Stephanie’s eyes sprang open as the alarm clock bellowed.  It had been a very short night. Today was the day she was taking a critical test, one that could make or break her future. By Cindy Selvaggio Shumaker Reality set in as she opened her eyes and looked at the clock. Her heart started racing as she saw the pile of papers and books she had left on the night stand. Several empty coffee cups were tossed around the room; they had been her faithful support for the last 12 hours. She had fallen asleep studying with books open and papers encircling her. She vaguely remembered awakening and putting the pile on the small table beside the bed. That had been 3 short hours ago. She rubbed her eyes, stretched and bolted out of bed, her heart still pounding. A much needed shower was in order. The hot water felt good as it cascaded over her head, but the butterflies were starting to take flight in her stomach. Her mind raced as she took a deep breath. She stood there for a moment trying to gather her thoughts, rehearsing the notes she had written right before she had fallen asleep. She knew the material, but for some reason, her mind was blank. The feeling scared her. She was confident she could pass the test, but why was her memory failing her, like it has done so often in the past. If only she could find a way to calm her nerves, she knew she would pass. She turned off the water, dried off and quickly dressed. Cinnamon, her cat, was at her feet, patiently waiting for her daily head rub. Cinnamon had a way of calming her down when she felt stressed, so she picked her up and held her close. The methodical purring instantly soothed her nerves as it had done so often in the past. She took another deep breath and savored the bond she had with her soft furry friend. Her eyes suddenly caught a glimpse of the clock and she gently put Cinnamon on the floor. It was time to go. She gathered her books, papers and some money; she needed more coffee. As she coasted through a nearby drive thorough, her cell phone chirped. She glanced at a reminder text from her friend, Brittany. She had forgotten that they were supposed to meet before class to help each other study. She paid for her coffee and drove the short distance to school. As she parked her car, her cell chirped again. Brittany told her to hurry, she had a surprise. She grabbed her things and quickly walked inside. Brittany was waiting for her, but she had someone else at her side. She introduced Tara and explained that she had something to share that was going to help both of them calm down for the test! She had her doubts, nothing had helped in the past, but she was willing to give it a try. Tara explained that text anxiety causes the same fight or flight response in the body as being in a dangerous situation and the body doesn’t know the difference. When that happens, blood is diverted to our muscles instead of the thinking portion of our brains and we mentally freeze. Our bodies are responding the way they were meant to do in a fight or flight situation. She explained that she was going to teach them how to use EFT or “tapping” to change their thoughts and calm their nervous systems in a few short minutes. Stephanie thought it sounded too good to be true, but she listened intently and started tapping. The process looked a little silly, but before she knew it, she started sighing and then yawning and pretty soon, the butterflies settled down. Her heart had stopped pounding and she was feeling tingly all over. After several rounds, she thought about the tests and surprisingly her heart remained calm! She tried to get all worked up, but nothing happened. Could it really be this easy? Does it work this quickly? She thanked Tara, grabbed her things and proceeded confidently down the hall toward the class room. She couldn’t help but smile as she took her seat, she felt so calm and relaxed. She was ready to take this test and she was ready to succeed! If you struggle with or experience vapor lock when you take tests, I have provided an EFT tapping script that may help! Remember to change the words to fit your personal situation so it resonates with you! If you are unfamiliar with EFT, please visit my website or blog for more information; www.tappingheals.com and www.calmingyourinnerstorm.com Audio versions available soon!! Start with the Karate chop point: “Even though I have all this test anxiety, I love and accept myself anyway” “Even though my heart is racing, I accept this feeling and everything it means to me” “Even though I have flunked tests in the past, I love who I am anyway” Round One: EB: My pounding heart SE: My sweaty palms UE: All this panic UN: All this text anxiety CH: I can’t think CB: My mind is blank UA: My future depends on this test HD: It’s so important WR: I am so scared ** Now take a deep breath or two and proceed to the second round of tapping** Round Two: EB: I studied like crazy SE: I know I’m not stupid UE: I know all the answers UN: Or at least most of them CH: But my mind is blank CB: Oh what am I going to do UA:  I have to settle down HD: I’ve got to get a grip WR: How am I ever going to get through this ** Now take a deep breath or two and proceed to the third round of tapping** Round Three: EB: I need to find a way to calm down SE: So I can think clearly UE: I know if I can relax UN: The answers will flow more easily CH: How awesome would it be CB: If I could look at the questions UA: And instantly know the answers HD: What if my memory flooded me with all I had studied WR: And confidently answered every question **Now take a deep breath or two and proceed to the fourth round of tapping** Round Four: EB: Maybe this tapping thing could work SE: As silly as it looks UE: It may just do the job of calming me down UN: I am intelligent CH: I am a successful student CB: I easily remember what I have learned so far UA: I am relaxed and confident HD: It doesn’t matter what grade I get WR: My mom will still love me! Round Five: EB: It’s time to let it all go SE: Let it go UE: Let it go UN: It’s safe to let it go CH: I’m safe CB: All the worry, all the panic, all the nervousness, all the doubt UA: It’s safe to let them all go HD: I’m ready to let them go WR: I’m ready to ace this test! **Take a deep breath and say “PEACE”** Showering you with blessings of passing grades and calming transitions! Cindy (Selvaggio) Shumaker

