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Updated August 2026 · Leer en español

How to do EFT tapping: the 5-step beginner's guide

EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) pairs light fingertip taps on acupressure points with saying what's actually on your mind. Studies suggest brief tapping rituals can help people feel lighter and more focused. Here's the complete sequence — you can learn it in five minutes.

The 5 steps

  1. Name what's on your mind. Pick ONE thing — the deadline, the conversation, the goal you're chasing. Rate how intense it feels right now from 0 to 10. (You'll compare after.)
  2. Say your setup statement. Tap the side of your hand (the fleshy edge — the "karate chop" point) while saying, out loud if you can: "Even though [what's on your mind], I deeply and completely accept myself." Repeat three times, naming the real thing — specific beats polite.
  3. Tap through the 8 points, in order. Tap each point gently 5–7 times while saying a short reminder phrase (like "this pressure" or "this deadline"). The order is below.
  4. Breathe and re-rate. One deep breath in, hold, and let it go. Rate the intensity again, 0–10.
  5. Repeat rounds until it drops. Most people do 2–3 rounds. A complete ritual — breathing, setup, rounds — takes about 9 minutes.

The 9 tapping points, in order

0 · Side of handThe fleshy outer edge of either hand — where the setup statement lives.
1 · EyebrowWhere the eyebrow begins, next to the bridge of the nose.
2 · Side of the eyeOn the bone at the outer corner of the eye.
3 · Under the eyeOn the bone directly below the pupil.
4 · Under the noseBetween the nose and the upper lip.
5 · ChinIn the crease between the lower lip and the chin.
6 · CollarboneJust below the hard ridge of the collarbone, about an inch from center.
7 · Under the armOn the side of the body, about a hand's width below the armpit.
8 · Top of the headThe crown — finish the round here with a slow breath.
The part most beginners get wrong: the words. Generic affirmations do less than naming the true thing. "Even though I'm scared this launch will flop…" works; "Even though stuff is hard…" doesn't. If you want the words written for your goal — that's exactly what ManiTap does: it builds a guided 9-minute tapping session around what you're working on, with 432/528 Hz frequency audio underneath, in English or native Latin American Spanish. The first session is free.

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Frequently asked questions

How long should I tap each point?

Gently, 5–7 taps per point — about the time it takes to say one reminder phrase out loud. A round takes about a minute; a session is usually 2–3 rounds.

Which hand or side should I use?

Either — the points mirror on both sides. Use whichever feels natural, or both hands at once.

What do I say while tapping?

A setup statement naming the real issue plus acceptance, then a short reminder phrase at each point. Honest and specific beats scripted and vague.

Is tapping a medical treatment?

No. Tapping is a wellness practice — studies suggest it can help you feel lighter and more focused, but it is not medical or psychological treatment.

Keep going

Once the sequence feels familiar, the practice becomes about consistency — a short daily ritual beats an occasional long one. Related reading: the best tapping apps of 2026 compared (prices included).