how to use face tapping points for emotional relief

Emotional freedom technique, or eft tapping, is a holistic stress-relief method that combines cognitive reframing with acupressure. While its roots trace back to ancient chinese medicine, its current form was popularized in the 1990s.

Today, it is used for anxiety relief, emotional balance, and trauma healing.

Tapping offers a low-risk, accessible tool for calming the nervous system. In this article, we explore how it works, its proven benefits, and how to apply the method yourself.

Key takeaways

  1. Eft tapping is a simple, accessible method for reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, and promoting overall well-being.
  2. The practice works by stimulating acupressure points that influence the brain’s fear and stress response, especially the amygdala.
  3. Face tapping targets several important meridian points and can be practiced anywhere, even without a professional guide.
  4. Scientific research supports eft’s impact on lowering cortisol and alleviating symptoms of anxiety, ptsd, and chronic pain.
  5. A structured tapping sequence, along with setup statements and reminder phrases, can help individuals process emotional blocks effectively.
  6. Eft tapping is a complementary therapy that can enhance mental health routines but should not replace professional care for serious conditions.
  7. Worksheets, tapping scripts, and visual guides can make learning and applying the technique more practical and results-driven.
  8. The method continues to gain credibility through both personal success stories and growing research in the psychological and medical fields.

What is EFT tapping

Side of the eye tapping point used in emotional freedom technique to release fear and tension. Activates the gallbladder meridian in EFT tapping therapy.Side of the eye tapping point used in emotional freedom technique to release fear and tension. Activates the gallbladder meridian in EFT tapping therapy.
The side of the eye tapping point connects to the gallbladder meridian. This EFT technique supports the release of fear, resentment, and mental tension during emotional healing.

EFT tapping is a psychological acupressure technique that targets the body’s meridian points by tapping them with the fingertips.

Practitioners believe this helps release emotional blockages and reduce physiological stress.

Scientific studies, such as those published in the journal of nervous and mental disease, have shown eft’s effectiveness in lowering cortisol levels.

It is often used for anxiety, ptsd, and chronic pain and is recognized as a complementary approach to traditional therapy.

How EFT tapping works

Tapping sends calming signals to the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for the fear response. When combined with a verbal focus on the issue, tapping appears to reprogram emotional reactions to stress.

Eft incorporates principles from cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy.

By confronting negative feelings while stimulating specific points, the brain receives a message of safety, helping to deactivate the fight or flight response.

This makes it especially useful for individuals with recurring anxiety triggers.

Face tapping technique

Close-up of EFT face tapping technique under the eye. This tapping point is associated with the stomach meridian and is used to reduce physical stress and emotional pressure.Close-up of EFT face tapping technique under the eye. This tapping point is associated with the stomach meridian and is used to reduce physical stress and emotional pressure.
Tapping under the eye activates the stomach meridian. This EFT tapping point supports stress relief and is especially helpful for calming anxiety and physical tension.

Face tapping is a key part of the eft sequence. Each point corresponds with a meridian used in traditional chinese medicine.

These include the eyebrow, side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, and the chin. When tapping, apply gentle pressure with your fingers and repeat reminder phrases that identify the issue you are working on.

Photographs included in this article show each point clearly.

Beginners can follow these images to learn proper placement and rhythm.

EFT tapping points and their meaning

The tapping points include:

  • Side of hand, small intestine meridian
  • Eyebrow, bladder meridian
  • Side of the eye, gallbladder meridian
  • Under the eye, stomach meridian
  • Under the nose, governing vessel
  • Chin, central vessel
  • Collarbone, kidney meridian
  • Under arm, spleen meridian
  • Top of head, governing vessel

Each point is associated with specific emotional or physical energy. Tapping across them helps restore overall energy flow.

Eft tapping worksheet and scripts

To help users apply eft independently, a worksheet is available for download.

This includes example setup statements such as, “Even though I feel overwhelmed, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

Reminder phrases might include “this feeling of pressure” or “the tension in my chest.”

The worksheet allows users to rate their emotional intensity before and after tapping and track progress over time.

Tapping under the nose in emotional freedom technique to support self-regulation and release feelings of guilt. Stimulates the governing vessel meridian.Tapping under the nose in emotional freedom technique to support self-regulation and release feelings of guilt. Stimulates the governing vessel meridian.
The under-nose tapping point stimulates the governing vessel meridian. It is used in EFT to clear feelings of guilt or embarrassment and regulate emotional energy.

Benefits of eft tapping

Demonstrating EFT tapping at the collarbone point, which supports calming the nervous system and reducing fear. Connects to the kidney meridian.Demonstrating EFT tapping at the collarbone point, which supports calming the nervous system and reducing fear. Connects to the kidney meridian.
The collarbone point in EFT corresponds to the kidney meridian and is commonly used to reduce fear and emotional overwhelm. Tapping this area restores energetic balance in the body.

Research supports eft’s benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and even physical symptoms like chronic pain.

One randomized study showed a 24 percent decrease in cortisol after a tapping session.

Tapping may also enhance sleep quality, increase emotional resilience, and improve focus.

It is non-invasive and can be practiced at home, making it a flexible option for daily wellness routines.

