Tarrent-Arthur Henry, known by the pen name Tarrent ‘Authur’ Henry, is a devoted husband and stepfather to two exceptional young men. The founder of 'Righteous Uplifting Nourishing International, Inc.,' a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization, he passionately leads its global mission to empower individuals to achieve their dreams.
In today’s fast-paced world, many people face overwhelming stress, emotional pain, and physical discomfort. While various therapeutic techniques exist to address these challenges, one method has gained significant attention for its simplicity and effectiveness: Tapping, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Tapping combines ancient Chinese acupressure principles with modern psychology, offering a holistic approach to releasing emotional and physical blockages. Let’s explore the science behind Tapping, its benefits, and how individuals can use this technique to transform their lives.
What is tapping?
Tapping is a therapeutic method rooted in the principles of acupuncture but without the use of needles. It involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on particular emotions or physical sensations. The meridian points, which are energy pathways in the body according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are believed to be the channels through which life energy, or "Qi," flows. By tapping on these points, practitioners aim to restore balance to the energy flow, releasing blockages that may be causing emotional or physical distress.
The practice is often referred to as EFT because it involves both the physical act of tapping and an emotional focus. As individuals tap on the meridian points, they are encouraged to focus on a specific issue, whether it's a negative emotion, a limiting belief, or physical pain. Tapping is believed to provide a more comprehensive healing experience by addressing the physical and emotional aspects of an issue.
How does tapping work?
The premise behind Tapping is that negative emotions or experiences can cause disruptions in the body’s energy system, leading to emotional pain, stress, or physical symptoms. By tapping on key meridian points, the body’s energy is realigned, allowing individuals to release these negative emotions and promote healing.
When practicing tapping, an individual follows a simple process
Identify the issue: The first step is to focus on a specific problem or emotion. This could be anything from anxiety, fear, anger, or even physical pain.
Rate the intensity: Before beginning the tapping sequence, the individual rates the intensity of the emotion or pain on a scale from 0 to 10. This helps gauge progress as the tapping session continues.
Set up statement: A phrase is then repeated aloud while tapping on the side of the hand (the "karate chop" point). This statement acknowledges the issue and promotes self-acceptance, such as, “Even though I have this anxiety, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
Tap on meridian points: The individual taps on a sequence of points on the body, including the top of the head, eyebrows, side of the eyes, under the eyes, under the nose, chin, collarbone, and under the arms. As they tap, they continue to focus on the issue.
Reassess the intensity: After completing the tapping sequence, the individual rates the intensity of the emotion or pain again. If the intensity has decreased but not completely resolved, the process is repeated until the desired level of relief is achieved.
The science behind tapping
While the concept of energy meridians comes from ancient Eastern medicine, modern research is beginning to shed light on how Tapping works from a psychological and neurological perspective.
Studies have shown that Tapping can have a calming effect on the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for the "fight or flight" response. When an individual experiences stress or anxiety, the amygdala becomes activated, leading to heightened physical and emotional reactions. By tapping on meridian points while focusing on the emotional issue, the body sends a calming signal to the brain, reducing the amygdala's response and helping the individual feel more relaxed.
Moreover, Tapping has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. In one study conducted by Dr. Dawson Church, participants who practiced Tapping showed a significant reduction in cortisol levels compared to those who used traditional talk therapy or no intervention at all.
The benefits of tapping
One of the reasons Tapping has gained popularity is its versatility and accessibility. It can be used to address a wide range of issues, from emotional challenges to physical pain, making it a powerful tool for self-care and healing.
Some of the key benefits of tapping include
Emotional relief: Tapping has been shown to be highly effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. By addressing the root causes of emotional distress, individuals can experience lasting relief.
Stress reduction: As mentioned earlier, Tapping can help lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and reducing the body’s stress response.
Pain management: Many individuals report significant reductions in physical pain after using Tapping. This is thought to be due to the connection between emotional distress and physical symptoms, as emotional blockages often manifest as physical pain in the body.
Improved mental clarity: When emotional blockages are cleared, individuals often report improved focus, clarity, and decision-making abilities.
Boosted confidence: By addressing limiting beliefs and self-doubt, Tapping can help individuals build self-confidence and take steps toward achieving their goals.
Accessibility: Unlike some therapeutic methods that require professional guidance, Tapping can be done anytime and anywhere. Once an individual learns the basic techniques, they can use it as a self-care tool whenever needed.
Tapping in action: Real-life applications
Many people have found success using Tapping in various aspects of their lives, from managing chronic pain to overcoming emotional trauma.
Here are a few real-life examples of how tapping can be applied
Overcoming anxiety: Sarah, a 35-year-old woman, struggled with social anxiety for years. After learning about Tapping, she began using it before social events. By tapping on her fear of judgment and self-doubt, she found that her anxiety levels decreased significantly, allowing her to engage more confidently in social situations.
Chronic pain relief: John, a 50-year-old man, suffered from chronic back pain due to an old injury. After incorporating Tapping into his pain management routine, he noticed a reduction in his pain levels. By addressing the emotional stress that had built up around his pain, John was able to experience greater physical relief.
Releasing trauma: Emily, a 42-year-old trauma survivor, used Tapping as part of her recovery process. By focusing on the emotions and memories tied to her trauma while tapping, she was able to release the emotional charge and move forward in her healing journey.
Conclusion: Embracing tapping for a healthier life
Tapping is more than just a simple self-help technique; it’s a powerful tool for emotional and physical healing. By combining ancient principles of energy healing with modern psychological understanding, Tapping offers a holistic approach to well-being. Whether you’re dealing with stress, emotional trauma, or physical pain, Tapping provides an accessible and effective method for restoring balance and promoting healing.
As with any therapeutic technique, consistency is key. By incorporating Tapping into your daily routine, you can unlock its full potential and experience lasting emotional freedom.
Tarrent-Arthur Henry, Mental Wellness Specialist and Advocate
Tarrent-Arthur Henry, known by the pen name Tarrent ‘Authur’ Henry, is a devoted husband and stepfather to two exceptional young men. The founder of 'Righteous Uplifting Nourishing International, Inc.,' a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization, he passionately leads its global mission to empower individuals to achieve their dreams. He is also a best-selling author and poet. Henry serves as a Pastor, Chaplain, Mental Wellness Specialist, and advocate. And holds certifications as a Coach, Speaker, Teacher, Trainer, and Facilitator with Maxwell Leadership.
