‘Tapping’ brings stress reduction to Sonoma’s fingertips

Workshop on latest method of anxiety relief for kids, adults.|

To some people the word 'tapping' may no longer involve dance steps or metal taps on shoes. Tapping now also refers to a holistic technique that relieves pain, stress and anxiety.

Those interested in learning more can attend a workshop on 'Tapping,' which will be held at Presentation School on Feb. 28 as part of the school's yearly Speaker Series.

'The school has been introducing students to ideas such as growth mindsets and mindfulness and stress reduction for years,' said Scott Parker, head of Presentation. 'Tapping is one more tool to consider in that same vein. It is currently gaining a certain popularity with schools and teachers because of its very basic steps. The apparent benefits of tapping extend beyond stress and anxiety, and have also been introduced with people living with significant physical and emotional pain.'

Tapping, also known as Emotional Freedom Technique. has some science data behind it, too. A study conducted on nursing students in 2015 found that students who used the technique reported reduced stress, according to an article in the journal Nurse Education Today. And an article in the Journal of Holistic Nursing published in December of 2017, said that, 'More than 60 research articles in peer-reviewed journals report a staggering 98 percent efficacy rate with the use of this procedure from psychological distress (posttraumatic stress disorder, phobias, anxiety, depression, etc.) to physical conditions (asthma, fibromyalgia, pain, seizure disorders, etc. to performance issues (athletic, academic).'

Beryl Ryan, a Santa Rosa registered nurse for more than 35 years who also works at the Sonoma County Jail, will lead the Feb. 28 Tapping workshop at Presentation. She is a self-described 'maniac' for the technique and has been practicing it on herself for six years, and wants everyone to know about it and have it as a tool. She teaches the technique to inmates because it is something they can do themselves to relieve pain, anxiety, anger and any negative emotion.

'I really just want the whole world to know about it. It's phenomenal for so many things,' Ryan said.

Tapping is related to acupressure with roots in the ancient practice of acupuncture using a physical tapping sequence with fingertips on nine meridian points on the body to release energy and send calming effects to the amygdala in the brain. The process, Ryan said, 'clears out' physical pain, negative emotions and sadness.

Her upcoming workshop will be specifically geared toward parents so they can share the technique with their children, but the technique is useful to all ages, she said. Ryan has encountered stress and anxiety in children as young as age 5 who may be upset because their parents are fighting, the child fell down, or an older sibling stole a favorite toy. She calls events such as these 'trauma with a small 't'' because, though the event may not be as significant as something like a death in the family, they can still lead to upset feelings that can translate into tummy aches, headaches or prolonged anxiety.

'Everyone wants to find more ways to help kids, and ourselves, learn to manage their stress and decrease their anxiety,' Parker said.

Tapping starts with a 'set up' statement that is spoken aloud while tapping fingertips on the 'karate chop point' on the side of the hand. The set up statement might be something like, 'Even though I have this pain in my back, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.' Any type of pain or problem can be inserted following the opening words 'even though,' Ryan said.

A 'reminder phrase' is said while tapping the other meridian points that are on the eyebrow near the nose, on the side of the eye at the temple, under the eye, under the nose, under the lip, under the collarbone, on the side under the armpit and finally on the crown of the head. Ryan has the instructions and explanation available for free on her website, TapWithin.com.

She's been offering her services for free to survivors of the area's 2017 wildfires to help people with the emotional pain some have over losing everything, or to get rid of the trigger effects of smelling smoke or seeing flames, she said.

'I use (Tapping) to release things that don't feel good,' Ryan said.

For children in particular she recommends parents sit with their child and have them 'tap it out' before bed, asking the child if anything happened during the day that they want to discuss. If something negative comes up they start with the set-up statement and do the tapping sequence so that they go to sleep with a clear mind.

Ryan has taught the technique to students, teachers and staff, and parents at schools. The workshop at Presentation is open to the public.

'The speaker series is open to the entire Sonoma/Napa community and has become a welcome place to discuss both broad and specific topics as they relate to kids, their learning and social/emotional wellbeing, as well as emerging and age old concerns for parents,' Parker said.

The Feb. 28 workshop runs 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Presentation School library at 20872 Broadway. Admission is $10 per person.

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Email Anne at anne.ernst@sonomanews.com.

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