The Complete Guide to EFT Tapping Points & how to Address Childhood Trauma

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly known as tapping, is a transformative therapeutic method that combines the principles of ancient Chinese acupressure with modern psychological practices. By tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on particular issues, EFT Tapping helps individuals release negative emotions and alleviate physical discomfort. This blog delves into the primary EFT Tapping points, alternative points, their correlation with the body’s energy systems, and how they can be applied to overcome childhood trauma. Additionally, it highlights how working with an EFT practitioner can enhance the healing process.

Understanding EFT Tapping

EFT Tapping integrates psychological acupressure with cognitive behavioral techniques. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which uses needles, Emotional Freedom Techniques employs fingertip tapping on designated meridian points. This process addresses the body's energy flow, aiming to reduce the intensity of negative emotions and alleviate physical symptoms.

Primary EFT Tapping Points and Their Correlation to the Body

EFT Tapping employs nine key tapping points, each corresponding to specific meridians in the body, as outlined in traditional Chinese medicine. These points are linked to various organs and emotional states, providing a holistic approach to healing:

• Karate Chop (KC) Location: Side of the hand, between the base of the pinky finger and the wrist. Correlation: This point is used to address psychological reversals and affirm self-acceptance despite the issue at hand.
• Top of the Head (TH) Location: Crown of the head. Correlation: Helps balance overall energy and is connected to general stress relief and emotional harmony.
• Eyebrow (EB) Location: Beginning of the eyebrow, just above the nose. Correlation: Corresponds to the bladder meridian, associated with trauma and emotional pain. Tapping here aids in releasing pent-up emotions tied to traumatic experiences.
• Side of the Eye (SE) Location: On the bone bordering the outer corner of the eye. Correlation: Relates to the gallbladder meridian, which is effective in alleviating feelings of anger and resentment.
• Under the Eye (UE) Location: On the bone directly under the eye. Correlation: Connected to the stomach meridian, which deals with fear and anxiety. Tapping here helps reduce these emotions.
• Under the Nose (UN) Location: Between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip. Correlation: Relates to the governing vessel meridian, targeting shame and feelings of powerlessness.
• Chin (CH) Location: Midway between the bottom of the lower lip and the chin. Correlation: Linked to the central vessel meridian, this point assists in overcoming confusion and uncertainty.
• Collarbone (CB) Location: Just below the collarbone. Correlation: Corresponds to the kidney meridian, aiding in alleviating general stress and boosting self-confidence.
• Under the Arm (UA) Location: About four inches below the armpit. Correlation: Connected to the spleen meridian, which helps in releasing fear and worry.

Alternative EFT Tapping Points

In addition to the primary points, several alternative points can be tapped to address specific issues or enhance the technique's effectiveness:

• Wrist Points Location: Inside of the wrist. Correlation: Tapping here supports stress reduction and promotes calm, engaging the heart meridian.
• Finger Points Location: Sides of each finger (excluding the thumb). Correlation: Each finger point corresponds to different organs and emotions within the body's energy system, such as the liver, lungs, and intestines.
• Gamut Point Location: Back of the hand, between the fourth and fifth knuckles. Correlation: Used in the nine-gamut procedure to engage both brain hemispheres, facilitating comprehensive emotional processing.
• Thymus Point Location: Center of the chest, between the collarbones. Correlation: Tapping here can enhance immune function and increase overall energy levels.

Addressing Childhood Trauma with EFT Tapping

Childhood trauma can leave lasting imprints on emotional and physical well-being. Negative experiences that impacted you as a child such as abandonment, abuse, or being emotionally neglected can lead to deep-seated issues such as anxiety, depression and more. EFT Tapping offers a gentle yet effective way to confront and permanently overcome these traumas.

Example 1: Overcoming Anxiety

Anxiety, often rooted in unresolved childhood trauma, can manifest as social anxiety, generalized anxiety, or panic attacks. EFT Tapping can help alleviate these symptoms by addressing the specific memories and emotions associated with anxiety.

• Setup Statement: "Even though I feel this anxiety, I deeply and completely accept myself."
• Tapping Sequence:Karate Chop: "This anxiety."Eyebrow: "The tightness in my chest."Side of the Eye: "The worry in my mind."Under the Eye: "The fear in my stomach."Under the Nose: "The restlessness I feel."Chin: "The nervous energy in my body."Collarbone: "The unease in my heart."Under the Arm: "The anxiety in my thoughts."Top of the Head: "All this anxiety."

By focusing on these points and tapping regularly, individuals can reduce their anxiety levels and foster a sense of calm.

Example 2: Overcoming Depression

Depression, which may stem from unresolved childhood trauma, can lead to feelings of hopelessness and low energy. EFT Tapping can help process these feelings and alleviate the associated emotional pain.

• Setup Statement: "Even though I feel this depression, I deeply and completely accept myself."
• Tapping Sequence:Karate Chop: "This depression."Eyebrow: "The heaviness in my heart."Side of the Eye: "The sadness in my soul."Under the Eye: "The numbness I feel."Under the Nose: "The lack of motivation."Chin: "The hopelessness in my thoughts."Collarbone: "The fatigue in my body."Under the Arm: "The emptiness inside."Top of the Head: "All this depression."

Consistent tapping on these points can help individuals release depressive feelings and regain their motivation and energy.

Working with an EFT Practitioner

While self-administered EFT Tapping can be effective, working with an experienced EFT practitioner can significantly enhance the healing process, especially for deep-seated childhood trauma. Here’s how collaborating with a practitioner can benefit you:

• Personalized Guidance: An EFT practitioner can tailor EFT techniques to address your specific issues and trauma. They can guide you through the tapping process, ensuring that you target the most relevant emotions and memories.
• Safe Environment: An EFT practitioner provides a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can explore and process painful emotions related to your childhood trauma.
• Expert Techniques: Experienced EFT practitioners have a deep understanding of the meridian system and advanced EFT techniques. They can employ additional tools and strategies to enhance your healing journey.
• Emotional Support: Working with a practitioner offers you emotional support and encouragement as you navigate through challenging memories and feelings. Their guidance helps you stay focused and motivated throughout the process.
• Deeper Healing: An EFT practitioner can help you address underlying issues and core beliefs related to your trauma, leading to more profound and lasting emotional healing.

To begin your journey you can work with me as your EFT practitioner. I am a certified EFT practitioner who specializes in childhood trauma. Together, we will create a personalized plan tailored to your needs, providing the support necessary to guide you towards emotional freedom and well-being.

Conclusion

EFT Tapping is a versatile and effective tool for addressing a wide range of emotional and physical issues, including the deep-seated effects of childhood trauma. By tapping on specific meridian points and focusing on negative emotions, individuals can release their pain and promote healing. Whether using primary tapping points or exploring alternatives, EFT Tapping offers a holistic approach to wellness that integrates the body’s energy system with emotional healing.

Incorporating EFT Tapping into your healing journey, especially with the guidance of a skilled practitioner, can provide profound benefits. By consistently practicing EFT Tapping and working through specific memories and emotions, you can achieve lasting emotional freedom and a healthier, more balanced life.