**disclaimer: there are many versions of this technique, there are many opinions on the right way to do it, i'm not even going to attempt to discuss them all or encompas them all... this is an informal gathering for those of us who do some form of tapping and those who want to learn more.
i'm starting it off simply, so that it can at least be, as some have suggested, a place to point those who ask "so, what IS tapping?"
camp is always open to non pagans who are respectful of this being a pagan camp, and in this case, anyone with opposing or alternate views or experiences of some form of tapping is of course welcome, provided they be respectful and supportive and understanding that this is not a formal exercise and i am not a professional.
thank you, and welcome!**
"what IS tapping?"
tapping is a form of energy therapy or energy medicine. the concept is that things in life (traumas, emotional events, etc) cause energy blockages in our bodies, and these blockages cause problems (emotional, physical). our bodies, according to energy medicine, have energy meridians, and like acupuncture or acupressure, touching or influencing points on those meridians can effect change. in the case of tapping, you "tap" on the meridian (or energy) points on the body to release a blockage or to get the energy to flow freely, thus healing yourself.
tapping, unlike acupuncture, adds a psychological element, in the focus on emotions or feelings. some people find that a few tapping sessions frees them of "issues" they had worked on for years with a therapist without results. it often uncovers hidden issues as well.
put it another way-- acknowledging negative feelings and emotions while pressing "release" points frees you from them, while empowering the positive versions. sort of like re-wiring the brain, ala "what the bleep do we know," only virtually instantaneously.
the original and more formal version of tapping is called "eft" or "emotional freedom technique." the official site is emofree.com but what most of us do is a slightly less formal version called tapping, from tapping.com (tdc for short).
"how do you do it?"
there are many versions of how to tap. it's quick & easy (& free!) to learn by watching a video online. if anyone cant watch videos and needs a written version, let me know.
the basic "recipe" from tapping.com (it's 18 min, but great if you're new!)
youtube also has a lot of videos, try poking around there.
here's a rather "produced" (aka flashy, ala "the secret") 7 min video on "eft"...
and for those scientifically minded, here's a short (4 min) video from the tdc guy.
two things i talk a lot about are tdc's general chakra tapping and his advanced chakra tapping... the first is a free video on his site, the second is a booklet you buy-- it's tapping, but not like the typical "formula"... more on that later.
"what kinds of things can i tap on?"
really, the possibilities are endless.... some people feel tapping can heal or fix anything, some like it for helping them feel more balanced (like chakra work or meditation)... the original eft was developed to treat PTSD on soldiers after vietnam, and it has been effective in healing traumas of all sorts. people use it on personal or self esteem issues, phobias, allergies, illnesses.... and also in uncovering and unleashing one's true self... there are few things i havent thought "oh, i could tap on that...." and most of you know i continually suggest it for all manner of things. the only way to find out is to try........
"ok, now how do you REALLY do it?"
depending on where you learn to tap, you will find differences in the method. of course, it's best to find what feels right to you. in the interest of making the beginner an advanced user in less time, i've tried to highlight some differences, to provide a better "grasp" of the method... please share yours!
WHERE:
meridian points--there are oodles of them, but most methods (all?) only use a few. for the most part, the ones that get used most are fairly consistent, but i know there are people with really strong views about this... (i use the tdc points, usually adding the three he adds in his advanced chakra tapping-- top of head, below nipple, and under arm). two notes about specific placement: 1. side of eye is actually at the side of the eye, not the temple (though that's how i did it early on, so i say it still works). it should slightly jostle your vision as you tap there. 2. chin is in the indent, not the tip of the chin.
"karate chop point" vs "sore spot" for the set up (i usually prefer using the "sore spot"... i've found that when i'm really trying to figure something out, if i use my thumbs or fingers and feel around the sore spot while i'm thinking of what to say for my set up, it helps me get focused on it and find the right thing to tap on)
what side of the body to tap on:
a note about hands: typically the tapping on the fingers is done with the opposite hand, but in the general chakra tapping , he introduced a technique to tap your hand with the fingers of the same hand, and i find that very helpful, esp for tapping say, while nursing a babe to sleep at night.
HOW:
how many times you should tap at each meridian point: generally, i think seven times is common, but in tdc's advanced chakra tapping, he suggests tapping each point til you feel the release... i started using that in my regular tapping, and i love it.
it can be hard to know how hard to tap... it's easy to get carried away and wind up sore... sometimes i just press my fingers to the spots, rather than tapping with the tips of my fingers, and i find it's more... intentful.
phrasing the set up statement:
WHEN:
i remember early on when i was learning tapping, reading or hearing some where that tapping was most effective when done in the nude. i'm sure i laughed, but i think it's true. i'd add that it's most effective done in the shower (or, who can guess? in an epsom salt bath!). maybe that's just me, but with water running over me, i tend to get loads better results. of course, this isnt always practical, not to mention eco-friendly if you're in there a while. if you're not getting great results with your clothes on, though, it's something to think about.
