-Emotional Technique was found to improve symptoms in individuals with chronic neck pain. The study involved 60 chronic neck pain sufferers. A 2013 study published in Explore found that EFT tapping may be beneficial for people suffering from tension headaches. Involving 35 participants with chronic tension headaches, the study determined that EFT tapping helped reduce headache frequency and intensity.

Tapping may help reduce stress, according to a study published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease in 2012. Researchers overseeing the study assigned 83 people to an hour-long EFT tapping session, an hour-long psychotherapy session, or no treatment. Results revealed that those assigned to EFT tapping experienced a significant decrease in their levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as significant improvements in anxiety and mood.

In a 2012 study of 45 people with anxiety disorders published in the journal Explore, researchers found that participants treated with Thought Field Therapy experienced significantly greater improvements in anxiety symptoms than study members assigned to no treatment. A 2016 review of 14 studies affirmed these results. The analysis included 658 subjects and found EFT treatment was associated with a significant decrease in anxiety scores. However, the study authors noted more research is needed to compare EFT to standard treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Pain

Several studies indicate that tapping may be of some benefit to people with chronic pain. In a 2008 study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, for instance, Neuro-Emotional Technique was found to improve symptoms in individuals with chronic neck pain. The study involved 60 chronic neck pain sufferers. A 2013 study published in Explore found that EFT tapping may be beneficial for people suffering from tension headaches. Involving 35 participants with chronic tension headaches, the study determined that EFT tapping helped reduce headache frequency and intensity.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

EFT appears to help individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A 2017 survey of 448 EFT practitioners found that more than 60% of veterans with PTSD who were treated with EFT were relieved of their symptoms in 10 sessions or less. The study authors recommend EFT should be used in addition to group therapy, online self-help resources, and social support. While there is a lack of specific research on the use of tapping with groups of individuals with autism, there is research on the efficacy of tapping in those with anxiety disorders and those who need general relief from emotional distress. Tapping can be used as a simple stress-reduction technique, which many with autism could benefit from.

• Until there is more substantial research out there on the Emotional Freedom Technique that is tapping, in relation to those specifically with autism, there cannot be any conclusive statements made about its effectiveness or a positive correlation made. Since those with autism often experience high levels of anxiety tapping has been proven to help decrease anxiety… and induce relaxation

People with subclinical PTSD should be treated with five EFT sessions while those with clinical PTSD should be treated with 10 sessions.

Alternatives 

A number of alternative therapies may be helpful in improving your emotional health. For instance, studies show that massage therapy, EMDR, acupuncture, journaling, acupressure, guided imagery, Quantum Biofeedback and meditation may have positive effects on emotional well-being. Physical exercise, in different forms such as tai chi, yoga, and qi gong, have also been shown to have measurable effects on mood and overall well-being.

Caveats

It’s important to note that self-treating a chronic condition (such as depression) with tapping and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you’re considering using it, talk with your healthcare provider first.