Fear & Phobias

Freedom from Fear of Vomiting

Emetophobia—the fear of vomiting—is more common than most people realize, and more debilitating than it sounds. It's not just disliking being sick; it's constant vigilance, food restriction, avoiding situations, and anxiety that takes over your life. These sessions are designed specifically for this often-misunderstood fear.

33% Avg. Stress Reduction
1.5K+ Sessions Completed

The Science: Understanding Emetophobia

Emetophobia often begins in childhood, frequently following a traumatic vomiting experience—severe illness, food poisoning, seeing someone else be sick. The brain forms a powerful association: vomiting equals danger. From then on, the amygdala triggers intense fear responses at any hint of nausea, stomach upset, or situations where vomiting might occur.

What makes emetophobia particularly challenging is the feedback loop it creates. Anxiety itself causes nausea. The person fears vomiting, becomes anxious, feels nauseous from the anxiety, interprets the nausea as impending vomiting, becomes more anxious, and the cycle intensifies. Many emetophobes restrict their eating, avoid travel, refuse to be around sick people, and limit their lives dramatically—all to prevent something that rarely actually happens.

Tapping can interrupt this cycle at multiple points. By calming the amygdala's fear response, it can reduce the intensity of the phobia itself. By reducing anxiety, it can prevent the anxiety-induced nausea that triggers more fear. And by processing past traumatic experiences involving vomiting, it can address the root of the phobia. Many people with emetophobia find significant relief through Tapping, often after years of struggle.

You're not alone: Emetophobia affects an estimated 3-8% of the population, though many never seek help due to embarrassment. It's a real phobia that responds to treatment. You don't have to keep living in fear.

Real Results

J

Josephine

44 years of struggle to Freedom at last

"The bulimia had remained severe since 18 (44 yrs!) and I was told that at my age it was considered impossible to treat. My existence increasingly became a living hell! I'd developed an autoimmune condition, severe arthritis, and other disabilities. Some months before the summit I'd had a complete nosedive and hit rock bottom. In a detached, indifferent state I knew that I was actually killing myself but felt powerless to do anything about it."

Jo participated in every interview, exercise, and meditation during the Tapping World Summit, committing fully to the process. By the fifth day I had evidence of a real shift in how I was reacting to emotionally charged events at home. I then realised by day 8 that I hadn't vomited for at least 6 days (the longest break since I was 18!). Using the Tapping technique I was also able to become fully present and stop all prescription drugs and alcohol. To date, I am still drug, alcohol, and bulimia free, something I was told would never happen at my age!

C

Cheley

Fear in the body to Relief and understanding

"During the last part where you spoke and I tapped, the part about being afraid to be in the body, took me back to being 7 years old and all the responsibility I felt towards my family. I hadn't realised how afraid I felt at the time. I am 71 now!"

Cheley discovered how deeply rooted fears can manifest physically, connecting her current experience to a childhood memory she hadn't fully processed. I have been on my own now for years... but the day I knew I had to do this, my solar plexus kicked in and I wake every day with a strongly over active solar plexus. It has gone through many permutations and used to almost make me vomit, not pleasant! The feeling more often than not wakes me. Mostly it feels like fear and I now feel how it is related to that 7 year old child. I have not been able to see any connection with anything until your interview.

A

Amy

Pre-performance anxiety to Unexpected release

"Yesterday, I was anxious with pre-performance anxiety as I was telling myself negative stories prior to a situation where I was thinking the worst of walking into a situation that I did not know what to expect. You know, the prepare for any bad circumstance, so IF (and some of them were pretty outlandish), x,y, and z occurred, then I could handle it. My stomach was hurting."

Amy experienced the classic anxiety-stomach connection that so many people with fear-related nausea understand all too well. I started Jessica's 9 min releasing anxiety tap, and by the end of the session, I was unexpectedly crying. I did not at first even realize it until I felt the wetness under my eyes. It actually made me cry more. It was a mixture of surprise, joy, and relief. I have been Tapping for a few years now, but it still can surprise me how much it works.

Using These Sessions

Before triggering situations: Use the pre-event anxiety session before travel, dining out, or other situations that trigger fear.

In the moment: When fear spikes, the "Finding Calm" session can help you regulate in real-time.

For root healing: The "Go Deeper" session addresses underlying causes and past experiences.

Release Your Fear

Sessions designed specifically for emetophobia.

Emetophobia (Fear of Throwing Up): Reduce Pre-Event Anxiety Before triggering situations Emetophobia (Fear of Throwing Up): Finding Calm in the Moment When fear is active Emetophobia (Fear of Throwing Up): Go Deeper Address root causes
Try the App Free

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is emetophobia and how common is it?

Emetophobia is the fear of vomiting—either vomiting yourself, seeing others vomit, or situations where vomiting might occur. It affects an estimated 3-8% of the population, though many never seek help due to embarrassment. It's more than just disliking being sick—it's constant vigilance, food restriction, avoiding situations, and anxiety that can take over your life.

Q: Why does emetophobia cause such severe anxiety?

Emetophobia creates a vicious feedback loop. Anxiety itself causes nausea. The person fears vomiting, becomes anxious, feels nauseous from the anxiety, interprets the nausea as impending vomiting, becomes more anxious, and the cycle intensifies. This is why the phobia can become so debilitating—the fear literally creates the physical sensation it fears.

Q: Can EFT Tapping help with emetophobia?

Yes, Tapping can interrupt the anxiety-nausea cycle at multiple points. By calming the amygdala's fear response, it reduces the intensity of the phobia. By reducing anxiety, it prevents anxiety-induced nausea. And by processing past traumatic experiences involving vomiting, it addresses the root cause. Many people with emetophobia find significant relief through Tapping.

Q: How do the emetophobia sessions work?

There are three sessions designed for different situations: one for pre-event anxiety before triggering situations like travel or dining out, one for when fear spikes in the moment, and one for deeper work on underlying causes and past experiences. Using them together provides comprehensive support for reducing emetophobia.

Fear & Phobias Hub All fear stories Health Anxiety Fear of illness Panic Attacks Acute fear response Gut Health Digestive issues

Important Notice: The Tapping Solution App is intended for general wellness purposes, including stress management and emotional wellness support. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. If you have been diagnosed with a medical or mental health condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. This app is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.