Thoughts on a new way of thinking
In clinic last week I was speaking with a woman who had experienced an unfortunate trauma, she had her house broken into. Physically she was fine but even though the event happened months ago she was still really struggling with the event and the resulting PTSD. Of course acupuncture can work wonders for the stress, insomnia, muscle pain, fatigue, and depression. As she was relaxing in the chair I was thinking about how else I could help her. What other tool could I extend to her so that she could feel more in control of her emotional life.
That was when I remembered reading a book years ago that may be able to help: Energy Medicine by Donna Eden. For those who have perused this book you know that she bases much of what she does on the foundation of Chinese medicine. She also gives a variety of exercises to help people become centered, open, and to engage with their own healing. In particular I was drawn to share with my patient the technique of Temporal tapping a kind of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). What I particularly like about the temporal tap is that involves breath, movement, and affirmations. With this technique you are engaging your brain, your energy field, and your body. Another interesting insight into this technique is that the tapping happens on the Gall bladder meridian. The job of the gall bladder is to initiate action, to take that all important first step towards change. To tap positive affirmations along this meridian can be a very powerful tool.
The basics of the tap are this:
1. On the L side of the temple, gently tap from temple to behind the ear a negative version of the affirmation such as: I no longer need___I don't want___I never have any____Be very specific and use short sentences. I no longer need outside acceptance, I don't want negative people in my life, I never have any cravings for chocolate.
2. On the R side of the temple, gently tap from temple to behind the ear with a positive version of the affirmation such as: I am___I enjoy___I feel___I can___. Be specific and use short sentences. I am confident in conversations with my boss, I enjoy exercising for health, I feel full and content, I can easily loose weight.
3. The statements need to be believable to you, it won't help if you say your positive affirmation and then roll your eyes and say yeah right. Tap five times on each side and do this several times a day, it should only take a moment or two. After you finish take three deep breaths and then return to your day.
This technique is a wonderful tool that anyone can use, no money spent or guide books needed. This technique can be used by itself, in coordination with your therapist, with your mindfulness practice, after meditation, with your acupuncturist, or not at all. As with all tools, they are most useful when you actually practice with them.
Happy Tapping and please let me know what kind of results you get!!