The Science Behind EFT

How Tapping Can Heal Your Mind and Body

Stress. Anxiety. That endless loop of overthinking. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But here’s the good news: there’s a simple, powerful technique that’s quietly changing lives. It’s called Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or “tapping,” and it might just be the thing you didn’t know you needed.

This isn’t about quick fixes or empty promises. EFT is grounded in science, supported by research, and practiced by people from all walks of life —therapists, high achievers, even skeptics. Let’s explore what makes this practice so transformative and why it’s worth a try.

What Is EFT (aka Tapping)?

Think of EFT as acupuncture without the needles. It’s a blend of gentle tapping on specific points of your body while speaking affirmations or focused statements. The result? A way to release stress, process emotions, and restore balance to your energy system.

Why tapping? Because it works directly with your body’s stress-response system. EFT meets you where you are—right in the middle of your overwhelm. It’s a tool to help you calm the storm in minutes.

The Science of Tapping: Why It Works

If you’re rolling your eyes, thinking this sounds too good to be true, let’s talk science. (No judgement, I rolled mine too - I thought this was nonsense and nothing was ever going to help my out of control anxiety. I'll admit when I'm wrong, and do so happily when it's about tapping; it changed my life!)

1. EFT Calms the Amygdala - The amygdala is the part of your brain that’s always on the lookout for danger. It’s why you feel stressed, anxious, or on edge. Tapping sends calming signals to this fight-or-flight center, helping it relax. Want to see EFT reduce overactivity in the amygdala? Google Emotional Freedom Technique Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Stress, PTSD, cravings, pain... EFT calmed them all.

   
   

2. It Lowers Cortisol Levels - Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” can wreak havoc when it’s out of control—causing everything from anxiety to sleep issues. Studies show that just one session of tapping can reduce cortisol levels by up to 43%. That’s not just a small shift; it’s a game-changer. Dr Stapleton conducted the study, and it's published in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy.

   
   

3. It Rewires Your Brain - Here’s where it gets even more fascinating. EFT taps into neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself. By pairing tapping with affirmations, you’re essentially teaching your brain new, healthier ways to respond to stress. Clinical trials have shown its effectiveness for PTSD, depression, and even chronic pain.

   
   

What Does Tapping Feel Like?

Yes, it might feel a little strange at first—tapping on your forehead or chin while saying, “Even though I feel anxious, I deeply and completely accept myself.” But here’s the thing: the awkwardness fades, and the results speak for themselves, and soon you'll be tapping in the middle of the store if you need it, because peace is so much nicer than anxiety.

Why EFT Is for Everyone

You don’t need to be a believer in tapping to get the benefits from EFT. It’s practical, accessible, and free. No fancy tools, no expensive classes—just you, your hands, and a willingness to try. Because what do you have to lose? Besides... you know, the stress, anxiety, frustration.

Even my husband, who once called it “ your hippy-dippy nonsense,” knows how much it helps, I catch him saying "you should go tap on that." Because when something works, you keep doing it. And you want that relief for others, so you share it with them too. I share it with anyone willing to try something new, I want you to experience the life changing effects for yourself.

Ready to Try? Here’s How to Start

You don’t need hours or a perfect setup. Just fifteen minutes and an open mind.

1. Find a quiet space.

2. Follow a guided tapping session - you can find all of my guided tapping session playlists here. Starting with the Tapping Basic playlist here would be easier though.

3. Tap along, repeat the set-up statements, reminder phrases and affirmations, and notice how you feel.

   
   

Stress doesn’t have to control your life. Tapping is a simple, powerful way to take back your peace, one moment at a time. So why not give it a try? You might just discover a new superpower within yourself.

Take a deep breath, start tapping, and see what unfolds. You deserve this.