Meridian Tapping Technique (MTT)

As bizarre as MTT seems, "Don't knock it 'til you've tried it"- It really does work and it won't cost you a thing except a few minutes of your time and maybe a little pride!

What is MTT and how does it work?

MTT is a powerful mind / body “tapping” therapy that combines the benefits of accupressure and cognitive behavioral therapy to address emotional and physical issues. More specifically it clears electrical blockages that are causing emotional and physical stress, which otherwise prevent energy from flowing through your body’s meridians.

MTT is used for just about any emotional or physical problem

Example Applications for MTT
• Pain relief	• Fears & Phobias (e.g. fear of snakes or water)
• Allergies	• Addictions (address anxiety causing addiction)
• Weight Loss	• Blood pressure
• Trauma	• Relationship Issues (e.g. ability to express love)
• Depression	• School/Sports issues (e.g. achievement levels)
• Migraine	• Cancer / Other Serious diseases
• Fear of public speaking	• Intense war memories (PTSD)
• Insomnia	• Hiccups
• OCD /ADD /ADHD	• Nail-biting
• Multiple Sclerosis	• Anger at parent or child
• Anger	• Memories of physical/sexual/emotional abuse
• Respiratory problems	• Chocolate/food cravings
• Anxiety	• Stress
• Women’s Issues	• Stiff neck
• Sexual Performance	• Poor eyesight
• Implement positive goals	• Remove negative emotions

(Sorry, it won’t mop the floors, mow the grass or fix the leaky faucet – but it can put you in a better frame of mind for you to be able to tackle those jobs!)

*Warning: for serious psychological conditions, such as multiple personalities, paranoia, schizophrenia, MTT should be supervised by those experienced in dealing with such conditions.

How does MTT work?

MTT specifically addresses the concept that all negative emotions are caused by a disruption in energy flow caused by a distressing memory and not DIRECTLY by memories or thoughts.

The body is a network of electrical circuitry used to communicate between cells. For example:

To transmit a pain message when you touch something hot
Electrical activity in the brain is measured as an EEG, and the heart by an ECG
Electric currents are used to enable you to feel, taste and smell

A distressing memory causes an energy blockage in the body’s electrical circuits (also called meridians). This results in a negative emotion, such as fear, anxiety, depression, anger or grief;

If a distressing memory doesn’t cause a disruption in the body’s energy system, then any associated negative emotion can not occur. Some people are better able to deal with negative experiences than others;

MMT overhauls the body’s whole energy system to fix the “zzzzzt” without needing to identify its exact location. Although there are methods available to diagnose the body’s particular “faulty circuit”;

MTT restores mind/body balance essential for optimal health and the healing of physical disease. Such concept is not given much credence by Western healing methods, MTT is based on the premise that unresolved emotional issues are the cause of about 85% of physical health issues, due to the inherent connection between your body’s subtle energy flow, your emotions, and your health;

No matter how dedicated you are to a healthy diet and lifestyle, it is to no avail if you are carrying “emotional baggage”. Emotional stress can contribute to pain, disease and physical ailments, such that until you deal with the electrical blockages formed as a result of negative thoughts or distressing memories, your body will not achieve an ideal state of health;

Overcome your skeptism. Ingrained doctrine and non-acceptance of unconventional approaches to healing cause many to find the idea of MTT both amusing and absurd; however, considering that the use of MTT is spreading rapidly because of its very high rate of success, it would be a pity to miss out on this seemingly “off-the-wall” therapy.

How to apply the meridian tapping technique (MTT)

MTT involves tapping with the fingertips on specific acupuncture points* on the head and chest

*Acupuncture points are the end-points of energy pathways (meridians) in the body located at specific locations on the skin.

Tapping on acupuncture points unblocks pathways with reduced energy flow

MTT is a form of acupuncture without the needles. MTT is based on the 5,000+ year old Chinese practice of treating physical and emotional ailments using traditional acupuncture to clear the body’s energy meridians (electrical circuits). There are 12 main meridians named according to organs or functions in which bio-energy (called Chi by the Chinese) flows vertically in the body. There are 6 female YIN meridians in which energy flows upwards, and 6 male YANG meridians with energy flowing downward. Unhindered energy flow yields harmony and health, but slowed or stopped energy flow interferes with associated organ function resulting in sickness or tiredness.

Tapping is combined with thinking about your specific problem and voicing positive affirmations. Thinking about your problem with positive affirmation phrases allows the body to identify and correct the energy disruptions involved;

MTT is simple, quick and painless:

A round of MTT takes less than a minute
Frequently, problems disappear permanently in minutes or hours. Some problems can reappear later as a different aspect of the original problem, which can then be dealt with at that time;
The memory of a distressing event does not go away, just the “sting” that went with it;
You briefly recall, not relive, your memories during MTT. There is no need for a “Tell me your life-story” approach, which can sometimes creates more electrical blockages;
No pills are required;

You don’t need to believe that MTT will work! – and although it is better to say things with feeling and emphasis, saying it routinely will usually do the job. It is also better to speak out loud, but if you prefer to mutter under your breath or even express yourself in silent thought, it will probably be just as effective.

