The Process
Before learning the step-by-step process of EFT, you need to understand the EFT tapping points.
The diagram on this page shows the location of the most used points during an EFT treatment. These points are in fact at the ends of energy meridians and are located just beneath the surface of the skin, responding to touch rather then having to use needles.
Whilst each energy meridian relates to a specific organ or part of the body, in EFT we do not need to be aware of this, as we simply tap on all the points since there are so few.
Please note that these tapping points proceed down the body, making them easy to memorize.
The Sore Spot
Top of the Head - releases inner critic, lack of focus
Beginning of the Eye Brow - releases tension, frustration, trauma
Side of the Eye - releases rage, resentment, fear of change
Under the Eye - releases stress, fear, anxiety, disappointment
Under the Nose - releases embarrassment, powerlessness
Chin - releases shame, confusion
Collar Bone - releases fear, sexual tension & indecision
Under Arm - releases anxiety about future, insecurity, poor self esteem
Thumb - releases intolerance, distain and haughtiness
Index Finger - releases guilt
Middle Finger - releases regret, remorse, jealousy & sexual tension
Baby Finger - releases anger and control
Karate Chop - releases sorrow and sadness
Back of the hand/Gamut point
There are two sore spots at each side of your chest and it does not matter which one you use. To find sore spot go to the base of your throat, and you find a U shaped notch. From the top of that notch go down straight 3 inches and over 3 inches to the side. If you press this area vigorously, you will find a “Sore Spot”. This spot might feel sore because of lymphatic congestion. When you rub this area, you are dispersing the congestion and after a few round the soreness will disapear.
You need to rub this area while saying the Affirmations. Tapping on the karate chop spot while saying the affirmations is also known to have the same effect.
In order to "fine tune" the brain during the session, we use what is called the Gamut action. This is a series of counting, humming, and eye movement exercises that take place during the session. Eye Movement Therapy was originated by Dr. Shapiro in 1987. She noticed that particular eye movements during sessions caused disturbing thoughts to suddenly disappear. Using eye movements allow the patient to more easily let go of negative images and feelings.
Much of this works is due to the way the brain is wired to our eyes and ears. When you affect the eye or ear, you affect the brain. For example, the right side of the brain (the creative side) is engaged when you hum a song and the left side (the digital side) is engaged when you count.
The nine step Gamut Procedure works in about 10 seconds to stimulate the brain in specific ways while tapping on the appropriate energy points of the body. This Gamut action is optional, though after years of experience, it has been found to enhance the effectiveness of EFT in a great deal.
You will learn about this procedure in the section below.
1. Start by identifying the issue you would like to work on and tune in with it. Remember to be precise in your wordings. Repeat your affirmation constanlty.
2. Rate the intensity of the feeling on a scale of 0 - 10 at the current moment where 10 is the most intense; so for example the intensity of your head or back ache, or the intensity of any emotion - fear, anger, sadness etc.
3. Then by massaging your "sore spot", say this affirmation laud three times... Even though I have this (insert problem here)______________ , I deeply and completely love and accept myself.
4. Then, tapping on each point approximately 7 times each and starting from the top of the head point, tap on each point in the order they appear down the body (as shown in the diagram) while repaeting the affirmation.
5. Do the Gamut procedure while tapping on the point on the top of the hand:
- Eyes closed.
- Eyes open.
- Look at right while holding the head steady.
- Look at left while holding the head steady.
- Rotate your eyes in a circlular direction.
- Roll your eyes in the reverse direction.
- Hum 2 seconds of a song (suggested Happy Birthday).
- Count rapidly from 1 to 5.
- Hum 2 seconds of a song again.
6. Repeat this technique two times. You can use any two fingers along either side of your body. It is not important to tap on both sides of the body, and it is all right to alternate from one side to the other. You can increase the chances of targeting the same points if you use the two-finger method, though.
7. After doing two rounds of tapping you can score the intensity of the problem/issue on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 being "all gone" and 10 meaning "nothing has changed"). Results can be one of these scenairios:
– Congratulations! The issue is all gone.
– Still need to work on it, though the issue/problem is reduced in its intensity - do more rounds of tapping, adjusting the wording appropriately, for example, "even though I still feel a bit sad or I have this remaining sadness, I deeply and completely love and accept myself". (learn about adjustments on the Affirmations page)
– Sometimes, the original issue has shifted to a whole apparently "new" issue. Or, in the case of physical pain, it has morphed into a new type of pain, and perhaps located itself in a totally different area of the body. Again, focusing on this movement/change will greatly improve the results. (do further rounds of tapping, adjusting the wording appropriately)
– The issue has gotten "worse" or more intense. This is okay, as it will usually assist the patient in being able to focus more on the details of the issue. Again, adjusting the affirmation as you work is important. Continue with the technique until you receive positive indicators.
8. Stop when you feel relief and ready to move on.