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Here is a diagram and explanation of the tapping points. I have also included the areas of the body that are directly affected by tapping these acupressure points.

The Sore Spot (Tender Spot): You can use the sore spot OR the Karate chop point – I choose the Karate chop point just because it is easier and more convenient. Either one will work fine, it is your preference. If you choose to use the sore spot, this area is located in the upper left or right portions of the chest. Go to the base of the throat about where a man would knot his tie. Poke around in this area and you will find a U shaped notch at the top of your sternum (breastbone).  From the top of that notch go down 3 inches toward your navel and over 3 inches to your left (or right). You should now be in the upper left (or right) portion of your chest. If you press vigorously in that area (within a 2 inch radius) you will find a “Sore Spot.” This is the place you will need to rub while saying the affirmation. This spot is sore when you rub it vigorously because lymphatic congestion occurs there. Karate Chop: It is located in the middle of the fleshy part on the outside of the hand between the top of the wrist bone and the base of the baby finger. This point is associated with the small intestine meridian. Tapping here helps relieve the feeling of being stuck or frozen. It helps you to move forward, to let go of the old. Eyebrow Point: At the beginning of the eyebrow, just above and to one side of the nose and is abbreviated “EB” in the tapping script. This point is associated with the bladder meridian. Tapping here helps release traumas, hurt and sadness. It can bring a sense of inner peace. Side of the Eye: On the bone bordering the outside corner of the eye and is abbreviated “SE” in the tapping script. This point is associated with the gall bladder meridian. Tapping here helps release anger, resentment and fear of change.  It helps with clarity, compassion and understanding. Under the Eye: On the bone under an eye about 1 inch below your pupil and is abbreviated “UE” in the tapping script. This point is associated with the stomach meridian. Tapping here helps release fear, anxiety, worry, nervousness and disappointment. It helps instill calmness and feeling safe. Under the Nose: On the small area between the bottom of your nose and the top of your upper lip and is abbreviated “UN” in the tapping script. This point is the governing meridian. Tapping here helps release shame, guilt, grief, fear of failure. It may help instill self empowerment and self acceptance. Chin: Midway between the point of your chin and the bottom of your lower lip and is abbreviated “CH” in the tapping script. This point is the central meridian. Tapping here helps release confusion, uncertainty and second guessing decisions. It may help instill self confidence and clarity. Collar Bone: This is the junction where the sternum (breastbone), collarbone and the first rib meet. To locate it, first place your forefinger on the U-shaped notch at the top of the breastbone (about where a man would knot his tie).  From the bottom of the U, move your forefinger down toward the navel 1 inch and then go to the left (or right) 1 inch. I make a loose fist with either hand and gently tap this area. This point is abbreviated “CB” in the tapping script.This point is associated with the kidney meridian. Tapping here helps release general stress, worry, indecision.It may ease movement forward. Under the Arm: On the side of the body, it is about 4 inches below the armpit and is abbreviated “UA” in the tapping script. This point is associated with the spleen meridian. Tapping here helps release guilt, obsessing, worry, hopelessness. It may instill relaxation, and compassion for self and others. Top of Head: Tap in a small circular motion on the top of the head. This point is abbreviated “HD” in the tapping script. This point is associated with the “hundred meeting points” meridian. Tapping here helps release the inner critic, lack of focus and gerbil wheel thinking. It may instill insight, spiritual connection, focus and wisdom. Wrists: Located below the hand on the underside of your arm. The point where a woman would dab her perfume – tap both wrists together. This point is abbreviated “WR” in the tapping script. This point is associated with the heart, pericardium and lungs. Tapping here helps release sadness, heartache, stress, anxiety and grief.

Cindy Selvaggio Shumaker –  www.tappingheals.com www.calmingyourinnerstorm.com

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