The EFT tapping points - where and how you tap
The 9 most important tapping points in EFT: Where they are located, which meridians they stimulate and how to tap them correctly - with a detailed description of each individual point.
An Overview of the Tapping Points
In EFT, 9 main points on the body are tapped in a specific order. Each of these points lies on one of the 12 main meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. The points are mainly located on the head and upper body and are easy to reach.
Tapping is done gently with the fingertips of the index and middle fingers (or with all four fingers for larger points). The intensity should be pleasantly noticeable—much like tapping impatiently on a table. Each point is tapped approximately 5–7 times.
Note on page selection Most tapping points exist on both sides of the body. You can tap on either the left or right side - or on both sides at the same time. There is no measurable difference in effectiveness. Choose the side that feels most natural to you.
The Karate Point (outer edge of the hand)
The starting point of every EFT round is the Karate Point—the fleshy outer edge of the hand between the wrist and the little finger. Here, you say the setup phrase while gently tapping with the fingers of your other hand.
This point lies on the Small Intestine meridian and helps correct what is known as the “psychological reversal”—an unconscious form of self-sabotage that can block change.
Location: Outer edge of the hand, midway between the wrist bone and the base of the little finger.
Technique: Tap with the fingertips of your other hand while repeating your setup phrase three times.
The 8 tapping points in the sequence
1. Eyebrow (AB)
Location: At the inner end of the eyebrow, directly above the bridge of the nose.
Meridian: Bladder meridian
Effect: Helps with frustration, impatience, restlessness, and traumatic memories.
2. Lateral Eye (SA)
Location: On the bone at the outer edge of the eye (temple).
Meridian: Gallbladder meridian
Effect: Helps with anger, resentment, and difficulty making decisions.
3. Below the Eye (UA)
Location: On the cheekbone, directly below the pupil.
Meridian: Stomach meridian
Effect: Helps with anxiety, nervousness, worry, and cravings.
4. Under the Nose (UN)
Location: In the hollow between the nose and upper lip (philtrum).
Meridian: Governor Vessel (Du Mai)
Effect: Helps with shame, embarrassment, and feelings of powerlessness.
5. Chin (KI)
Location: In the depression between the lower lip and the chin.
Meridian: Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)
Effect: Helps with confusion, insecurity, and shame.
6. Collarbone (SB)
Location: In the angle between the collarbone and the sternum—about 2 cm below the collarbone and 2 cm to the side of it. Best tapped with the flat of the hand or all fingers.
Meridian: Kidney Meridian
Effect: Helps with anxiety, insecurity, general stress, and the feeling of being stuck.
7. Under the Arm (UdA)
Location: About a hand’s width below the armpit, at the level of the nipple (for women, at the level of the bra band).
Meridian: Spleen Meridian
Effect: Helps with worries about the future, low self-esteem, and obsessive thinking.
8. Head (KO)
Location: At the highest point of the head (crown).
Meridian: Governor Vessel (Du Mai) – intersection of several meridians
Effect: Supports inner focus, spiritual connection, and serves as the “conclusion” of the tapping round, as many energy pathways converge here.
Additional tapping points
In addition to the 8 main points, there are other points that can be included as needed:
- Wrist point: Tap the inner sides of both wrists together—calming for acute agitation
- Liver point: Directly below the chest (men) or under the bra (women)—helpful for anger
- Finger points: On the side of each fingernail – used in the advanced EFT technique
- Gamut point: Between the knuckles of the ring finger and little finger on the back of the hand – for the “9-Gamut Procedure” for complex issues
Tips for Effective Tapping
- Pressure: Tap firmly enough to feel the stimulation, but never so hard that it hurts.
- Speed: Maintain a steady, relaxed pace—neither too fast nor too slow.
- Breathing: Continue to breathe calmly and evenly while tapping. Taking deep breaths between rounds enhances the effect.
- Focus: Stay mentally focused on your issue. Tapping without emotional focus is significantly less effective.
- Mirror work: Tapping in front of a mirror can intensify the effect, as eye contact with yourself promotes self-acceptance.
- Drink water: Drink a glass of water before and after tapping—this supports energetic balance.