Who developed this technique?

Relaxation Tapping is my version of meridian tapping, incorporating elements of several techniques that work to re-direct mental and physical energy.  Its basis is EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique, pioneered by Gary Craig and based on discoveries by Roger Callahan.  Other practitioners have added their variations and additional tapping points.  Some of these modalities are MTT (Meridian Tapping Technique), TAT (Tapas Acupressure Technique) and others.  All are based on the theory of acupressure points and meridians from traditional Chinese medicine.

Is Relaxation Tapping good for anything else besides fears?

Absolutely!  Tapping techniques have been used on phobias, generalized anxieties, traumas, weight loss, smoking cessation, panic attacks, to support first aid in the case of injuries, and many other physical or mental issues.  You can apply the same technique that you learn for your riding to any other issue, such as work performance, relationship problems, physical pain, and illness.  Of course, use responsible approaches to healthcare and see conventional healthcare practitioners as needed.  You can use tapping as an adjunct to any treatment.

Do I have to be a rider to use Relaxation Tapping?

Definitely not!  It can be used by anyone, for aports or other issues.  Horse show parents might find it extremely useful for the whole family, to help reduce show nerves (their own and their kids'!)

It's a little expensive, isn't it?

Tapping self-help is just that: a self-help tool, not a course of therapy that requires weeks or months of sessions.  Some people find that one session provides them all the help and skills they need.  Others choose to have some ongoing assistance in using what they've learned.  Relaxation Tapping is designed to guide you toward wellbeing without the need for endless sessions.  Ask yourself what your success, health and peace of mind is worth to you?  How much have you invested in yourself and your horse?  Are you reaping the full benefit and enjoyment of your effort and expense?  If not, you might want to consider learning this technique to help you ride with confidence again.

How does it work?

Energy medicine in general is in the infancy of formal research, so there is not a simple answer to how it works.  Studies show that tapping therapies do change brainwaves in a positive way, and that they do produce relaxation and release of tension, as measured by standard psychological tests.  Users report that the techniques help them.  New research into the areas of epigenetics, psychoneuroimmunology, and neuroscience are befinning to show that our beliefs and emotions do have physical effects on our bodies and that the brain is more able to re-wire itself (plasticity is the scientific term) than previously thought.  Our understanding of the electromagnetic field that is present in the body gives some indication of how our body and mind communicate, and researchers are learning more every day.  Meanwhile, people continue to help themselves with techniques such as tapping therapies, meditation, and relaxation techniques.

Are there any health cautions?

Although tapping does not generally produce negative "side effects" in the way that medication can, tapping may not be the best self-help technique for you if you have epilepsy, schizophrenia, hallucinations, PTSD, or seizures.  There are many accredited health practitioners, includings MDs, psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, who use tapping techniques as part of their treatment for these conditions.  If you have these conditions and want to use a tapping technique, I advise you to seek out appropriate help from one of these practitioners to learn and use it to the fullest.