Overcoming Anxiety with Bilateral Tactile Tappers-

A shameless plug. We all face anxiety at some point in our lives, this is normal, but when it starts to overrule our daily ability to function it can be debilitating. My close family members have faced crippling anxiety over the years so I am aware of the impact it can have on a family. Tactile Tappers were designed to aid balance and calm, and recently I put them to the test in an extreme self-inflicted anxiety provoking situation.  Allow me to share.

Public Speaking

I was asked to help MC an event at Aussie World for the Sunshine Coast Chinese Association’s Lantern Festival.  This was fine until I learnt that I was meant to be speaking CHINESE!!!  Years ago, I taught Chinese to Australian students (I am non-native, I just loved learning the characters-follow your dreams people!) So I dusted off my Mandarin and got practicing daily in a torrid of outrageous nerves!

How to CALM nerves?

We are not therapists however years ago, we investigated alternatives to oral medications for anxiety relief and recalibration of ‘calmness’. Loads of research around bilateral tapping to aid anxiety sufferers, which is often used in techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)– psychotherapy methods known for treating trauma and anxiety led us to developing these discreet hand held devices. Shaped like river rocks (from our favourite campsite), Tactile Tappers can be programmed for fast or slow tapping, strong or gentle tapping, short or long sessions. Tactile Tappers provide blue tooth rhythmic stimulation to both sides of the body which is believed to help the brain process emotions.

How did I use Tactile Tappers?

1. I practiced my speech daily whilst holding the tappers.
2. Slept holding tappers on the most restless nights.
3. Repeated the mantra ‘you are prepared’ ‘you are safe’ to the rhythm of the tapping in 10-minute sessions once a day.
4. Held the tappers and practiced deep breathing on the morning of the event.

Bilateral Tapping

• Reduced physical tension: Tapping helped my body relax and really appeared to regulate my stress responses.
• Improved emotional processing: I honestly felt like there was room to manage my emotional distress in the lead up to the event.
• Better focus and clarity: I truly believe it was easier to stay grounded in the present moment opposed to being consumed by anxiety about the future event.
• Calmness: The rhythmic tapping created a soothing, repetitive pattern, allowing my mind to relax and regain a sense of control when I felt overwhelmed.
• Consistency, combined with deep breathing and self-compassion worked

Conclusion: I actually enjoyed the event and felt great!