MTT produces effective results about 80% of the time. MTT does not work for everyone, however, most people have significant results within a couple sessions; there are even some who have experienced spectacular “1-minute miracles”

For best results, MTT needs to be applied to specific events or problems in one’s life. i.e. reduce general problems down to a number of more specific smaller problems.

Keep well hydrated

Keeping hydrated enables your body to conduct electricity efficiently

Affirmation Phrases

Affirmation phrases should build you up, not beat you up – positive statements to make or do something, or create a specific goal. You control your thoughts, not your emotions, so choose nurturing and supportive thoughts;

Affirmation phrase has the general format that it must:

Acknowledge the problem –note that unlike many conventional psychoanalytical methods and self-help books, which stress positive thinking but leave the root problem untouched, MTT necessitates uncovering the negative problem (but without dwelling on it), so that its underlying electrical blockages can be eliminated. This will allow the positive to genuinely and freely reveal itself.
Create self-acceptance despite the existence of the problem –self-love is at the core of most of our problems and we need to stop criticizing ourselves; People who have problems loving themselves always seem to have problems being able to forgive others i.e. holding a grudge prevents sel-love. When you forgive others, you open the doorway to your own self-love.
Be in the present – avoid future tense; E.g. I am going to . . . or I will have . . .

Example affirmation phrases

The self-acceptance phrase “I deeply and completely accept myself” has a good track record of success:
“Even though I have this fear of public speaking, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
“Even though I have this headache, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
“Even though I have this war memory, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
“Even though I have this stiffness in my neck, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
“Even though I have these nightmares, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
“Even though I have this craving for alcohol, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
“Even though I have this fear of snakes, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
“Even though I have this depression, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
“Even though I feel alone when my husband works long hours, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
“Even though I have this anger towards my father, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

Make it personal, not “Even though my husband works long hours . . .” or “Even though my father was a horrible person . . .”Don’t try to fix someone elses problem!

Try to aim at the specific emotional problem which may be underlying the physical problem.

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MTT - Basic Recipe

Download to view or print the basic steps to MTT:

(1) Identify the issue

Make a mental note of just ONE problem that is bothering you.

(2) Establish initial level of intensity of your problem

Assign a number on a 0-10 scale to indicate the Intensity level of your problem relative to how it has been before E.g. 10 is the worst your problem has ever been.

For emotional issues – recreate the memories in your mind and assess their discomforts.
For physical ailments – assess the existing pain or discomfort.
For performance issues – attempt the desired performance level and measure how close you come to it.

A Round includes:

(3) Setup – (4) Sequence Tapping – (5) Reassess Intensity

(3) The Setup

Repeat this Affirmation Phrase 3 times to (1) “Tune in” to your problem (2) Create self-acceptance:

“Even though I have this (briefly describe problem), I deeply and completely accept myself”

while continuously tapping the Karate Chop Point (KC):

On subsequent rounds: you can use just the key words of the problem for a shortened version – called a “Reminder Phrase”.

For best results, MTT needs to be applied to specific events or problems that underlie your problem

(E.g. for a headache, which was brought on by an argument, you could say “Even though I argued with___, . . . “

Reduce a general problem to a small number of specific problems or events in your life – after cutting down 5-10 “trees”, the “forest” has thinned out enough to enable you to “walk” out. i.e. the MTT process seems to have a generalization effect that takes care of all the related problems.

(4) Sequence Tapping

Remove blocked energy pathways in the body – by tapping on one end point of each of the body’s major energy pathways, while “tuning in” to your problem.

Tap solidly but not enough to hurt;
Tap points in order given -easier to remember;
It doesn’t matter which side you use – or if you switch hands during tapping
Maximize results, by using both hands at once, but alternate the tapping – so you are not tapping both hands in sync.

Tap the FINGERTIPS of ALL YOUR FINGERS about 5-7 times (no need to count) on each of the following energy points:

TOH, EB, SE, UE, UN, Ch, CB, UA, WR (see Sequence Tapping Points)

WHILE REPEATING THE AFFIRMATION PHRASE (or a shorter, reminder version of it) at each point.

Keep fingers gently relaxed and forming a slightly curved natural line.
Ideally use fingertips not pads – since they contain more meridian points; obviously use pads with long fingernails;
Don’t worry about being precise – as tapping the general area will suffice;
Number of taps is not critical – but should last about one complete breath;

(5) Reassess intensity of problem to determine success of previous round

Reassess intensity of problem on a score of 1-10. Compare with initial assessment and if necessary, do the Round Again.

