The Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT), developed in 1993 by Tapas Fleming, a licensed acupuncturist in California, is a simple non-invasive process used to effortlessly dissolve past traumas, lessen stress, clear negative beliefs, fears and phobias in addition to silencing the inner critic. Also used to clear the emotional origins of physical disease and adverse childhood experiences, it consists of an easy pose that involves touching acupressure points on the face and head by placing the thumb and ring finger of either hand gently in the inner corners of each eye. The middle finger is then rested gently between the eyebrows in the area of the third eye. The other hand cradles the back of the head with the thumb resting in a parallel position at the base of the hairline, where the curve of occipital bone meets the neck.

Having previously identified the particular incident causing the anxiety, fear or stress the individual holds the TAT pose while putting attention on a set of specific statements that address the incident from different perspectives. The individual is instructed to refrain from intellectualizing or making judgments about the statements, relax and notice what happens. Generally, as the individual disengages from the emotional charge and enters the present moment, a physiological response such as yawning, sighing and a sense of releasing tension is felt in the body. The continuous playing story loop drops away and a new perspective as well as new behavior patterns emerge.

Joey Raines, a licensed massage therapist, certified TAT Pro and Trainer and owner of Masters and Raines Advanced Healing Therapy, practices at AHA! A Holistic Approach Center for Health and Wellness located at 15971 McGregor Blvd., in Fort Myers. For more information call 973-868-6399 or visit MasterRaines.com.