Following is the procedure known as the Shortcut. This recipe can be used for all problems/symptoms -- it includes 7 of the 12 tapping points, and we have found that this is all that is needed in most cases.
Step 1: The Setup
The Setup Procedure involves repeating a statement 3 times while rubbing the Sore Spot or tapping the Karate Chop Point. See diagram at left or
tap here for details on locating the sore spot. The statement should be constructed as follows:
"Even though I have ___________ (this problem), I deeply and completely accept myself."
Repeat this statement 3 times while rubbing the sore spot or tapping the karate chop point. Insert the proper wording for the problem you are working on.
Examples: "Even though I have this "anxiety" problem, I deeply and completely accept myself.
"Even though I have this "headache", I deeply and completely accept myself.
Be as specific as possible. If there is a pain in your arm, be specific about where the pain is located (elbow, wrist, shoulder, etc.). If you are angry about something, be specific about it.
Say the Setup Statement out loud emphatically.
Step 2: The Sequence
Beginning with the "Eyebrow" point and continuing down to the "Karate Chop" point, tap using 2 fingers at the points (either side of your body -- whatever is comfortable) about 7 times each while repeating a reminder phrase at each point. The reminder phrase should be a "keyword" for the problem you are addressing (i.e. "this anxiety", "this headache", "this pain"). Keep your mind focused on the problem -- feel it, visualize it -- stay focused. Tap so that you feel it, but there's no need to hurt yourself.
The 7 Points:
| 1. | The inside corner of your eyebrow. |
| 2. | The outside edge of your eye. |
| 3. | Under your eye on the bone. |
| 4. | Between your nose and upper lip. |
| 5. | Between your lower lip and chin. |
| 6. | The intersection of your collarbone and rib. |
| 7. | Under the arm... about middle of bra strap for women, and in line with nipple for men. |
Often, one round of tapping will eliminate or reduce the problem you are working on. Before beginning, rate the intensity of the problem (emotion or symptom) on a scale of 0 to 10 (ten being most intense). After completing one round of the Basic Recipe, rate the intensity again. Your goal is to get to 0. If necessary, repeat the Basic Recipe until your intensity is at 0. NOTE: In subsequent rounds of tapping for the same problem, change your Setup Statement to "even though I still have some of this ____________ (problem)", and your reminder phrase to "remaining ___________ (problem)".