THEN WHAT?
usually, after you've tapped on something, a "next" comes up naturally... if not, you can use the thumbs on sore spot technique til you think of something, or you can tap "I dont know what to tap next..."
"is there anything i should NOT tap on, or anything else i should know?"
one of the amazing (and dangerous) things about tapping is that in some respects, you never know what you're going to get. you can happily tap away your fear of cupcakes only to find that it's not cupcakes after all that you're afraid of, but apples... and, ack! you just planted 14 apple trees.... ok, that's a silly example, but my point is, be forewarned. you've no idea what you might uncover... so, dont do it while the in laws are visiting (unless you're tapping away your fear of them, in which case, by all means, tap away!)....... that sort of thing.
another note... i find there are some things i just have no luck tapping on... like my monthly migraines. i can get the pain to a managable point, but i find that those migraines always hold a lesson for me, and if i tap them away, i miss getting that lesson... you get the point.
which sort of leads into expectations and tapping... be open to what you feel while you're tapping. it might surprise you! if it's "not working"... think about that and try again (you can always tap "tapping doesnt work for me.....")
uh, and another thing... some people have... reactions... some get really thirsty, some get a funky taste in their mouth... some burb excessively.... so, have some water nearby and maybe some mint tea...
"alright, so what else can i use this for?"
ok, i think this is the real reason for camp... so, here are some of my faves, and please, share yours!
mental tapping: once your body is accustomed to how it feels while you're tapping, you can simply think about tapping, and your body will respond-- just like with yoga or meditation.
tapping on others: there are a lot of ways to do this, and i know some people will have issues with some of them, so do what feels comfortable for you. dh loves when i do the chakra tapping physically on him. ds doesnt like it, but he does respond when i either tap on myself for him, or mentally tap on him. when i say 'i tap on me for him,' what i do (and there are many ways to do it) is in my head i say the statements as though i were him, but i tap on my body. it's probably not the most effective thing in the world, but i've gotten some remarkable results with it... (also, i have had amazing success mental tapping on dh while he's snoring in his sleep.... dont ask me how that works, but i heard someone who did it, and i've used it often!) again, mess with it and see what feels right/works for you.
issues tapping: if you want to work on a specific issue, and are having a hard time with it, check out online for some specific script examples... tdc has several (here's a list of his videos), and there are oodles of other sites that have others.... "try it on everything" is a movie (think "the secret") that shows some examples, and they have a website "club" too. there is a LOT on the web about eft or tapping... you could probably find just about any topic you can think of!
balancing tapping: like grounding or centering, only really fast! great before meditation or divination or a ritual.... i try to do some form of this each day. in addition to the general chakra tapping video, or your own version thereof, there's balancing your cortices or just the regular tapping with saying "ickies out, good in..." or "i am in balance, i am in flow" or something.
advanced chakra tapping: if you really enjoy tdc's chakra tapping, or if you feel so overwhelmed you dont know where to even start, or if you are looking for a way to really kick your practice or your life into high gear or another level or whatever... i highly recommend his advanced chakra tapping. it's not free, but it is one of the most amazing things i've ever experienced, and if you're really into chakras and tapping, well.... (here's the site)
meditative tapping (also could be divination): this is harder to talk about, and where you really have to just get in it and find how it works for you. one of the coolest things about the advanced chakra tapping is that he gives you different "recipes" for tapping-- or different orders of points to tap. you can do that on your own, in a meditative state, by starting off tapping, and then just tapping whatever points you feel drawn to tap... it may devolve into more general hands on your head at different places, or combinations of tapping two places at once and so on... you can integrate it into your practice, combine it with doing card readings (or even use it in place of card readings), hold beads while you tap.... and on and on! make it yours. it can be a really powerful tool for your bag.
ok, now-- ask away, share away, and if you're going to throw things, please choose soft fluffy things...
yours in tappyness,
me
i'm starting it off simply, so that it can at least be, as some have suggested, a place to point those who ask "so, what IS tapping?"
camp is always open to non pagans who are respectful of this being a pagan camp, and in this case, anyone with opposing or alternate views or experiences of some form of tapping is of course welcome, provided they be respectful and supportive and understanding that this is not a formal exercise and i am not a professional.
thank you, and welcome!**
"what IS tapping?"
