What Is EFT Tapping? A Scientific Explanation of How It Rewires the Brain

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), also called “tapping,” is a therapeutic method that blends ancient Chinese acupressure with modern psychology. It’s been clinically shown to reduce stress, lower cortisol, rewire emotional responses, and help anchor positive beliefs into the subconscious mind.

In this post, I’ll explain:

• What EFT Tapping is

•  How it works on a neurological and hormonal level 

• Why it calms the amygdala and reduces cortisol

• The Gamut 9 Procedure and how it boosts brain integration

• Why this technique is so effective for trauma, PTSD, emotional eating, anxiety, stress, addictions, and more

What Is EFT Tapping?

EFT Tapping involves gently tapping on specific acupressure points on the face, chest, and hands while focusing on a negative emotion, memory, or belief.

These tapping points correspond with meridian endpoints used in Traditional Chinese Medicine — the same ones used in acupuncture, but without needles.

As you tap, you acknowledge and speak aloud the emotion or memory, which helps you process it instead of suppressing it. You then introduce new, empowering statements to reprogram the

subconscious.

How Tapping Affects the Brain and Body

When we experience stress or emotional trauma, the brain's amygdala — our “fight or flight” center — goes into high alert. This triggers a surge of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, flooding your body with anxiety signals.

Research shows that EFT tapping calms the amygdala and reduces cortisol significantly — in some studies, by up to 43% in one session (Church et al., 2012).

When the amygdala is soothed, the brain shifts from survival mode into a state of parasympathetic relaxation. This is the ideal state for neuroplasticity — meaning the brain can literally rewire old patterns and install new beliefs.

That’s why, after tapping, it becomes much easier to anchor in new affirmations like:

•              “I am safe now.”

•              “I can trust myself.”

•              “I no longer need to numb my pain with food.”

The EFT Tapping Points

EFT Tapping Points (hand & upper body)

EFT uses 9 primary meridian points for tapping, which are:

•              Karate Chop (side of the hand) – used to set the intention and begin the session

•              Eyebrow – located at the beginning of the eyebrow, near the nose

•              Side of Eye – at the temple, just beside the eye

•              Under Eye – directly beneath the eye, on the bone

•              Under Nose – between the nose and upper lip

•              Chin – on the chin, in the cleft of the chin

•              Collarbone – just below the collarbone, where the two collarbones meet

•              Under Arm – about 4 inches below the armpit

•              Top of Head – directly on the crown of the head

Each of these points is associated with major energy meridians in the body, which are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for balancing the body’s energy flow and promoting healing.

The Gamut 9 Procedure: Whole-Brain Synchronization

An advanced part of EFT (used especially for trauma or “stuck” memories) is the Gamut 9 procedure. It looks a little unusual but has strong scientific reasoning behind it.

Gammut Point

Here’s how it works:

While massaging the Gamut Point (back of the hand between the ring finger and pinky knuckles), and remembering a strong negative experience, you perform this sequence:

•              Close eyes

•              Open eyes

•              Look hard down right

•              Look hard down left

•              Roll eyes in a circle

•              Roll eyes the opposite direction

•              Hum "happy birthday"

•              Count to five

•              Hum again "happy birthday"

This combination of eye movements, counting, and humming stimulates multiple brain regions — including both hemispheres, the limbic system, and the prefrontal cortex.

Studies suggest this helps:

• Disrupt the “stuck” neural loop associated with trauma memories

• Create whole-brain integration, increasing emotional flexibility

• Accelerate how new beliefs are encoded in long-term memory

It’s similar to what happens during REM sleep, when the brain processes and stores emotional experiences.

Why EFT Is So Effective for PTSD, Trauma, Anxiety, Emotional Eating, Addictions, and More

EFT addresses the emotional root of the issue — not just the behavior. It helps the nervous system feel safe again, which is essential for healing patterns like:

•              Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

•              Childhood trauma

•              Emotional eating

•              Bulimia

•              Addictions (including food, smoking, etc.)

•              Panic attacks

•              Low self-worth

•              Stress and anxiety

•              Self-sabotage

•               

Once the emotional charge is released, there’s no need to “fight” your behavior anymore — it naturally shifts from within.

Try It for Yourself

If you’ve been stuck in cycles of emotional pain, self-sabotage, or anxiety, EFT might be the breakthrough you need.

Book a free 30-minute discovery call and let’s explore how tapping can help you rewire your mind, calm your body, and step into healing — naturally.

Book your free Discovery Video Call

Disclaimer: I Am Not a Doctor

Please note that I am a Certified EFT Practitioner and Mindset Coach and not a licensed medical professional. EFT Tapping is a therapeutic technique that can support emotional healing, but it is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are dealing with a severe medical or psychological condition, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider.