Can ‘tapping’ help me feel better?

Q:My doctor prescribed antidepressants for my depression and it’s made a big difference, but a friend suggested I try something called “tapping,” which she said would also help. What is this and should I try it?

A:The technique your friend is referring to is called Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping, and it’s certainly worth a try to see if it helps you feel better. EFT is a do-it-yourself form of acupressure that reduced symptoms of depression by 72% after just four sessions, according to a study conducted in the Philippines. Additional research has found that the technique can also help ease anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The process involves rating your feelings on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst), then tapping your fingertips on a series of acupressure points on your body that are thought to be linked with energy flow. Each time you tap, you repeat an affirming phrase. For you, that might be: “Despite my depression, I accept myself and can still be happy.” Proponents of the technique say the combination of tapping and repeating the affirmation aids the body’s release of mood-lifting hormones like serotonin and dopamine. Plus, like mindfulness, tapping helps you be more in tune with your body and breath to better control your feelings. Best of all, you don’t need anything except your fingertips, so you can tap whenever you need a boost.

For a step-by-step guide and a video tutorial, visit TheTappingSolution.com and click on “Tapping 101.” To get the best results and an instant mood boost, tapping experts suggest you take your time and tap until your feelings plateau or subside. Finally, if your depression worsens, please see your doctor, who can adjust your medication, if needed, or offer other suggestions.