This post contains affiliate links.

Can EFT Help With Hair Pulling Anxiety?

The feeling of frustration can be a big trigger for me. When that feeling kicks in, so does the strong desire to find comfort and release. My comfort comes from prayer . . . but it also has come from food.

I asked Lesley if I could write here because I see the similarities between trich behaviors and my eating habits that I share on my blog, My Refreshed Soul.

Along with prayer, I use a technique called EFT to help me work through issues. EFT, also known as tapping, can help to cope with situations, especially during times of stress and anxiety.

We can use EFT, the Emotional Freedom Technique, on issues that cause anxiety and stress, whether it is a current situation or something from the past.

Uncovering the Stress and Anxiety

We may not be aware of it, but there can be other layers that remain under the feelings of stress and anxiety we’re experiencing. These layers of emotions and memories could have been formed after an event that caused trauma.

When using this technique, documenting the emotions and memories that come up for you, like in a journal, can be very helpful.

We can use EFT to help control the impulses we have, and keep us from following through with our behaviors.

Addressing the underlying issues can take this to a whole other level.

What is EFT and Tapping?

EFT, the Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as tapping, is and easy and calming tool. Tapping is non-evasive, gentle, and can be done wherever and whenever you want.

By tapping on acupressure points, signals are sent to the brain and can give a calming feeling. This results in taking us out of the “flight or fight” mode, and we are able to make different choices.

We can direct our attention to different thoughts, and away from self-destructive thoughts.

EFT is an amazing tool that children and adults can learn to use in a short period of time!

Journaling The Tapping Journey

Tapping for memories or issues that you have, can bring up other memories or issues while tapping. Like peeling an onion.

I suggest having a journal to write down any new thoughts, feelings, or issues that come to mind while you are tapping, or right after you tap. You may be surprised the memories that have been suppressed, or feelings you haven’t experienced before.

Writing it down allows you to go back later and tap on other issues that have surfaced to the top.

Have you boiled ravioli or dumplings before? When you start cooking them they sit at the bottom. As the water gets hotter, the energy in the water causes bubbles to rise to the top. The dumplings are done being cooked because they too will rise to the top. Energy changes things!

Same with tapping.

As you tap, your energy starts shifting; memories and emotions begin to rise to the top. The top is where the good stuff is! Instead of pushing back on the memories that rise, write them down.

Over time, you can address each memory or issue, one at a time.

Will EFT Work?

EFT has been successful for many. Experts say that you don’t even need to believe in the process for it to be successful! The good news is is that even if you only have small changes over a period of time, you are making progress.

Being consistent is the key!

EFT has helped with relieving emotional pain, physical pain, stress from trauma, anxiety and more.

People who had severe trauma in their life, have been able to use EFT to help relieve PTSD and other trauma related issues. This includes people who have been in war, like vets who have returned home, and young children who witnessed their family being murdered by terrorism.

EFT has also been known to cure hair pulling anxiety in some people.

Getting Started with EFT

Learn where all the tapping points are located and how to rate your level of emotion, before you start.

Set-up Statement

Before you start, think about ONE emotion or memory that you struggle with.
Pick a memory that triggers you, maybe something you would normally cause you to desire to pull your hair.
Feel that memory; open yourself up to the emotion. This allows you to acknowledge what you are struggling with. As we tap, it has the opportunity to be released.
Using this memory or emotion that you are focused on, you create a statement that you will repeat three times while tapping on the karate chop point.

Don’t worry about formulating the perfect set-up statement.

Focusing on your specific memory or issue while tapping on the karate chop point, saying “in spite of the feeling I am having, I deeply and completely love and accept myself”, will work too!

It’s possible that your frustration or memory may not feel it’s cleared or lessened after the first time. It may not even happen the second time you try tapping. It could take a number of times. It’s ok!

Imagine over time being able to pinpoint what triggers you, addressing what holds your emotions hostage all by using EFT.

Tapping is non-evasive, gentle, and can be done wherever and whenever you want.

When tapping, you are using the tips of your fingers and gently tapping on a number of points.

You don’t need to tap hard.

The good news is that you really can’t do it wrong. I see people tap in all sorts of ways. Use this is a general guideline.

