December 5, 2025
EFT (tapping) for mid-back pain relief
In my previous article, The Emotional Truth Behind Mid-Back Pain, I explored how unresolved emotional experiences may sometimes contribute to persistent mid-back pain, and why becoming aware of those feelings can be an important step towards healing.
A question I am often asked is, “Once I’ve recognised those emotions, what do I do with them?”
Over the years, I’ve explored a number of approaches that help people safely acknowledge and process difficult emotions. One that I’ve returned to time and again is EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), more commonly known as tapping.
What is EFT (tapping)?
EFT is a gentle, evidence-informed self-help practice that combines focused awareness with tapping on specific acupressure points using your fingertips. While bringing attention to a particular emotion, memory or physical sensation, many people find that tapping helps them approach these experiences with greater calm, compassion and curiosity.
Because it requires no equipment and can be practised almost anywhere, it’s a simple technique that many people find easy to incorporate into everyday life.
Research, together with growing clinical experience, suggests EFT may help to:
- Reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and emotional overwhelm.
- Support people living with persistent pain.
- Interrupt cycles of emotional distress and recurring symptoms.
- Encourage relaxation, self-awareness and emotional resilience.
What I particularly appreciate about EFT is that it encourages us to stay present with our experience rather than push it away. Instead of fighting uncomfortable emotions or physical sensations, we learn to acknowledge them gently, creating the conditions for new insight and healing.
The beauty of being met exactly where you are
When I was first introduced to tapping, I was hugely sceptical. It looked far too simple to have any real effect, and I wasn’t at all convinced. However, having seen the results experienced by people I knew and trusted, I decided to give it a try.
My first EFT session wasn’t about back pain or difficult emotions. It was about my resistance to tapping! I simply tapped while acknowledging my doubts and scepticism.
Needless to say, it worked.
That experience taught me something valuable: you don’t have to believe in EFT for it to be helpful. You don’t need to force yourself to be positive or pretend you’re feeling something you’re not. EFT begins with honesty. Whatever you’re experiencing—pain, frustration, fear, resistance, uncertainty or even disbelief—becomes the starting point.
To this day, EFT remains a practice I use for myself as well as with clients. I continue to value its simplicity, gentleness and ability to help people approach difficult experiences with greater awareness and self-compassion.
How can EFT help with mid-back pain?
In my experience, persistent mid-back pain is not always explained by posture or physical strain alone.
One of the clinical frameworks that has helped shape my understanding of persistent musculoskeletal symptoms suggests that different areas of the spine may be associated with particular emotional experiences. Within that framework, the thoracic spine is often linked with feelings of being defeated, humiliated or “put down”, alongside the restoration of confidence, dignity and self-worth as those experiences are resolved.
When these emotions remain outside our awareness, they may continue to influence how we experience our bodies. EFT offers a gentle way to explore whether there is an emotional component to your symptoms, helping you acknowledge difficult feelings with compassion rather than judgement.
For many people, this process brings not only greater emotional awareness but also a renewed sense of ease, resilience and connection with their bodies.
If you’re curious about the emotional patterns I refer to in this article, you can read more in The Emotional Truth Behind Mid-Back Pain.
Try my free EFT tapping guide
To help you get started, I’ve created a free, step-by-step EFT tapping script specifically for people experiencing persistent mid-back pain.
It’s designed to gently guide you through the process, whether you’re completely new to EFT or looking for a simple practice to use at home.
Many readers have already downloaded the guide, and I hope you’ll find it a helpful companion as you explore the relationship between your emotional wellbeing and your spine health.
- A beautifully designed PDF with the complete EFT tapping script for mid-back pain.
- Practical guidance on how to use the script effectively.
- Occasional emails sharing further resources, reflections and practical approaches to natural back care and spine health.
Loulou James | Founder of the Buttafly
Reflections from my work in natural back care and embodied spine health
May your spine be aligned, your body be at ease, and your spirit soar with vitality.