The Tapping Solution

The premise behind The Tapping Solution is that tapping gently and rapidly on several key points on the hands, head, and torso will align the body's vibrations and—combined with affirmative statements and some psychological prodding—help individuals overcome bad habits, illnesses, addictions, and grief. Filmmakers Nicolas Ortner, Jessica Ortner, and Nicholas Polizzi gathered 10 people with varying issues and ailments for a four-day seminar using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), the so-called tapping solution that combines Chinese acupressure with psychology. The result will be familiar to anyone who watches daytime TV talk shows, as people in pain tearfully acknowledge the wounds inflicted by their past behavior and feel a great “transformative” release. The technique apparently works in the short term; back pain recedes for one man, a woman's insomnia improves, migraines lessen, and smoking ceases (although only for one day). Several experts and authors who are familiar with EFT add their endorsements of the practice. Six months later, seven of the original 10 return to report that the relief they achieved from the experience still holds. DVD extras include a how-to on tapping points and a panel discussion before an audience of 200 “avid tappers” at a workshop. Given that the evidence for EFT remains anecdotal, this is an optional purchase for larger alternative health collections. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner)