Although tapping the face, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), might not seem like it's going to make a major difference when it comes to stress, science says otherwise. According to research published in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, tapping has been found to reduce cortisol levels, therefore allowing those experiencing stress or anxiety to manage it better.
"Because tapping is a gentle and easy-to-follow technique, anyone struggling with stress, anxiety or pain can benefit from it," EFT tapping expert and founder of The Tapping Solution app Jessica Ortner tells The Well. "Having a technique that utilizes the power of the mind and body together is incredibly powerful. When we release this stress, we can be more creative and resourceful when we confront challenges and a better help those around us."
Ortner suggests identifying the point that seems to be the cause of the stress, then to start tapping the hand first, while moving your tapping technique across various points of the body while repeating what part of the body is being tapped and why. For example, as you tap your chin, say "this jaw stress," or whatever is the cause of the stress you're experiencing. Saying the stressor out loud helps in combating it.
