The Benefits of \"Tapping\"

Let's dive into the powerful world of Tapping techniques and how they can help you set boundaries for a more balanced and empowered life.

Before we dive into the heart of this topic, let me briefly recap the basics of tapping. This technique, also known as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), was pioneered by Gary Craig in the 90s. Based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, tapping involves stimulating specific acupressure points to alleviate stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. It has been extensively studied and proven effective in reducing trauma, anxiety, food cravings, and more.

It is a holistic healing method that involves tapping on specific points of your body while focusing on your thoughts and emotions. This practice has been proven to alleviate stress, anxiety, and emotional discomfort.

Tapping can help with various challenges, from chronic pain and discomfort to limiting beliefs and emotional struggles. The process can reduce fear, promote self-confidence, and lead to positive behavioral changes.

Our habitual coping mechanisms often involve unhealthy habits like overeating, smoking, or excessive working – all driven by the urge to pacify our nervous system. While these may work temporarily, they bring long-term negative consequences. Tapping provides a healthier alternative, quickly shifting us into a restful, relaxed state.

During a tapping session, you might feel various physical responses. The sympathetic response triggers dry mouth, clammy hands, and shallow breathing. The parasympathetic response, on the other hand, relaxes muscles, boosts digestion, and promotes a sense of calm.

Interestingly, during the sympathetic response, the brain's prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking, becomes temporarily impaired, causing "brain fog." This effect can be alleviated by shifting into a parasympathetic state.

The vagus nerve, which connects our brain to the body, plays a significant role. When stimulated, it triggers relaxation responses, such as salivation, smaller pupils, and improved digestion. These signs indicate a shift from stress to calm.

Here are the nine tapping points:

🟣 The Tapping Points

🟣 Karate Chop Point (side of the hand)

🟣 Eyebrow Point (between eyebrows)

🟣 Side of the Eye

🟣 Under Eye

🟣 Under Nose

🟣 Chin

🟣 Collarbone

🟣 Under Arm

🟣 Top of the Head

Remember that tapping is adaptable. You can use one or both hands, and the number of taps can vary. Don't worry about memorizing the points; you can refer back to this demonstration whenever needed.

After the tapping exercise, assess your anxiety level, any pain or discomfort, and your range of motion. Note any positive changes and keep practicing to achieve the desired results.

Now, let's explore how tapping can empower you to set boundaries confidently and authentically. Whether it's saying "no" to commitments that overwhelm you or asserting yourself in a challenging situation, tapping can help you navigate these moments with greater ease.

Preparation:

🟣 Rate your anxiety level (0 to 10) regarding setting a boundary.

🟣 Do a quick body scan: note any discomfort or pain.

The Tapping Script:

🟣 Begin tapping on the karate chop point (side of the hand) and repeat after me:

🟣 "Even though setting boundaries makes me anxious, I will continue to advocate for myself."

🟣 "Even though I worry about disappointing others, I honor my own needs and feelings."

🟣 "Even though saying no feels uncomfortable, I choose to prioritize my well-being."

Now, tap on the remaining points while repeating the following phrases:

🟣 Eyebrow Point: "This anxiety about setting boundaries..."

🟣 Side of the Eye: "What if I could set boundaries and still be respected?"

🟣 Under Eye: "Releasing the fear of disappointing others..."

🟣 Under Nose: "Choosing to prioritize myself and my needs..."

🟣 Chin: "I embrace my right to set healthy boundaries..."

🟣 Collarbone: "Releasing any guilt or discomfort..."

🟣 Under Arm: "Empowering myself to say no when needed..."

🟣 Top of the Head: "I am worthy of respect and self-care."

Reassess:

🟣 Do a follow up body scan to see if any pain or discomfort has reduced.

🟣 Re-rate your anxiety level about setting boundaries (0 to 10).

This is a tool you can turn to whenever you're faced with boundary-setting challenges. The more you practice, the more profound the effects will become.

If you faced resistance during this exercise, know that it's a common experience. With persistence, you can overcome this resistance and tap into the benefits of this technique. It's a journey of self-discovery and improvement, and professional guidance from a trained practitioner can enhance your experience.

Feel free to reach out for a consultation and let's work together to unlock your full potential.

Resource Spotlight: The Tapping Solution App*

For those eager to incorporate tapping into their daily routine, I recommend The Tapping Solution app. Available for download on your phone, this app offers guided tapping meditations for various challenges. It's a user-friendly way to experience the benefits of tapping at your own pace.

I am thrilled to be a part of the affiliate program for The Tapping Solution (I was on a waiting list for months)! It's one of my top 10 favorite mental health related apps - easy to use and provides an extensive digital Tapping library for you, your clients, and loved ones (and kiddos too!).

It shows you how to use Tapping for just about anything and everything - freedom from emotions (hence the name), limiting beliefs, health issues, financial issues, negative habits/addictions, relationships, weight loss/emotional eating, anxiety, sleep issues, and more.

So here's the deal - this affiliate link offers 50% off a Premium membership after a 14 day free trial (cancel anytime). Normal price is $95, so the link brings it down to around $47 for an annual membership.

Many of my clients try the free version but quickly realize they want the premium since it has access to a lot more Tapping topics (especially for the kids). I've had the Premium version for a year, and I used it enough times to make it worth the investment.

Feel free to email me at coaching@leahpetrucci.com if you have any questions about the app or my experience with it. I love to point people to awesome products that might help ease their lives while saving money not paying the full fee!

I hope you find tapping techniques as valuable as I do. Setting boundaries is an act of self-care, and tapping can be your supportive companion on this journey. Remember, your well-being matters.

Wishing you a year filled with self-empowerment and positive growth.

The beauty of tapping lies in its ability to regulate the nervous system. By tapping on these points, we send calming signals to the brain's amygdala, promoting a shift from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest mode.

*affiliate link