[Today I’m presenting a guest post from Kate Marillat, an international Tapping expert, on how Tapping can help men release pressure and stress. This is the second post in a three-part series.]
In today’s fast-paced world, men often find themselves overwhelmed by stress, exhaustion, and lingering past traumas. The pressures of maintaining a career, managing relationships, and fulfilling societal expectations can take a significant toll on mental and emotional well-being.
This is where Tapping, also known as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), comes in as a powerful tool. As an expert coach and author who has worked with hundreds of men, I have seen first-hand how Tapping can quickly release pressure and restore balance.
What is Tapping (EFT)?
The first thing to remember is Tapping is a practical technique. Do not just read this article and dismiss it. You have to try it. A bit like meditation, you will not get the benefits without doing the exercise.
Tapping, or EFT, is a self-help technique, which once you’ve learned it you can use it as often as you like. Clients come to me, often after years of talk therapy, and then finally get a lightbulb moment as they realize that the emotions are still trapped in their body.
By Tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on negative emotions or physical sensations, individuals can alleviate stress and anxiety, overcome trauma, and achieve emotional freedom.
Basic Tapping Technique
This is a short outline of how to get started with the ‘Symptoms’ in the body and to release some pressure quickly.
There are fourteen meridian points, as I always include the wrist and finger points which are important as they link to major organs. Use two fingers to gently Tap on each point around 7 times per point. It is a very forgiving technique, so go at your own pace. Remember to rate it and take the data as this will show you how much it works for you personally.
Let’s Get Started with Tapping
Identify the Issue
Before you begin Tapping, it’s important to pinpoint the specific symptom you want to address. In this case, we’re discussing ‘pressure’. Close your eyes and check in with your body, ‘where do I feel this pressure?’
Name the place of the pressure (or alternative emotion)
Give it a colour
Describe the sensation
Put it together – this is your statement that you will be Tapping on. For example: This yellow buzzy pressure in my stomach about this meeting/date/person.
Rate the Intensity
On a scale of 0 to 10, rate the intensity of your feelings about the issue. Write it down. This will help you measure your progress as you Tap. Take care of yourself as you do this, as big emotions can come up. Keep Tapping and breathing, it will pass. Open your eyes if it gets too intense.
Set Up
Using your statement, you are going to acknowledges the problem and affirm self-acceptance.
For example, “Even though I feel all this pressure about this presentation, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
You Tap on the side of the hand – the fleshy part where you shake someone’s hand, and you repeat this set up three times.
The Tapping Sequence
Tap on the following points while repeating your statement:
- Top of the Head (crown of the head)
- Eyebrow Point (beginning of the eyebrow)
- Side of the Eye (outside corner of the eye)
- Under the Eye (on the bone under the eye)
- Under the Nose (between the nose and upper lip)
- Chin Point (midway between the lower lip and chin)
- Collarbone Point (just below the collarbone)
- Under the Arm (about four inches below the armpit)
- Wrist point (underside of the wrist where the veins cross)
- Thumb Point (side of the top of the thumb, in line with the nail)
- First Finger (side of the first finger, in line with the nail)
- Middle finger (side of the middle finger, in line with the nail)
- Ring Finger (side of the ring finger, in line with the nail)
- Little Finger (side of the little finger, in line with the nail)
Reassess the Intensity
After completing a round of Tapping, reassess the intensity of your feelings. Read your statement out loud, check in with your body. Has it changed, moved, what is the color now? Repeat the process until the intensity is significantly reduced.
Remember, this is to help you take the edge off the symptoms using Tapping. It does and can quickly go deeper than this. Always work with a trained professional if you want to take it to the next level for long-lasting change. If you become overwhelmed, the key is to keep Tapping, keep breathing and drink lots of water.
FAQs
- Can Tapping be done in public? Yes, Tapping can be done discreetly, using the finger points is especially great for being in public.
- How long does a Tapping session take? A typical Tapping session like the one above can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the complexity of the issue. Working with a practitioner, it’s usually 1 hour to get to the roots of the problem.
- Can Tapping replace traditional therapy? While Tapping is a valuable tool, it is not a replacement for professional therapy, especially for severe psychological conditions.
- How often should I practice Tapping? Daily practice is recommended, but even a few times a week can bring significant benefits.
- Is there scientific evidence supporting Tapping? Yes, numerous studies have shown that Tapping can effectively reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD.
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Kate Marillat is the author of the bestselling Hay House book, Transform Your Beliefs, Transform Your Life, published in seven languages. An EFT and Matrix Reimprinting Trainer and founder of The Tapping Collective, she’s known as the Crossroads Coach. Kate helps busy professionals clear out past trauma, grief and overwhelm in order to connect them to their true needs and desires. Visit Kate at www.katemarillat.com
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This Post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: iStock
