Learn EFT – EFT 102: Which hand to I tap with, what side of the body should I tap on and can I tap on both sides at the same time?

This article is part of the EFT 102: How to do EFT, the basics series.

You will encounter Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) practitioners who are fanatical about this point.  They believe theirs is a way that is best.  Some of the philosophies are:

• Tap with your dominant hand for positive statements and your non-dominate hand for negative thoughts.
• Always cross your bodies mid point when tapping (eg use the right hand to tap on the left eye brow)
• Use both hands at the same time while tapping

There are actually some good reasons for these points of view.  

• Donna Eden (one of the most prolific and best writers on energy medicine) has found some energetic benefit for crossing the mid-point
• Any NPL practitioner worth his/her salt knows that by changing your physical position you can change your mind.  By using your non-dominate hand, you are change the way you physically do things, therefore it is easier to change your mind.
• Using Lindsay Kenny’s analogy if using one hose to clean a car is good, then using two must be better because it faster, therefore why not use both hands.
• * I even know one EFT trainer who says, “Always use your dominant hand.” He doesn’t think it’s better, but instead he knows he sound more authoritative speaking with certainty and specificity.  People are more likely to believe him if he knows precisely what he is doing.

To be honest, I really don’t know what is best.

For me the rule of thumb is, “If it works for you, do it!”  There are times I use one hand, and others I use both.  Sometimes I use my left hand, while others I use my right.  Sometimes I cross over, other I don’t.  

I have found it is best to not get bent out of shape over this question.   Your experience will be your best guide.   Try every thing.  Even try things not listed her (like tapping while standing on one foot.)  If it is not working for you, try something else.  

Remember it cost you less and a minute of your life to try a round of tapping in some new way.

About Gene Monterastelli
Gene is a Baltimore, MD based EFT practitioner, the editor of Tapping Q & A, and the host of the Tapping Q & A Podcast (archive | iTunes). Learn more about Gene here or find out how to work with Gene here. You can connect with Gene on his personal twitter, his tapping twitter or on facebook.