As a business owner, you’re likely juggling a myriad of responsibilities, from managing day-to-day operations to making crucial decisions that impact your bottom line. This constant balancing act can lead to stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm, which can cloud your judgment and sap your energy. That’s where EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), often referred to as tapping, comes in. In this post, I’m going to guide you through the core tapping points that form the foundation of EFT and show you how these simple techniques can help you maintain your emotional well-being and enhance your business success.
What is EFT Tapping?
EFT, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, is a powerful self-help method that draws from the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It combines the physical act of tapping on specific acupressure points on the body with the psychological process of addressing emotional challenges. Essentially, EFT is a way to tap into the body’s energy meridians to release negative emotions, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm.
The idea behind EFT is that our bodies store emotional experiences as energy, and when this energy gets blocked or disrupted, it can manifest as emotional distress or even physical symptoms. By tapping on specific points while focusing on a particular issue, we can release these blockages and restore balance to our energy system. For business owners like us, this means we can use tapping to clear the mental clutter, manage stress, and approach our work with greater clarity and focus.
The Core Tapping Points
Understanding the core tapping points is essential for getting the most out of EFT. These points are located on various parts of the body and correspond to the meridians used in acupuncture. Let’s take a closer look at each point and how it can benefit you as a business owner.
1. Karate Chop (KC) Point
The Karate Chop point is located on the side of your hand, on the fleshy part below your pinky finger. This is where you start your tapping sequence. Tapping on the Karate Chop point helps balance your energy system and is typically used for what’s known as the “setup statement.” This is the part of the EFT process where you acknowledge the issue you’re dealing with while accepting yourself.
For example, you might say, “Even though I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks on my plate, I deeply and completely accept myself.” This simple act of acknowledgment can be incredibly freeing. It allows you to start the process of letting go of the emotional charge associated with the issue, whether it’s stress, fear, or self-doubt.
2. Eyebrow (EB) Point
The Eyebrow point is located at the beginning of your eyebrow, near the bridge of your nose. Tapping here helps release feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. For me, this point is particularly useful when I’m facing a tight deadline or have a lot of decisions to make in a short amount of time.
When tapping on the Eyebrow point, I focus on the specific stressor that’s causing me anxiety. For instance, if I’m worried about an upcoming meeting with a difficult client, I might say, “This anxiety about the meeting,” as I tap. This helps to calm my mind and reduce the intensity of the anxiety, allowing me to approach the situation more calmly.
3. Side of the Eye (SE) Point
The Side of the Eye point is located on the bone bordering the outside corner of your eye. This point is associated with anger and frustration. Tapping here can be incredibly helpful when you’re dealing with a challenging situation that’s left you feeling upset or frustrated.
For instance, if you’ve just had a difficult conversation with a supplier or a team member, you can tap on the Side of the Eye point while focusing on that anger or frustration. A simple phrase like, “This frustration from the conversation,” can help you release those feelings and regain your composure.
4. Under the Eye (UE) Point
The Under the Eye point is found on the bone just below your eye, in line with your pupil. This point is connected to feelings of fear and worry. As business owners, we often encounter situations that trigger these emotions, whether it’s concern about finances, the future of our business, or our ability to handle all the responsibilities.
Tapping on this point while acknowledging the fear can help to alleviate it. For example, you might say, “This fear about my business’s financial situation,” while tapping under your eye. By doing this, you can release the fear and approach your financial concerns with a clearer, more rational mindset.
5. Under the Nose (UN) Point
The Under the Nose point is located between your nose and upper lip. This point is linked to feelings of shame and guilt. We all make mistakes in business, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of beating ourselves up over past decisions or actions.
Tapping on the Under the Nose point can help you let go of these negative feelings. If you’re feeling guilty about a business decision that didn’t turn out as expected, you might say, “This guilt about that decision,” while tapping. This allows you to release the guilt and move forward without carrying that emotional burden.
6. Chin (CH) Point
The Chin point is located midway between the bottom of your lower lip and your chin. This point is associated with self-doubt. As entrepreneurs, it’s common to question ourselves, especially when facing new challenges or stepping out of our comfort zone.
Tapping on the Chin point can help you release those doubts and build your confidence. For example, if you’re feeling uncertain about launching a new product or service, you might say, “This self-doubt about the launch,” as you tap on the Chin point. This helps to clear the doubts and reinforce your belief in your abilities.
7. Collarbone (CB) Point
The Collarbone point is found where the breastbone, collarbone, and first rib meet. This point is particularly effective for reducing feelings of overwhelm. When you’re managing a business, it’s easy to feel like there’s too much on your plate and not enough time to get everything done.
Tapping on the Collarbone point can help you regain your sense of control. As you tap, you can say something like, “This overwhelm from all the tasks I need to complete.” This helps to calm your mind and create a sense of clarity, allowing you to prioritize and tackle your to-do list more effectively.
8. Under the Arm (UA) Point
The Under the Arm point is located about four inches below your armpit. This point is associated with anxiety and nervousness. Whether you’re preparing for a big presentation, meeting with investors, or pitching an idea to a potential client, it’s natural to feel anxious.
