Learn the main and alternative meridian tapping points of the body
I often get asked why we use certain tapping points on the body and what alternatives exist. Maybe a person doesn’t want to touch their face or simply can’t reach a specific meridian point due to a disability. Then there’s also usually a follow-up question about why we tap on certain points and what they do.
So here we’ll cover all of that information in one place so that everyone can benefit!
Our Traditional Tapping Sequence
As you may know, Tapping or EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is based on Chinese acupuncture/acupressure, and there are a LOT of points along the body where these meridians can be accessed.
Gary Craig (the originator of EFT) took a certain number of these points and created an easy-to-learn and repeatable protocol that could be applied to nearly every situation for tapping.
There was also a “shortcut” version of that original protocol, which I (and many others) adopted and began to use, and it’s the sequence of tapping points you see and hear us use today at The Tapping Solution.
Download the Diagram Here
This is the sequence we traditionally use with all of our tap-along videos, scripts, and meditations.
Once you read through their descriptions and their significance when it comes to releasing emotional distress, you’ll quickly realize how powerful this sequence is.
KC: Karate Chop (Small Intestine Meridian)
Why we use it: Releases feeling stuck and promotes ease in moving forward, letting go, healing from grief, and ability to be happy in the present moment.
EB: Eyebrow (Bladder Meridian)
Why we use it: Releases trauma, hurt, and sadness and promotes peace and emotional healing.
SE: Side of the Eye (Gall Bladder Meridian)
Why we use it: Releases resentment and anger and promotes clarity and compassion.
UE: Under the Eye (Stomach Meridian)
Why we use it: Releases fear and anxiety and promotes contentment, calmness, and the feeling of safety.
UN: Under the Nose (Governing Vessel Meridian)
Why we use it: Releases shame and powerlessness and promotes self-acceptance, self-empowerment, and compassion for self and others.
CH: Chin/Under the Mouth (Central Meridian)
Why we use it: Releases confusion and uncertainty and promotes clarity, certainty, confidence, and self-acceptance.
CB: Collarbone (Kidney Meridian)
Why we use it: Releases the feeling of being stuck and promotes ease in moving forward, confidence, and clarity.
UA: Under the Arm (Spleen Meridian)
Why we use it: Releases guilt, worry, and obsessing and promotes clarity, confidence, relaxation, and compassion for self and others.
TH: Top of the Head (Crown Chakra)
Why we use it: This is not one particular point, rather its a collection of many meridian points. Tapping on the top of the head opens the crown chakra and promotes spiritual connection, while “anchoring in” the new balance and alignment from the completed tapping round.
Alternative Tapping Points
In the sequence above, you can see that there are a lot of tapping points on the face. But what if you don’t want to put your hands near your eyes or mouth? Or what if a disability prevents you from reaching some of these points?
Well, here are some alternative points on the body and the hands. You can use them in any order you feel comfortable and can be used separately or in addition to the tapping sequence above.
These points are great if you can’t reach some of the other tapping points, you want to avoid touching your face, or if you simply want to be more discreet while tapping.
Just like the other meridian points above, they are symmetrical on both sides of the body.
Download the Diagram Here
Thymus (Seat of the Immune System)
Benefits: Tapping this point activates and balances the immune system, so it’s great to tap on this point daily to keep your physical health in tune. Tapping the thymus point at the end of an EFT round also helps “anchor in” the new balance and alignment throughout your body.
Sore Spot, or Soft Spot (Neurolymphatic Reflex)
Benefits: Rubbing this area gently with light pressure releases lymphatic congestion. You can begin your tapping sequence with this point while saying your setup statements in place of using the karate chop point.
Ribs (Liver Meridian)
Benefits: Releases anger and other primitive emotions and promotes compassion, happiness, safety, acceptance, transformation, and peace.
Download the Diagram Here
Karate Chop (Small Intestine Meridian)
Benefits: Releases feeling stuck and promotes ease in moving forward, letting go, healing from grief, and the ability to be happy in the present moment.
Thumb (Lung Meridian)
Benefits: Releases negative thinking, judgment, self-righteousness, grief, and loss and promotes acceptance of self and others, healing from loss, ability to see the positives in life.
Index Finger (Large Intestine Meridian)
Benefits: Releases the difficulty of forgiving yourself and letting go of past hurts and promotes self-forgiveness, releasing the past, and being more joyful and peaceful in the present.
Middle Finger (Circulation-Sex Meridian)
Benefits: Releases anxiety and sexuality issues and promotes bonding, relaxation, generosity, acceptance of self and others, and trust.
Pinky Finger (Heart Meridian)
Benefits: Releases smaller anger, annoyances, and frustrations and promotes unconditional love, forgiveness, compassion, and self-care.
Gamut Point (Triple Warmer Meridian)
Benefits: Releases repetitive thinking, obsessing, and worry and promotes hope, the calmness of mind, clarity, and connection with positive possibilities.
Wrist
Benefits: There are actually a few meridian points that can be accessed by tapping the inside of the wrists. Doing so releases anxiety and depression and can aid in reducing insomnia and heart issues.
Meridian point descriptions courtesy of: www.free-flow-coaching.com, www.theenergytherapycentre.co.uk/eft-tapping-points/,eft-reiki.com/eft_tapping_point_positions.html, https://happyecho.com/eft-emotional-freedom-technique/.
Bonus Resource
Additionally, I want to include an amazing audio interview with Gwenn Bonnell called “Uncovering the Ancient Eastern Philosophies Behind EFT Tapping”.
If you’re curious about the historical roots of tapping and specifics of the different meridian points, watch this interview! In it, you’ll learn:
- What the meridians really are, how they work, and what each tapping point represents.
- Why and how the meridians are associated with individual organs in your body and to specific emotions.
- How to tell when your energy is being disrupted at a particular point and which tapping points are most significant to you.
I’m sharing this audio with you courtesy of our Tapping Insiders Club, where you find HUNDREDS of additional specific resources like these on nearly every topic imaginable.
I hope these descriptions and tapping points help you to overcome anything challenge you face.
We also have a blog post with EFT Tapping Point Diagrams for Kids, as well as a full resource page on Tapping for Parents, Teachers, Children, and Teenagers if either of those can be of any benefit to you.
Until next time…
Keep Tapping!
Nick Ortner
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