You may feel that it isn’t believable or possible for EFT to work for you. Good news is, you don’t have to believe it for it to help you.

If the wording in the script provided doesn’t suit you, you can change it up to be more helpful for you.

It’s cool to think that there are no hard fast rules!

IMPORTANT: If you are under a physicians or counselors care, do not substitute EFT for their care and instructions. EFT can work as a great tool along with your doctor’s care. Talk with them first to see how this be incorporated into your care.

Tapping Script

Tapping for Hair Pulling Anxiety

Get that visual in your mind that is causing the anxiety and stress. Really feel it so you are confronting the feeling while tapping.

Ready?

Tapping on the Negative

Karate Chop Point:

– Even though I am frustrated and feel upset, I deeply love and accept myself.

– Even though I want to pull my hair because I am feeling anxious, I deeply and completely love and accept who I am.

– Even though I need some relief right now and I want to pull, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.

Eyebrow: These thoughts and anxiety that distract me

Side of Eye: I get tired of feeling like I am distracted by my thoughts and pulling my hair

Under Eye: I want to get relief from the stress that I am feeling

Under nose: It makes me sad that I take out the anxiety on my body

Chin: But I don’t know how else to deal with this

Collarbone: I feel like this is the only way I can cope with how I am feeling

Under arm: I’m so mad at myself that I continue to pull my hair

Top of head: My head tells me to stop, but another part of me says it will make me feel better

Eyebrow: The feeling of my hands being busy distracting me

Side of eye: Helping me to avoid the other thoughts that are upsetting me

Under eye: The distraction helps me to focus and calm down

Under nose: I like the feeling of being distracted and keeping my hands busy

Chin: What if I could direct this attention to a habit that doesn’t damage my body

Collarbone: What if I replaced my old habits with new thoughts and actions

Under arm: What if I decided to face what is giving me stress?

Top of head: I would love to be set free from this pattern of pulling!

Take a deep breath.

Tapping for the Positive

Karate Chop Point:

– Even though I am not sure if EFT will work for me, I deeply and completely love and except myself.

– Even though I feel stuck and afraid to let go of this habit, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.

– Even though I am not sure how I will function if I don’t pull my hair anymore, I deeply love and accept who I am right now.

Eyebrow: I am scared to change my old habit, what if I slip back into old habits

Side of Eye: What if this actually worked?

Under Eye: I want to let go of this anxiety

Under nose: I want to let go of this fear and stress

Chin: What a gift it would be to let go of the stress

Collarbone: Why am I holding onto these feelings so tightly

Under arm: This stress, worry and anxiety aren’t helping me

Top of head: Worrying isn’t helping the situation

Eyebrow: I am not my past mistakes, I don’t need to punish myself anymore

Side of Eye: I am looking forward to having a new focus and feel good

Under Eye: I am excited to forgive the past and let it stay there

Under nose: I don’t want to have regrets, or live in the past

Chin: I want to live in the moment and look forward to the future

Collarbone: God has big plans for me and I think I am holding myself back

Under arm: Please set me free Lord

Top of head: I am ready to be set free

Take a deep breath.

After completing both the negative and positive rounds, take a moment to go back to the emotional scale. Are your emotions are stronger, did they remained the same, or lessened?

It’s ok if you don’t feel any changes.

It may take a few rounds. Over time, you may either not feel the urge to pull as often, or you find you aren’t pulling at all when memories, anxiety or stress comes to mind.

If you find that you would like to start out with a more simple tapping session, I have seen others tap on each point and say “I release and let it go, or “let it go”, while thinking about the issue. Simple can be just as effective.

Using EFT once a day can be an effective alternative to help with trichotillimania triggers.

Don’t overdo it.

Take your time, journal and have patience with yourself on this new journey!

With Love,

Coach Angela!

Want More Scripts for Hair Pulling?

YouTube is a great free resource for watching EFT videos for hair pulling (just be careful you don’t get roped into some over-the-top ridiculous coaching, use the scripts, but don’t get used).

Udemy offers an inexpensive tapping course just for hair pulling and skin picking that could also be of value.