What Is EFT Tapping for Stress and Anxiety and How Does It Work?
Stress has become one of the most common problems in modern life. Whether it’s work pressure, relationship issues, or financial worries — stress silently damages both your mental and physical health. While medications offer temporary relief, EFT Tapping for stress provides a natural, drug-free solution that you can practice anywhere, anytime.
EFT Tapping — also known as Emotional Freedom Technique — is a powerful mind-body therapy that combines ancient acupressure with modern psychology. By gently tapping on specific points on your body, you send calming signals to your brain, reducing the stress hormone cortisol and bringing your nervous system back to balance.
In this guide, you will learn exactly what EFT Tapping is, how it works for stress relief, the 9 tapping points, a step-by-step process, and the science-backed benefits — all explained simply so you can start today.
What Is EFT Tapping?
EFT Tapping stands for Emotional Freedom Technique. It was developed by Gary Craig in the 1990s, based on the earlier work of Dr. Roger Callahan. The technique involves tapping with your fingertips on 9 specific acupressure points on your body while focusing on a negative emotion or physical sensation — in this case, stress.
Think of it as acupuncture without needles. Instead of inserting needles, you use your fingertips to stimulate the same energy meridian points used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years.
How Does EFT Tapping Help with Stress?
When you experience stress, your brain’s amygdala (the fear center) gets activated and triggers a “fight or flight” response. This floods your body with cortisol and adrenaline — making you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and tense.
EFT Tapping interrupts this stress response by:
- Sending safety signals to the amygdala through tapping
- Reducing cortisol levels (proven in clinical studies)
- Calming the nervous system within minutes
- Releasing emotional blockages stored in the body
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that EFT Tapping reduced cortisol levels by 24% in just one session — significantly more than traditional talk therapy.
The 9 EFT Tapping Points for Stress:
When doing EFT Tapping for stress, you will tap on these 9 specific points:
1 – Karate Chop: The karate chop point is located on the side of the hand. This point is associated with emotional pain, like sadness or grief. By tapping here, you can facilitate emotional healing and remove tension.
2 – Top of Head: The top of the head point is located at the crown of the head. This point is related to insight, inspiration, and clarity. By tapping here, you can assist yourself get out of thought and gain new insight.
3 – Eyebrow: The eyebrow point is located at the beginning of the eyebrow, closest to the center of the face. This point is related to fear and anxiety. By tapping into this area, you can encourage relaxation and aid to lessen anxiety.
4 – Side of Eye: The side of the eye point is located at the end of the eyebrow. This point is related to fury and rage. To establish emotional equilibrium and help with pent-up rage, tap on this area.
5 – Under Eye: The under-eye point is located on the bone just below the eye, in line with the pupil. Stress and tension are related to this spot. By tapping in this area, you can ease tension and help you feel less overwhelmed.
6 – Under the Nose: The under-nose point is located between the nose and the upper lip. This area is related to guilt and humiliation. Here, tapping can aid in promoting self-acceptance and assisting with the release of shame.
7 – Chin: The chin point is located in the crease between the lower lip and the chin. This location is linked to melancholy and depression. Here, tapping can help to alleviate sadness and support emotional health.
8 – Collarbone: The collarbone point is located just below the collarbone, on either side of the sternum. Physical pain and suffering are related to this location. Here, tapping can aid in easing physical discomfort and accelerating recovery.
9 – Underarm: The under-arm point is located on the side of the body, about four inches below the armpit. This point is related to self-assurance and respect. This area can be tapped into to increase self-worth and empower oneself.
The Steps of EFT –
Identify the issue: Begin by pinpointing the specific anxiety-related thought or emotion you want to address.
Setup statement: Create an affirmation that acknowledges the issue while accepting yourself unconditionally.
Tapping sequence: Tap gently on the designated acupressure points while repeating the setup statement and focusing on the issue.
Check-in: After completing a round of tapping, assess the intensity of the emotion or thought.
Repeat: If needed, repeat the process to further reduce the intensity of the anxiety.
EFT Tapping works anytime, anywhere — no equipment needed.
Regular practice of EFT Tapping for stress can provide:
Immediate relief — Stress reduces within minutes of one session
Better sleep — Calms an overactive mind at night
Lower anxiety — Reduces panic attacks and chronic worry
Improved focus — Clears mental fog caused by stress
Emotional balance — Reduces irritability and mood swings
No side effects — 100% natural, safe for all ages
Anytime, anywhere — No equipment needed, do it at home
How Often Should You Do EFT Tapping ?
For best results:
- Daily practice: 10–15 minutes every morning or before bed
- During stress: Use it immediately when you feel overwhelmed
- Minimum sessions: Practice for at least 21 days consistently
Most clients at Zen Healing Studio report noticeable improvement within 3–5 sessions.
This really helps and I hv been doing this for almost 7 years for myself
One should definitely try this as it not only helps u to stay away from health problems but all improves ur over all living.
Dear Sunita,
Thank you for your wonderful reply! Your seven years of experience with EFT Tapping and the positive impact it has had on your overall well-being is truly inspiring. Your endorsement means a lot to me, and I am grateful to have your support on this journey.
Warm regards,
Zen Healing Studio.
Thank you zen healing studio for showering me with precious knowledge and healing of EFT.
Being a working Professional stress is a part of life and I was going through a lot stress, emotional imbalance, aggressiveness and just came across the post of ETF @Zenhealingstudio. I just gave my 10-15 mins, I experienced the relief of stress and anxiety. Since then I have started giving atleast 10 mins on daily basis practicing EFT. Thanks @Zenhealingstudio for posting such a great technique and in such an explanatory manner.
Dear Pooja,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review of Zen Healing Studio and their EFT technique. It’s incredible how just 10 minutes of practice each day can bring such relief from stress and anxiety. I’m glad you found their post informative and helpful. We request you to share this valuable blog content with your friends and family, as it might benefit them too.
Thank you so much zen healing studio.
It was very nice and very useful and it calmed my mind and now I feel very peaceful.
Thank you, Preeti, nice to hear about your experience with EFT.