(3) Setup – (4) Sequence Tapping– (5) Reassess Intensity

The Sequence Tapping Points (Tap each point about 5-7 times (no need to count), while repeating affirmation phrase)
TOH Top of Head		With fingers back-to-back down the center of the skull.
EB Eyebrow		At the beginning of the eyebrow, just above and to one side of the nose.
SE Side of Eye.		On the bone bordering the outside corner of the eye.
UE Under Eye		On the bone under an eye about 1 inch below your pupil
UN Under Nose		On the small area between the bottom of your nose and the top of your upper lip.
Ch Chin		Midway between the point of your chin and the bottom of your lower lip. Even though it is not directly on the point of the chin.
CB, Beginning of Collar Bone		To locate, first place your forefinger on the U-shaped notch at the top of the breastbone. From the bottom of the U, move your forefinger down toward the navel 1 inch and then go to the left (or right) 1 inch.
UA Under the Arm		On the side of the body, at a point even with the nipple (for men) or in the middle of the bra strap (for women). It is about 4 inches below the armpit.
WR Inside of both Wrists.		On the inside of each wrist, where a wristwatch would go. Tap together by crossing one wrist over the other with the insides facing.

Subsequent rounds of MTT

Sometimes 1 round is all that is necessary to completely resolve a problem or issue, However, if the problem doesn’t decrease, or decreases to a level that is less than acceptable, then:

Repeat the round using a reminder phrase (a shortened version of the affirmation phrase). E.g. For “Even though I have this fear of public speaking, I deeply and completely accept myself”, the reminder phrase could be “Fear of public speaking”.

At the end of a round evaluate any cognitive changes and reassess the level of intensity of your problem (rate on a score from 0-10)

Seeing the problem from a new angle -often with a sense of surprise and insight. Often reveals new pathways for healing.
You feel less guilt and self-blame, more hope, or a simple sense of relief in an area where there has never been relief before

Do additional rounds to remove any newly surfacing aspects of the problem – sometimes a problem isn’t completely eliminated because tapping reveals a new aspect, usually a result or a cause, of the problem. This can be in the form of an image, conversation, interaction or any other form.

Persistence pays for problems for which it is difficult to identify the specifics – You could begin with – “Even though I have this feeling . . .”, and during MTT, your subconscious mind will usually have its own way in revealing the specifics.

Doing about 10 rounds of MTT / day maximizes success of the therapy – allowing you to reap its benefits on many issues

Fine-Tuning the Therapy

Information on fine-tuning MTT in Gary Craig’s EFT (MTT) tutorial

Addressing the possible impediments to perfection attains better results – consider doing these if you do not achieve success with the “Basic MTT Recipe”.

Various shortcuts suffice as you become familiar with the basic therapy

Tap while staring at your own eyes in the mirror – seems to provide a deeper connection with your subconscious.

Pay attention to what you “hear”- especially if they are negative messages that could be blocking your progress. Acknowledge, don’t dwell on the negative angles, and then do MTT on them with a positive outcome affirmation.

Forgive yourself – E.g. “Even though I was mean, I forgive you, I will do my best not to do it again” – whilst looking into your own eyes in a mirror this has quite a powerful effect.

An example of using more specific affirmation phrases for Insomnia

First identify the underlying issues in your life that may be causing your insomnia – there is always a physical and/or emotional CAUSE for a sleep disturbance. What have you been thinking about while lying awake? Does it relate to a problem you are having? Do you need an expedited answer to a specific problem? When did the sleep difficulties begin? – maybe there was some traumatic event at that time?

Suggested affirmation phrases for different problem concerns – one of which may sound applicable to your situation:

Responsibility – The purpose here is to address the concern with a clear head after being well rested.

“Even though I feel a great responsibility for (describe any responsibilities that weigh on your mind when you are lying awake at night) … I acknowledge that any thoughts on this are better left until after I sleep”.

Anxiety – from obsessively anxious thoughts over the outcome of something, or fear of what will happen if you don’t have an immediate solution for a situation; the goal is to find peace and confidence that a satisfactory solution will emerge A good tip is to keep a paper and pen next to your bed to jot down any ideas that do present themselves in the night -just enough to help with memory recall in the morning;

“Even though I’m anxious about (what worries you), I choose to be calm and confident”.

Anger – sleep and anger are often incompatible and the goal is to achieve peace; be honest with yourself and address all resentment against the situation or people involved;

“Even though I’m angry with/at (person/situation), I choose to be calm and confident”. Do as many rounds as needed to reduce distress, after which you will naturally fall asleep.

Problem solving habit – the goal is to release yourself from “Thinking duty” instead of physical tapping you can tap mentally or just touch tapping points to avoid physical disturbance at a time when being still is more conducive to sleep.

“Even though I can’t get to sleep, I choose to be pleasantly drowsy”

“Even though my thoughts seem so important right now, I can wait and deal with them tomorrow when I wake up.”

Create a positive YOU by doing MTT morning and night using positive affirmation statements

Before going to bed – allows your subconscious to work all night on the “better you” and even more powerful when affirmation statements are integrated with prayer;

First thing in the morning – sets you up for the day;

Say the positive affirmations even if they don’t feel true at first – eventually they will become true; E.g. “I am a happy person and I deeply and completely accept myself”

More Information

See Gary Craig’s free EFT tutorial for more specific information on:

Using MTT on Fears and Phobias
Using MTT on Traumatic Memories
Using MTT for Addictions
Using MTT for Physical Healing
Using MTT to Enhance Your Self Image

Gary Craig is the founder of EFT (Emotional freedom technique) in 1995. The therapy is more widely known today as MTT. Gary’s site is maintained at: http://www.emofree.com/