Frequently Asked Questions

Tapping (also called EFT - Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a research-backed stress-relief method that combines elements of ancient acupressure with modern psychology. You use your fingertips to gently tap on specific meridian points on your body while focusing on a stressor or uncomfortable emotion.

This sends calming signals to your amygdala (your brain's threat center), helping you quickly shift from "fight or flight" into calm. It's like hitting the reset button on your nervous system.

The easiest way is to download The Tapping Solution app (free on iOS and Android). The app includes guided sessions that walk you through exactly what to say and where to tap, so you don't need to memorize anything.

Just pick a session based on what you're feeling (anxiety, stress, sleep issues, etc.), press play, and follow along. Most sessions are 5-15 minutes.

No. All you need is your fingertips and a few minutes. No equipment, no special training, no prior experience required. If you can tap your fingers and speak out loud (or think words), you can do Tapping.

There are 9 main Tapping points used in EFT:

• Top of the head
• Beginning of the eyebrow
• Side of the eye
• Under the eye
• Under the nose
• Chin point
• Collarbone
• Under the arm
• Karate chop (side of hand)

Don't worry about getting them exactly right. The guided sessions in the app will show you where to tap.

Yes. More than 300 published studies show Tapping reduces stress hormones, calms the amygdala, and helps with anxiety, PTSD, depression, chronic pain, and more.

Key findings include:

• 43% drop in cortisol after one hour of Tapping (compared to 19% for psychoeducation)
• Reduced amygdala activation visible on fMRI brain scans
• Significant improvements in anxiety, PTSD, depression, and pain across multiple clinical trials

It's used by hospitals, veterans' organizations, and wellness professionals worldwide.

When you think about a stressor while Tapping on acupressure points, you send a calming signal to your amygdala (the brain's alarm system). This helps your brain "update" its threat response, teaching it that the memory or situation is no longer dangerous.

The process also:

• Activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest mode)
• Reduces cortisol and stress hormones
• Increases calming neurotransmitters like serotonin
• Helps with memory reconsolidation (updating old emotional memories)

Research has shown Tapping to be effective for:

• Anxiety and stress
• PTSD and trauma
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Insomnia and sleep problems
• Phobias
• Food cravings and weight loss
• Athletic performance

Explore our full research library →

Many people notice a shift within minutes. For situational stress or anxiety (like before a presentation or during a conflict), a single 5-10 minute session can provide immediate relief.

For deeper issues like chronic anxiety, trauma, or long-standing patterns, regular practice over weeks or months tends to produce lasting change. Think of it like going to the gym—one workout helps, but consistent practice creates transformation.

As often as you need. Some people tap once a day as part of their morning routine. Others tap whenever they feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. There's no "right" amount—listen to your body and use it when it helps.

For chronic issues, daily practice (even 5-10 minutes) tends to be most effective.

You can absolutely tap on yourself! Millions of people use self-guided Tapping successfully. Our app is designed to make self-tapping easy with guided sessions for every situation.

That said, working with a certified EFT practitioner can be helpful for:

• Complex trauma or PTSD
• Deep-rooted patterns you're struggling to shift on your own
• Guidance and accountability

But for everyday stress, anxiety, and emotional wellness, self-guided Tapping works great.

It's normal for emotions to surface during Tapping—that's actually a sign it's working. When you're processing stuck feelings, they may intensify briefly before they release.

If this happens:

• Keep Tapping gently through the emotion
• Say what you're feeling out loud ("Even though I feel sad right now, I'm okay")
• Take deep breaths
• Be gentle with yourself

If the emotions feel too overwhelming, pause and seek support from a therapist or EFT practitioner.

We get it. Tapping can look unusual at first. But here's the thing: you don't have to believe in it for it to work. Your nervous system responds whether you're skeptical or not.

We recommend trying it once with an open mind. Pick something that's bothering you (mild to moderate stress works best for a first try) and tap along with a guided session. If it helps, keep going. If not, no harm done.

Check out our Skeptics page for stories from people who were initially doubtful.

Yes. Tapping is non-invasive and has no known negative side effects when practiced properly. It's considered safe for most people, including children and seniors.

However, if you're dealing with severe trauma, PTSD, or mental health conditions, we recommend working with a licensed therapist or EFT practitioner who can provide proper support.

No. Tapping is a wellness tool, not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're currently in therapy or on medication, Tapping can complement your treatment—but always check with your provider first.

Think of Tapping as a daily tool for managing stress and emotions, not a cure-all. It works best as part of a holistic approach to wellbeing.

Yes! Tapping is safe and effective for children. Many parents use it to help kids with:

• Bedtime anxiety
• Test anxiety
• Big emotions and tantrums
• Fears and worries

You can guide your child through Tapping, or they can follow along with kid-friendly sessions in our app.

Yes, Tapping is generally safe during pregnancy and can help with pregnancy-related anxiety, stress, and discomfort. However, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new wellness practice during pregnancy.

The app is free to download and includes free guided sessions. We also offer a premium membership with access to our full library of 1,000+ sessions, exclusive meditations, and bonus content.

You can explore the free version as long as you like before deciding if you want to upgrade.

The free version includes:

• Core 5 foundational sessions
• Daily featured sessions
• Basic Tapping tutorials
• Access to some meditations and sleep content

Premium membership gives you:

• Full access to 1,000+ guided Tapping sessions
• Sleep meditations and bedtime Tapping
• Exclusive expert content
• New sessions added weekly
• Offline access (download sessions to use without internet)
• Ad-free experience

Yes! The Tapping Solution app is available on both iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices. You can also access it through your web browser at https://app.thetappingsolution.com.

Yes. You can cancel your premium membership at any time from your account settings. There are no cancellation fees or penalties.

You can reach our support team at our support page. We typically respond within 24 hours.