We all want the best for our children, especially when dealing with their mental and emotional well-being. EFT Tapping, also known as the Emotional Freedom Technique, is a powerful tool to help kids manage anxiety and stress.
This technique involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body to reduce emotional distress. EFT Tapping is a therapeutic method that combines cognitive and exposure therapy principles with acupressure. This technique, developed by Gary Craig, involves using fingertip tapping on specific meridian points on the body to help balance the body’s energy system and alleviate emotional distress.
As a psychologist, I have used EFT tapping for almost two decades with very young children to the elderly. It is a quick and super effective way to calm the nervous system. I have found that it may feel awkward to tap and make statements at first but once people see how powerful it is, they find it a valuable tool.
Science and EFT Tapping
EFT is used to support those with neurodivergent brains or clinical issues. It can help one through periods of stress or major life upsets in a very simplistic but very beneficial way.
There are several studies showing just how beneficial tapping can be. One study on social work students shows they often get anxious because of their demanding training and work placements. Even though these students liked what they did, many still felt anxious, which hurt their performance. To help with this, a new method called Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) was tested.
In the study, 45 students used EFT before and after a 15-minute lecture designed to make them anxious. The results showed that students felt much less anxious after using EFT. Interviews with 12 students revealed that they found EFT calming and helpful and thought it could also be useful in other situations (Boath et al., 2017).
How Does the EFT Tapping Technique Work?
EFT Tapping is based on the premise that negative emotions are caused by disruptions in the body's energy system. By tapping on specific meridian points while focusing on an issue, EFT helps to release these disruptions and restore emotional balance.
The EFT Process:
- Identifying the Issue: The first step in EFT Tapping is identifying the specific issue or emotion you want to address. This could be anything from anxiety, stress, fear, or physical pain.
- Measuring Intensity: Before you begin tapping, rate the intensity of your feeling on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 means no distress, and 10 means the highest level of distress.
- Creating a Set-Up Statement: Develop a set-up statement acknowledging the issue and affirm self-acceptance despite the distress. For example, “Even though I feel this anxiety, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
- Tapping Sequence: Using your fingertips, tap on the designated acupressure points on your body while repeating the set-up statement. These points correspond to the endpoints of the body's energy meridians. The most commonly used points in EFT Tapping are:
- Karate Chop Point: Side of the hand, on the fleshy part (used to start the tapping sequence).
- Top of the Head (TH)
- Eyebrow (EB)
- Side of the Eye (SE)
- Under the Eye (UE)
- Under the Nose (UN)
- Chin (CH)
- Collarbone (CB)
- Under the Arm (UA)
- Reassessing Intensity: After completing a round of tapping, reassess the intensity of your feeling. Continue the process until the intensity decreases to a manageable level.
Benefits of EFT Tapping
EFT Tapping is effective for a variety of emotional and physical issues because of the combination of tapping along meridians and how it challenges negative thoughts.
My clients find that it is a powerful way to counter those negative looping thoughts that cause us to be stuck. And for young children or those that are highly distressed, it serves to calm a stress activated nervous system without negative side effects of medication.
EFT Has Been Shown to Be Beneficial For:
- Anxiety and Stress: Reduces the intensity of anxiety and stress-related symptoms.
- Phobias and Fears: Helps to alleviate irrational fears and phobias.
- Pain Management: Provides relief from chronic pain conditions.
- Trauma and PTSD: Assists in managing symptoms associated with traumatic experiences.
EFT Tapping for Healing
Using EFT Tapping for healing can help your child manage various emotional issues. Whether it’s tapping for depression, anxiety, or trauma, the consistent practice of EFT can bring significant relief.
EFT Tapping is a valuable tool for parents to help their children manage anxiety and other emotional issues. By following an EFT tapping worksheet and using the provided scripts and resources, you can support your child’s journey toward emotional well-being.
I believe in empowering parents with tools to support their children’s mental health, and EFT Tapping is one of the most effective techniques you can use. Remember, consistent practice and patience are crucial to seeing positive results. Download our EFT Tapping Worksheet for a more comprehensive guide on using this technique with your child.
How do you do EFT tapping on a child?
To perform EFT tapping on a child, start by explaining the process in simple terms and gaining their consent. Identify the issue or emotion the child wants to address, and then guide them through tapping on the specific points while using child-friendly language and affirmations. Encourage the child to express how they feel during and after the tapping process, and adjust the technique as needed to suit their comfort level and understanding.
What are examples of EFT statements?
Examples of EFT statements include affirmations like “Even though I feel anxious, I deeply accept myself” or “I release this tension and stress.” These statements are repeated while tapping specific acupressure points to help shift negative emotions and promote emotional well-being.
What are the most common emotional freedom techniques?
The most common Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) involve tapping specific acupressure points while focusing on an issue. These include Basic EFT Tapping, Matrix Reimprinting, and TAT (Tapas Acupressure Technique). Each technique addresses emotional distress and promotes well-being through tapping and cognitive reframing.
What are the critical emotional freedom therapy tapping points for emotional distress?
The key tapping points in Emotional Freedom Therapy for emotional distress include the top of the head, eyebrow, side of the eye, under the eye, nose, chin, collarbone, and arm. Tapping on these specific points while focusing on the distressing emotion helps reduce emotional intensity and promote emotional well-being.
What are the most effective EFT techniques for anxiety?
The most effective EFT techniques for anxiety often involve tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on the anxious feelings or thoughts. Additionally, incorporating calming affirmations and visualization techniques during the tapping process can enhance the effectiveness of EFT for anxiety relief.
How do tapping meditation points help?
Tapping meditation points helps by combining the calming effects of meditation with the therapeutic benefits of tapping on specific acupressure points. This practice can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and increase mindfulness by directing attention to the body's sensations while tapping. Additionally, tapping on these points may help release emotional blockages and restore balance to the body's energy system, contributing to overall well-being.
Can you use EFT tapping for migraines?
Yes, EFT tapping can be used as a complementary technique to help alleviate migraine symptoms. Tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on the pain and associated emotions can provide relief from migraine symptoms such as headache intensity, nausea, and stress.
Citation
Boath, E., Good, R., Tsaroucha, A., Stewart, T., Pitch, S., & Boughey, A. J. (2017). Tapping your way to success: using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to reduce anxiety and improve communication skills in social work students. Social Work Education, 36(6), 715–730. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2017.1297394
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in Anxiety who is frequently in the media:
- CityCURRENT Solutions for Your Kid’s Focus, Anxiety, and Behavioral Issues with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge.
- Barriers To Bridges Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety and Harnessing the Healing Power of Meditation.
- Yahoo!Life Anxious and On-Edge? MDs Share the Best Supplements to Tame Stress Naturally
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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