tapping is a form of energy therapy or energy medicine. the concept is that things in life (traumas, emotional events, etc) cause energy blockages in our bodies, and these blockages cause problems (emotional, physical). our bodies, according to energy medicine, have energy meridians, and like acupuncture or acupressure, touching or influencing points on those meridians can effect change. in the case of tapping, you "tap" on the meridian (or energy) points on the body to release a blockage or to get the energy to flow freely, thus healing yourself.
tapping, unlike acupuncture, adds a psychological element, in the focus on emotions or feelings. some people find that a few tapping sessions frees them of "issues" they had worked on for years with a therapist without results. it often uncovers hidden issues as well.
put it another way-- acknowledging negative feelings and emotions while pressing "release" points frees you from them, while empowering the positive versions. sort of like re-wiring the brain, ala "what the bleep do we know," only virtually instantaneously.
the original and more formal version of tapping is called "eft" or "emotional freedom technique." the official site is emofree.com but what most of us do is a slightly less formal version called tapping, from tapping.com (tdc for short).
"how do you do it?"
there are many versions of how to tap. it's quick & easy (& free!) to learn by watching a video online. if anyone cant watch videos and needs a written version, let me know.
the basic "recipe" from tapping.com (it's 18 min, but great if you're new!)
youtube also has a lot of videos, try poking around there.
here's a rather "produced" (aka flashy, ala "the secret") 7 min video on "eft"...
and for those scientifically minded, here's a short (4 min) video from the tdc guy.
two things i talk a lot about are tdc's general chakra tapping and his advanced chakra tapping... the first is a free video on his site, the second is a booklet you buy-- it's tapping, but not like the typical "formula"... more on that later.
"what kinds of things can i tap on?"
really, the possibilities are endless.... some people feel tapping can heal or fix anything, some like it for helping them feel more balanced (like chakra work or meditation)... the original eft was developed to treat PTSD on soldiers after vietnam, and it has been effective in healing traumas of all sorts. people use it on personal or self esteem issues, phobias, allergies, illnesses.... and also in uncovering and unleashing one's true self... there are few things i havent thought "oh, i could tap on that...." and most of you know i continually suggest it for all manner of things. the only way to find out is to try........
"ok, now how do you REALLY do it?"
depending on where you learn to tap, you will find differences in the method. of course, it's best to find what feels right to you. in the interest of making the beginner an advanced user in less time, i've tried to highlight some differences, to provide a better "grasp" of the method... please share yours!
WHERE:
meridian points--there are oodles of them, but most methods (all?) only use a few. for the most part, the ones that get used most are fairly consistent, but i know there are people with really strong views about this... (i use the tdc points, usually adding the three he adds in his advanced chakra tapping-- top of head, below nipple, and under arm). two notes about specific placement: 1. side of eye is actually at the side of the eye, not the temple (though that's how i did it early on, so i say it still works). it should slightly jostle your vision as you tap there. 2. chin is in the indent, not the tip of the chin.
"karate chop point" vs "sore spot" for the set up (i usually prefer using the "sore spot"... i've found that when i'm really trying to figure something out, if i use my thumbs or fingers and feel around the sore spot while i'm thinking of what to say for my set up, it helps me get focused on it and find the right thing to tap on)
what side of the body to tap on:
- some people tap just on one side of the body
- some people tap the first part on one side, the second on the other
- some people do two complete rounds (one on each side) for each statement
- sometimes, i'll tap both sides at the same time, or even skip the middle part, just doing a once-thru...
a note about hands: typically the tapping on the fingers is done with the opposite hand, but in the general chakra tapping , he introduced a technique to tap your hand with the fingers of the same hand, and i find that very helpful, esp for tapping say, while nursing a babe to sleep at night.
HOW:
how many times you should tap at each meridian point: generally, i think seven times is common, but in tdc's advanced chakra tapping, he suggests tapping each point til you feel the release... i started using that in my regular tapping, and i love it.
it can be hard to know how hard to tap... it's easy to get carried away and wind up sore... sometimes i just press my fingers to the spots, rather than tapping with the tips of my fingers, and i find it's more... intentful.
phrasing the set up statement:
- if you dont know what to say, start with just saying "even though i have this feeling"... and move on to what comes to you.
- some people dont say the "even though" or the "i deeply and completely love and accept myself"...
- some people will only say affirmations or positive statements,
- while some people focus on the most negative (ex. if you think your issue is a fear of pink, dont say "even though i think i'm afraid of pink", but go the full way, assume that it is, and even that it's worse than you think it is, and say "even though i'm terrified of pink, i deeply and completely love and accept myself.")
