Emotional Freedom Technique: Research supports benefits of tapping for mental health

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as “tapping,” is a method that some individuals have found helpful in managing their emotions. During EFT, individuals tap certain points on their body – similar to the points used during acupuncture. Tapping was first introduced in the 1990s by Gary Craig, a Stanford graduate and certified master practitioner of neurolinguistic programming.

An article titled “What Is Tapping for Anxiety?,” provided by BetterHelp, gives details on the practice.

In November 2022, the Tapping School shared an article titled “Why tapping should be avoided: Are the rumors true?” In short, the article debunks the myths surrounding avoiding tapping as a method to help certain behavioral health issues and concerns. Furthermore, the article shares details on what EFT is, what it can help with and how individuals can make EFT tapping work for them.

The Tapping School reports research showing that EFT can help with certain conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Anger
• Depression
• Stress
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Additionally, EFT International’s Free Tapping Manual, a comprehensive guide that introduces EFT, provides even more ways EFT can be helpful, including:

• Improving some types of physical pain
• Fostering better sleep and sleep patterns  
• Diminishing cravings
• Maximizing creativity
• Improving performance

There are apps available to help individuals with EFT, including The Tapping Solution, which is available to download in the App Store and Google Play. Individuals can also research EFT more and/or talk with a counselor or therapist about the method and whether it would be helpful for them to implement into their self-care practices.

More information on EFT/tapping

• All About Tapping – The Well
• Anxiety and Tapping: Soothing or Distracting? – PsychCentral 
• EFT Tapping: How It Works, Cost & Effectiveness – Choosing Therapy
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): Tap to relieve stress and burnout – National Library of Medicine
• What is EFT Tapping? A Detailed Scientific Guide on Emotional Freedom Technique – Everyday Health 

ADDITONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including behavioral health resources for all Purdue campuses and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse.  

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) – medical plan provider for students and graduate students – offers 292 unique mental health providers serving at various locations that are in-network with UHCSR within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan. 

Office of the Dean of Students:

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS):

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – a free, virtual support group on campus
• Thriving Campus – service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country
• TAO – web- and app-based mental health resource, replacing WellTrack

Questions

Questions can be directed to Human Resources at 765-494-2222, toll-free at 877-725-0222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu.