Health

Preparing for and Recovering From Surgery

Surgery means putting your body in someone else's hands. The loss of control, the fear of what they'll find, the anxiety about anesthesia, the long recovery ahead. These are stories from people who used Tapping to face surgery with more calm—and recover with more ease.

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The Science: Why Your Mindset Affects Surgery

When you're anxious before surgery, your body floods with stress hormones—cortisol, adrenaline, norepinephrine. These hormones served our ancestors well when facing predators, but they work against you in an operating room. Elevated cortisol impairs wound healing by suppressing collagen production and slowing tissue repair. High adrenaline increases blood pressure and can cause more bleeding during surgery. Chronic pre-op anxiety has been linked to longer hospital stays, higher pain medication needs, and increased risk of post-surgical infection.

The vagus nerve—your body's main parasympathetic pathway—directly controls your "rest and heal" state. When you're in fight-or-flight, the vagus nerve is suppressed. Tapping on acupressure points, particularly those on the face and collarbone, has been shown to stimulate vagal activity. This shifts your nervous system from stress mode into the calm state where healing actually happens. A 2013 study in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that Tapping reduced cortisol levels by an average of 24% in just one hour—exactly what you want before going under anesthesia.

The practical benefit: patients who go into surgery in a parasympathetic state tend to have more stable vitals during procedures, require less anesthesia, and wake up more smoothly. This isn't just about feeling better—it's about giving your body the physiological conditions it needs to handle surgery well.

Hospital-friendly: Tapping requires nothing but your fingertips. You can do it in a pre-op bed, in recovery, during waiting periods. Even discreet finger-point pressing (without visible Tapping) can help calm your nervous system in medical settings.

Real Results

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Sandra

Wisdom teeth surgery -> No pain, no swelling

"I was scheduled for surgery today to have my wisdom teeth removed (ouch) but wait... I tapped on the matter before the surgery which was performed at 10:00am today."

Sandra had been reading Nick's book and practicing Tapping. When her surgery date arrived, she knew exactly what to do—tap on the fear and anxiety before going in.

"The surgery was great. It is now 7:15pm. I have had NO pain, NO swelling, NO issues... resumed my regular routine as soon as the feeling returned to my mouth. But I am following instructions with regard to diet etc. Amazing."
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Rachel

Stage 4 brain cancer -> Calm through testing and treatment

"I was diagnosed the beginning of August with stage 4 brain cancer at the age of 33. I used EFT to prepare for the surgery, which went beautifully, and throughout all the testing, and now through radiation treatments."

Rachel, a certified EFT practitioner herself, knew the power of Tapping. When facing one of the most frightening diagnoses possible, she turned to the tool she knew best.

"I do mental EFT, just Tapping on my gratitude list during these stressful events, because I have some focus problems. EFT has helped me remain calm and centered, and I believe it saved my life during a post-surgical MRI trauma. I've also had fewer and easier side effects than expected."
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Nela

Dental extraction -> Facing it with good spirits

"Last week I was sitting in the dentist's chair waiting while the freezing took effect before an extraction process could begin. I decided to do something proactive about what I had to face, and I began Tapping, having only recently learned the procedure from your movie."

Nela had only recently discovered Tapping, but she knew enough to use it in the moment when she needed it most.

"I honestly don't think I could have gone through the surgery with such good spirits if I had not done the Tapping. I now begin my workday with a Tapping session. Thank you for your work in spreading the information about this amazing process."

Before, During, and After

Weeks before: Tap on specific fears—anesthesia, pain, outcomes. Address each one separately.

Day of: Use Tapping or discreet pressure points while waiting. Focus on calm breathing.

Recovery: Tap on pain, frustration with limitations, fear of complications. Support healing on all levels.

Prepare for Your Procedure

The Surgery Support collection for before and after procedures.

Preoperative: Prepare for Success Postoperative: Deepen Your Healing Postoperative: Smooth Recovery
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does pre-surgery anxiety affect outcomes?

When anxious before surgery, your body releases stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline) that impair wound healing by suppressing collagen production, increase blood pressure which can cause more bleeding, and suppress immune function increasing infection risk. A 2013 study found Tapping reduced cortisol by 24% in one hour—exactly what you want before anesthesia.

Q: When should I tap before surgery?

Start weeks before to address specific fears (anesthesia, pain, outcomes). Tap each fear separately. On the day of surgery, use Tapping or discreet pressure points while waiting. Focus on calm breathing. During recovery, tap on pain, frustration with limitations, and fear of complications.

Q: Can I tap in the hospital?

Yes, Tapping requires only your fingertips. You can tap in a pre-op bed, in recovery, during waiting periods. Even discreet finger-point pressing (without visible Tapping) can help calm your nervous system in medical settings when you don't want others to notice.

Q: Does Tapping help with surgical recovery?

Patients report using Tapping during recovery for pain management, frustration with limitations, and processing the trauma of the procedure. When the nervous system is calm (parasympathetic state), the body heals more effectively. Many people report faster recovery and less need for pain medication.

Results Hub All results Fear of Doctors Medical anxiety Pain Post-surgical pain Anxiety Pre-op anxiety

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.