Does EFT Tapping Work?
If you have ever seen someone tapping on their face and thought it looked strange or too simple to be effective, you are not alone. EFT tapping often gets dismissed because it does not look like what people expect from a therapeutic or stress-reduction tool.
EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques. It is a somatic, nervous system–based practice that combines gentle tapping on specific acupressure points with focused attention on an emotional issue, stressor, or memory. What matters most is not the tapping alone, but the combination of physical input and emotional awareness.
When stress or anxiety is active, the nervous system is in protection mode. The body prepares for threat by tightening muscles, increasing heart rate, and narrowing focus. In this state, it is very difficult to think clearly or calm yourself down through logic alone.
From a neuroscience perspective, EFT works by helping calm the amygdala. The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for detecting threat and activating the stress response. When it becomes overactive, the body stays stuck in fight or flight even when nothing dangerous is happening.
EFT sends calming signals to the nervous system through the tapping points while the stressor is present. This allows the brain to reprocess the situation without reinforcing fear. Over time, the nervous system learns that the trigger is not actually unsafe.
If you notice that your body feels tense or on edge even when life is relatively calm, this is the level EFT works at. I offer virtual EFT sessions and work with clients anywhere.
Research has shown that EFT can reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Lower cortisol levels are associated with reduced emotional reactivity, improved sleep, better focus, and increased resilience. This is why many people feel calmer not just emotionally, but physically after EFT sessions.
One of the biggest benefits of EFT is that it works with the body and the mind at the same time. Many people understand their patterns intellectually but still feel emotionally hijacked by them. EFT helps bridge that gap by teaching the nervous system safety through experience.
As the nervous system learns that certain situations no longer require protection, emotional intensity fades. Triggers lose their charge. You feel less reactive and more grounded in daily life.
If you want to experience EFT in a one-on-one setting, I offer virtual sessions and work with clients worldwide. You can book a session when you are ready.