Personal experience and case studies

Emotional freedom tapping point located on the chin. Often used to resolve inner conflict and self-doubt. Associated with the central meridian in EFT.Emotional freedom tapping point located on the chin. Often used to resolve inner conflict and self-doubt. Associated with the central meridian in EFT.
This face tapping point sits between the bottom lip and chin and aligns with the central vessel meridian. Tapping here helps ease self-doubt and encourages emotional grounding.

Practitioners and individuals have reported notable improvements in their emotional well-being after incorporating eft.

For example, one practitioner shared how tapping helped a client manage public speaking anxiety by calming pre-event nerves. Another user found it helped process unresolved grief over several months.

These first-hand accounts, while anecdotal, highlight the practical use of tapping in everyday life.

Underarm tapping point used in EFT sequences. Linked to the spleen meridian, it helps clear emotional exhaustion and restore vitality.Underarm tapping point used in EFT sequences. Linked to the spleen meridian, it helps clear emotional exhaustion and restore vitality.
Located about four inches below the armpit, the under-arm tapping point stimulates the spleen meridian. It is often used in EFT for clearing emotional fatigue and restoring calm.

Conclusion 

Woman demonstrating how to tap the eyebrow point in EFT, a common face tapping method for reducing anxiety and emotional stress. Targets the start of the bladder meridian.Woman demonstrating how to tap the eyebrow point in EFT, a common face tapping method for reducing anxiety and emotional stress. Targets the start of the bladder meridian.
The eyebrow tapping point targets the bladder meridian and is used in EFT to reduce tension and promote emotional clarity. This is one of the first face tapping steps in the sequence.

Eft tapping offers an accessible way to address emotional challenges and support mental health.

With growing scientific interest and positive anecdotal reports, it continues to gain recognition in wellness circles.

Download our free worksheet, try a tapping session at home, or speak with a certified eft practitioner to begin your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is EFT tapping and how does it work?

Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT tapping, is a self-help tool that combines elements of cognitive therapy and acupressure. It involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on negative emotions or physical discomfort.

The technique aims to reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and restore emotional balance.

Final step in EFT tapping, shown tapping the top of the head to integrate emotional healing and promote full-body relaxation. Connects to the governing vessel.Final step in EFT tapping, shown tapping the top of the head to integrate emotional healing and promote full-body relaxation. Connects to the governing vessel.
The top-of-head tapping point, part of the governing vessel meridian, is the final step in the EFT sequence. It helps integrate emotional release and promotes overall relaxation.

What are the main EFT tapping points?

The standard EFT tapping sequence includes these key meridian points:

  • Eyebrow
  • Side of the eye
  • Under the eye
  • Under the nose
  • Chin
  • Collarbone
  • Under the arm
  • Top of the head
    Each point corresponds to an energy meridian, and tapping them helps release emotional and physical tension.

Can EFT tapping help with anxiety?

Yes, EFT tapping is widely used to manage anxiety.

By tapping on stress-related meridian points while addressing anxious thoughts, the body often responds with a reduction in symptoms such as racing heart, tightness in the chest, or overthinking.

Studies suggest it may support emotional regulation and reduce cortisol levels.

Is EFT tapping scientifically proven?

While more research is ongoing, some clinical studies show promising results. EFT has been associated with decreased cortisol levels and improved outcomes in people dealing with anxiety, PTSD, and chronic stress.

It is considered a form of energy psychology and is sometimes used as a complementary therapy alongside traditional methods.

How often should I do EFT tapping?

There is no strict rule, but many practitioners recommend daily sessions, especially when working through emotional challenges or stress. Even a few minutes of tapping in the morning or before sleep can offer noticeable benefits over time.

Do I need to say affirmations while tapping?

Affirmations are commonly used in EFT to help the subconscious mind acknowledge and release negative beliefs. A basic formula includes a setup statement like, “Even though I feel anxious, I deeply and completely accept myself.” While not mandatory, affirmations often enhance the effectiveness of the tapping session.

Can EFT tapping help with physical symptoms?

Yes, many users report relief from physical discomfort such as headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue after consistent EFT tapping.

While not a replacement for medical treatment, tapping may complement a holistic approach to wellness by addressing the emotional component of physical pain.

Scientific studies supporting EFT Tapping

One widely cited study, published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, found that a single EFT session led to a 24 % drop in cortisol levels, significantly outperforming both talk therapy and rest-only groups. – View the study on PubMed

A 2022 meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Psychology reviewed clinical trials and found strong evidence supporting EFT for treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain.

The review classifies EFT as an evidence-based practice when implemented using standardized protocols. – Read the full study

A 2020 replication study published in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy found that participants who used EFT had a 43 % reduction in cortisol, reinforcing the technique’s ability to reduce biological stress markers. – View the study on PubMed

Resources

  • The effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on stress biochemistry, Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease.
  • Clinical EFT as an evidence‑based practice for the treatment of anxiety, depression and chronic pain, Frontiers in Psychology.
  • Reexamining the effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on stress biochemistry, Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy.
  • EFT International – Randomised Controlled Trials list. EFT International
  • The Tapping Solution Foundation – Science & Research. 

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