Tapping on the Under the Arm point while acknowledging your anxiety can help to reduce it. You might say, “This anxiety about the presentation,” as you tap. This simple technique can help you release the nervous energy and approach the situation with greater confidence.
9. Top of the Head (TH) Point
The Top of the Head point is located at the center and top of your head. This point is used to balance the body’s energy system and is often tapped at the end of a sequence to bring everything together.
Tapping on the Top of the Head point is a great way to complete your EFT tapping sequence. It helps to ground you and bring a sense of calm and balance. After addressing each specific emotion with the other tapping points, you can tap on the Top of the Head point while focusing on a positive statement, such as, “I am calm, balanced, and ready to take on the day.”
How to Perform an EFT Tapping Sequence
Now that you’re familiar with the core tapping points, let’s go over how to perform a complete EFT tapping sequence. This sequence is simple to learn and can be done in just a few minutes, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule.
Step 1: Identify the Issue
The first step is to identify the specific issue or emotion you want to address. It could be something like stress about a project, anxiety about a meeting, or self-doubt about a decision you need to make. Once you’ve identified the issue, rate the intensity of the emotion on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the most intense.
Step 2: Create a Setup Statement
Next, you’ll create a setup statement that acknowledges the issue while also accepting yourself. For example, if you’re feeling stressed about a deadline, your setup statement might be, “Even though I’m feeling stressed about this deadline, I deeply and completely accept myself.” This statement is crucial because it helps you accept the emotion, which is the first step toward releasing it.
Step 3: Tap on the Karate Chop Point
While repeating your setup statement, tap on the Karate Chop point with the fingertips of your opposite hand. Tap gently but firmly, and repeat the setup statement three times. This helps to align your mind and body with the intention of releasing the emotion.
Step 4: Perform the Tapping Sequence
After you’ve completed the setup, move on to the other core tapping points in the following order: Eyebrow, Side of the Eye, Under the Eye, Under the Nose, Chin, Collarbone, Under the Arm, and Top of the Head. As you tap on each point, repeat a reminder phrase that keeps you focused on the issue. For example, if you’re tapping for stress, you might say, “This stress,” at each point.
Step 5: Reassess the Intensity
Once you’ve completed the sequence, take a deep breath and reassess the intensity of the emotion. Rate it again on a scale of 0 to 10. If the intensity has decreased but hasn’t completely gone away, you can repeat the tapping sequence until you feel a significant reduction in the emotional charge. It’s common to go through the sequence a few times, especially when dealing with deeply rooted emotions.
Step 6: End with Positive Affirmations
After you’ve addressed the negative emotion, it’s a good idea to end your tapping session with some positive affirmations. This helps to replace the negative energy with positive, empowering thoughts. For instance, if you were tapping to reduce stress, you might end with a phrase like, “I am calm, focused, and capable of meeting my deadlines.” Tap through the points again while repeating these positive statements to reinforce the new mindset.
Integrating EFT into Your Business Routine
One of the greatest benefits of EFT is how easy it is to integrate into your daily routine. As small business owners, our schedules are often packed, but tapping can be done in just a few minutes, making it a practical tool for managing stress and emotions on the go.
Morning Routine
Starting your day with a short tapping session can set a positive tone for the hours ahead. In the morning, I like to tap on any lingering stress or worries from the previous day. This helps me start fresh and approach the day with a clear mind. I often use this time to tap on feelings of overwhelm or to boost my confidence before tackling a challenging task.
Before Important Meetings or Presentations
If you have a big meeting or presentation coming up, a quick tapping session can help calm your nerves and boost your confidence. Just a few minutes of tapping before the event can make a huge difference in how you present yourself. I find that tapping on the Under the Arm and Collarbone points, in particular, helps me manage any anxiety I might be feeling.
After a Stressful Situation
Running a business can be stressful, and sometimes we don’t have the luxury of time to unwind after a tough situation. Whether it’s a difficult conversation with a client or a setback in a project, a quick tapping session can help you release the built-up tension and reset your focus. This way, you can move on to the next task without carrying the emotional weight of what just happened.
End of Day Reflection
In the evening, I like to use tapping as part of my wind-down routine. This is when I reflect on the day and tap on any unresolved emotions or stressors. It’s a great way to clear your mind before bed, ensuring you get a good night’s sleep and wake up ready to face a new day. You can also tap on any self-doubt or lingering worries, using positive affirmations to reinforce your confidence and self-acceptance.
Conclusion: Core Tapping Points for EFT Tapping
Understanding and using the core tapping points of EFT can be a game-changer for managing the emotional ups and downs of running a small business. By tapping on these points, you can release stress, reduce anxiety, overcome self-doubt, and ultimately create a more balanced and focused approach to your work.
I encourage you to give EFT tapping a try and see how it can benefit you and your business. Start with just a few minutes each day, and notice how your stress levels decrease and your confidence increases. Remember, the key is consistency. The more you practice tapping, the more you’ll be able to maintain emotional balance and resilience in the face of business challenges.
As you incorporate EFT into your routine, don’t hesitate to experiment with different points and phrases to find what works best for you. And if you’re ever in doubt or need more personalized guidance, consider booking a consultation with an EFT expert who can help you refine your practice and achieve your business goals.
