The Benefits of Tapping

I first learned about tapping while living in Las Vegas. If I remember correctly, I came across it on YouTube during the Covid years when many of us were looking for ways to manage stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Over the years, I noticed that I still unconsciously tap on different parts of my body. Sometimes I do it during BreathWork. Sometimes I do it while thinking through a problem. Sometimes I find myself tapping when I am dealing with a difficult phone call at work.

I have also explored different forms of Asian body tapping and became curious about the holistic approach to health and wellness that has been practiced for generations.

When I think about Western medicine and indigenous or Eastern healing traditions, I do not see them as enemies. I think there is value in learning from both. Western medicine has saved countless lives, while holistic practices often focus on calming the mind, supporting the body’s natural processes, and creating balance between body, mind, and spirit.

Tapping is one of those practices that has fascinated me.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), sometimes called “tapping,” combines gentle tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations. Many people use it to reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.

Research suggests tapping may help lower cortisol levels, which is often referred to as the body’s primary stress hormone. Many people report feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally balanced after just a few minutes of tapping.

Traditional Asian body tapping takes a slightly different approach. Practices such as Qigong body tapping involve rhythmically patting different areas of the body to stimulate circulation, encourage lymphatic flow, and support the body’s energy pathways, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as meridians.

Some of the reported benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Improved circulation

• Increased energy

• Relief from muscle tension

• Better digestion

• Improved body awareness

• A greater sense of calm and relaxation

One thing I find interesting is how naturally many people already do forms of tapping without realizing it. We rub our temples when we have a headache. We pat a child’s back to comfort them. We tap our fingers when thinking. We place a hand over our heart when feeling emotional.

Perhaps the body instinctively knows that touch and rhythmic movement can be soothing.

One of the reasons I appreciate practices like tapping is because they are simple, free, and non-invasive. You do not need expensive equipment. You do not need a gym membership. You can practice it sitting in a chair, during meditation, after a stressful conversation, or while taking a few quiet moments for yourself.

As I continue learning about health and wellness, I remain curious about the wisdom found in different healing traditions. I do not believe every answer comes from one place.

Sometimes healing involves medicine.

Sometimes healing involves movement.

Sometimes healing involves rest.

And sometimes healing begins with something as simple as taking a breath and gently tapping your way back to calm.

Have you ever tried tapping?

If so, what was your experience?

Lady Flava 🌻