A Tapping sequence to help with addictions such as smoking

There are many types of addictions, such as for junk food, alcohol or smoking. In Australia alone which has a population of 22 million people, obesity, alcohol and smoking related problems cost the government over $67 billion dollars.

The impact on the individual however, is far greater. When I worked at Pfizer in Australia, I helped get a smoking cessation drug called Champix registered in the country. It did work for many people, but in some instances it also had significant side-effects, as do all medications.

That’s why I’d like to help you as much as I can if you have an addiction, by offering you an additional option.

This tapping sequence is designed to help with reducing cravings for cigarettes and may help with quitting smoking altogether if repeated regularly. It also costs you nothing, can be done anywhere and may be used in combination with other therapies.

Do this every time you have a craving for cigarettes. Start with a few deep breaths. Think about your craving or addiction.

1.       First, tap the fleshy part of either hand, beneath your pinky finger (karate chop point). This helps unlock your old patterns to start with. For each point, tap at least seven times.

2.       Using the fingertips of your index finger and middle finger start by tapping on your forehead, an inch above and between eyebrows. While you are tapping, repeat to yourself out loud or in your mind, “Although I feel the urge to smoke, I choose to love and accept myself”

3.       Next, tap on the outside corners of each eye with both hands. Keep repeating the words, “Even though I am feeling this desire to have a cigarette, I deeply love and accept myself.”

4.       Tap just under the eyes

5.       Then tap just under the nose, repeating the above.

6.       Tap just under your lower lip, repeat, “Even though I am desperate for a cigarette, I choose to love and accept myself.”

7.       Tap one inch below your collarbone corners, just below your neck

8.       Next, tap under your arms, about four inches below your armpits and repeat, “I am free of cigarettes.”

9.       Finally, tap the karate chop point again.

You may repeat the seven-step cycle with affirmations such as “I choose to be free of smoking; I choose to take a walk instead; I choose to have a glass of water instead; I choose to have a piece of fruit instead; it’s safe to be without cigarettes; I have quit smoking; even though I have adopted the bad habit of smoking, I deeply love and accept myself.”

When you have finished, take 3 deep breaths again.  Repeat this cycle 4 times. Perform this sequence 4 times a day.

(Note that if there are more serious underlying emotional issues attached to your smoking, this rountine may not be effective for long term quitting. Certainly to consult your healthcare professional to help you quit as soon as possible. Tapping can always be used as a safe, non-chemical combination with other therapies.

Have you tried any other methods to quit smoking? What was your experience like?