EFT “Tapping” as a Tool for Pain and Stress

When you’re living with chronic pain, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There’s the physical

discomfort, of course—but also the emotional toll. The frustration. The fear. The

exhaustion of constantly trying to cope, manage, and function in a body that doesn’t

always cooperate.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often called “tapping,” is a gentle, body-based

practice that can offer real relief. It involves gently tapping on acupressure points on the

face and upper body while bringing attention to a thought, emotion, or physical

sensation.

The process may look simple, but the effects can be powerful. Tapping helps calm the

nervous system, soften emotional intensity, and—often—lower the perception of pain.

What makes EFT especially helpful for those navigating chronic pain is that it works with

both the body and the mind. It doesn’t ask you to ignore your symptoms or “think

positive.” Instead, it meets you right where you are. You start by noticing what’s

true—whether it’s tension, sadness, or fear—and then gently tap through it, allowing

your system to process and settle.

Another strength of EFT is its accessibility. You don’t need special equipment. You don’t

need a quiet room or perfect focus. You can tap sitting in your car, lying in bed, or

walking through a difficult moment. It’s a tool you carry with you—one you can use in

real time, whenever you need a bit of support.

Tapping doesn’t make pain magically disappear. But it often lowers the volume. It helps

you feel less reactive and more grounded. And that shift—feeling even a little more

calm, a little more connected to yourself—can quietly change how you move through

the day.

In sessions, I often guide clients through EFT as a way to approach difficult moments

with compassion. Sometimes we use it for physical symptoms, other times for the

emotional weight that comes with them. Either way, the intention is the same: to help

the nervous system settle. And when that happens, everything else can start to feel just

a little more manageable.

You don’t have to power through alone. Tapping is one way to bring in support—not

from the outside, but from within.