Emotional Freedom Techniques (Tapping)

What is EFT Tapping?

EFT, often called tapping, is a scientifically proven mind-body technique that combines gentle tapping on specific points of the body (based on acupuncture meridians) with focused attention on emotions, memories, or beliefs. It’s sometimes referred to as “emotional acupuncture without the needles.”

How It Works

• While thinking about a distressing feeling, memory, or belief, you use your fingertips to lightly tap on a sequence of acupressure points; usually on the face, hands, and upper body.

• This sends calming signals to the brain, especially the amygdala (which controls stress responses) helping the nervous system shift out of “fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.”

• The combination of physical tapping and verbal acknowledgment of the issue helps reduce emotional intensity and can rewire how the brain stores that memory or trigger.

  
  

Why People Use It

• To reduce stress, anxiety, or fear

• To release limiting beliefs or painful memories

• To process trauma gently and safely

• To support physical well-being by calming the stress response

• To promote a sense of peace, freedom, and clarity

  
  

Faith Perspective

God created us as whole beings - body, mind, and spirit - and He designed these parts of us to work together. EFT is a simple way of gently calming the body while bringing emotions and thoughts before the Lord. This makes space for God’s truth to reach places where lies, trauma, or fear may have taken root. As we acknowledge what we’re carrying and invite God into it, our bodies respond with peace, and our hearts experience His restoration.

EFT Protocol:

• Ask on a scale of 1-10 how bad is _________ (the stressor or overwhelming feeling).

• Tap side of hand while stating "Even though I feel _______, I would like to completely and deeply accept myself exactly as I am today." x 3

• Tap top of head while stating "I don't like this emotion. I hate feeling this _______. I don't want to feel _______." x 3

• Tap right inside eyebrow while stating "It's so uncomfortable to feel _______. I don't like feeling _______." x 3

• Tap both temples (sides of eyes) while stating "This _______ is a terrible feeling. I don't like feeling _______." x 3

• Tap under left eye while stating "This is the worst feeling ever, this _______.

• I avoid it." x 3

• Tap under nose while stating "It's not fair that I'm stuck feeling _______ . I hate feeling _______." x 3

• Tap both collarbones while stating "This _______ is terrible. I hate feeling _______. I can even feel it in my _______." x 3

• Tap under left arm while stating "This _______." x 3

• Tap side of hand wile stating "Even though I feel _______, God loves and accepts me completely as I am today." x 3

• Place hands behind neck and interlock fingers and take a deep inhale and exhale slowly. You can also shake out limbs.

• Ask on scale of 1-10 how bad is _______ now?

This EFT protocol script can be customized as needed. If led, allow the Spirit to guide you and offer other biblical truths you need to verbally acknowledge.

Additional Tapping Techniques:

Sometimes when emotions are acknowledged, it can be hard to process them fully if we hold anger or resentment towards someone. Proclaiming that forgiveness out loud might be helpful, even if it does not make sense at the time. Blame is usually directed at others, ourselves, or God. Tapping and verbal acknowledgement can be used to clear out that stuck emotion.

Forgiveness for someone else - tap your left pinky.

Forgiveness for yourself - tap your left pointy finger.

Forgiveness for God - tap your left middle finger.

While tapping state "I forgive _______ for making me feel _______."

This taping is done with your right index finger and can be done quite discretely if needed. When an overwhelming feeling, annoyance, guilt, or blame is acknowledged, taking time to do this simple protocol will help to calm and redirect our minds to the truth.