- and some focus only on the most negative "i'm terrified of pink"... (not saying the even though or the i deeply...) the intent with this approach being to release the negativity. i've had really powerful and fast results with this approach, but i know it's not right for everyone.
- also, while it might help some, it's not necessary to say any of it out loud (nice to know if you're doing your tapping during nap time!)
- just try them all, as well as any that come to you, and see what works best!
WHEN:
i remember early on when i was learning tapping, reading or hearing some where that tapping was most effective when done in the nude. i'm sure i laughed, but i think it's true. i'd add that it's most effective done in the shower (or, who can guess? in an epsom salt bath!). maybe that's just me, but with water running over me, i tend to get loads better results. of course, this isnt always practical, not to mention eco-friendly if you're in there a while. if you're not getting great results with your clothes on, though, it's something to think about.
THEN WHAT?
usually, after you've tapped on something, a "next" comes up naturally... if not, you can use the thumbs on sore spot technique til you think of something, or you can tap "I dont know what to tap next..."
"is there anything i should NOT tap on, or anything else i should know?"
one of the amazing (and dangerous) things about tapping is that in some respects, you never know what you're going to get. you can happily tap away your fear of cupcakes only to find that it's not cupcakes after all that you're afraid of, but apples... and, ack! you just planted 14 apple trees.... ok, that's a silly example, but my point is, be forewarned. you've no idea what you might uncover... so, dont do it while the in laws are visiting (unless you're tapping away your fear of them, in which case, by all means, tap away!)....... that sort of thing.
another note... i find there are some things i just have no luck tapping on... like my monthly migraines. i can get the pain to a managable point, but i find that those migraines always hold a lesson for me, and if i tap them away, i miss getting that lesson... you get the point.
which sort of leads into expectations and tapping... be open to what you feel while you're tapping. it might surprise you! if it's "not working"... think about that and try again (you can always tap "tapping doesnt work for me.....")
uh, and another thing... some people have... reactions... some get really thirsty, some get a funky taste in their mouth... some burb excessively.... so, have some water nearby and maybe some mint tea...
"alright, so what else can i use this for?"
ok, i think this is the real reason for camp... so, here are some of my faves, and please, share yours!
mental tapping: once your body is accustomed to how it feels while you're tapping, you can simply think about tapping, and your body will respond-- just like with yoga or meditation.
tapping on others: there are a lot of ways to do this, and i know some people will have issues with some of them, so do what feels comfortable for you. dh loves when i do the chakra tapping physically on him. ds doesnt like it, but he does respond when i either tap on myself for him, or mentally tap on him. when i say 'i tap on me for him,' what i do (and there are many ways to do it) is in my head i say the statements as though i were him, but i tap on my body. it's probably not the most effective thing in the world, but i've gotten some remarkable results with it... (also, i have had amazing success mental tapping on dh while he's snoring in his sleep.... dont ask me how that works, but i heard someone who did it, and i've used it often!) again, mess with it and see what feels right/works for you.
issues tapping: if you want to work on a specific issue, and are having a hard time with it, check out online for some specific script examples... tdc has several (here's a list of his videos), and there are oodles of other sites that have others.... "try it on everything" is a movie (think "the secret") that shows some examples, and they have a website "club" too. there is a LOT on the web about eft or tapping... you could probably find just about any topic you can think of!
balancing tapping: like grounding or centering, only really fast! great before meditation or divination or a ritual.... i try to do some form of this each day. in addition to the general chakra tapping video, or your own version thereof, there's balancing your cortices or just the regular tapping with saying "ickies out, good in..." or "i am in balance, i am in flow" or something.
advanced chakra tapping: if you really enjoy tdc's chakra tapping, or if you feel so overwhelmed you dont know where to even start, or if you are looking for a way to really kick your practice or your life into high gear or another level or whatever... i highly recommend his advanced chakra tapping. it's not free, but it is one of the most amazing things i've ever experienced, and if you're really into chakras and tapping, well.... (here's the site)
meditative tapping (also could be divination): this is harder to talk about, and where you really have to just get in it and find how it works for you. one of the coolest things about the advanced chakra tapping is that he gives you different "recipes" for tapping-- or different orders of points to tap. you can do that on your own, in a meditative state, by starting off tapping, and then just tapping whatever points you feel drawn to tap... it may devolve into more general hands on your head at different places, or combinations of tapping two places at once and so on... you can integrate it into your practice, combine it with doing card readings (or even use it in place of card readings), hold beads while you tap.... and on and on! make it yours. it can be a really powerful tool for your bag.
ok, now-- ask away, share away, and if you're going to throw things, please choose soft fluffy things...
yours in tappyness,
me
Follow Mothering