Tap-Happy!

I just unearthed a relic from the past that was bundled in a thick wrapping of forgotten memories. Ten years ago, I was hit by a car, and yes, it was dramatic and traumatic. For six months, in addition to surgery and re-learning to walk without a cane or crutches, I struggled with severe Post Traumatic Stress. 

Even though it had nothing to do with my own accident’s circumstances, whenever I would see a woman pushing a stroller into an intersection, I would spontaneously burst into tears or have a panic attack. I needed help! Someone recommended a therapist, so I gave it a whirl. It was expensive, but the results were almost miraculous in both their efficacy and the speed with which the results manifested.

We did two different kinds of therapy, one of which was biofeedback, where you’re hooked up to a machine while monitoring your physical and emotional reactions. The other strategy was “tapping,” which—odd as it sounds—involves tapping your face (and pinky finger) with two fingers while repeating a positive affirmation. In my case—as this sheet of paper from my past reminded me--it was “I’m releasing all of the emotional traumas, pain, anguish, and suffering in tall of the roots and deepest causes of all of these problems throughout my being.” Corny? Maybe. But it worked. I swear, I was “cured” in about five sessions!

Tapping has become sort of a thing lately. Trusted lifestyle gurus like Gabby Bernstein  and Marie Forleo have been talking about it  a lot (as well as a book called “The Tapping Solution”), and you know, why not? If it can help and can't hurt, it's definitely worth a try. Besides tapping for serious anxiety issues, it's also said to be useful for working through daily stresses and emotional turbulence. 

Have you ever tried tapping? What was your experience? Did it help you relieve stress? Get through an emotion hump? Would love to hear from you!