When stress builds up, it’s easy to feel disconnected—from your body, your breath, and the present moment. Simple practices can help bring you back to a sense of balance.

Collarbone tapping is a gentle, rhythmic technique that stimulates key acupressure points just below the collarbone. It’s used in somatic therapies, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and nervous system regulation practices to help shift the body out of stress and into a state of clarity, calm, and connection.

But what’s happening beneath the surface? Let’s explore the science behind collarbone tapping—and when to modify the practice for your needs.

Why It Works

1. Activates the Vagus Nerve → Shifts You into a Calmer State

The vagus nerve is a key part of the nervous system, helping regulate stress, heart rate, and digestion. Tapping near the collarbone stimulates mechanoreceptors in the skin, which send signals to the vagus nerve and help activate the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) response.

Research on vagal nerve stimulation shows it can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones, helping the body move out of “fight or flight” and into a state of ease.

2. Enhances Proprioception → Improves Body Awareness & Focus

Proprioception is your body’s built-in GPS system, helping you sense where you are in space. It’s essential for balance, coordination, and feeling grounded in your body.

Tapping engages sensory receptors under the skin, sending signals to the brain that enhance body awareness. If you’re feeling scattered, overstimulated, or out of sync, tapping can gently reconnect you to the present moment.

3. Boosts Circulation → Increases Energy & Mental Clarity

Like a gentle massage, tapping stimulates local blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your cells. This can help reduce muscle tension, increase alertness, and improve overall circulation, making it a great practice for times when you feel sluggish or foggy.

4. Lowers Cortisol → Supports Emotional Balance

Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone. While it plays an important role in short-term energy and focus, chronic high levels can lead to anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

Studies on Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)—which includes collarbone tapping—have shown a significant reduction in cortisol levels, helping the body shift into a calmer, more regulated state.

How to Practice Collarbone Tapping

Find the points → Place two or three fingers just below your collarbones, about an inch from the center of your chest.
Tap gently → Use both hands to tap rhythmically—about two taps per second.
Continue for 30–60 seconds → Notice any shifts in energy, focus, or mood.

“It’s simple, effective, and takes less than a minute.”

When to Modify or Avoid Tapping

Collarbone tapping is generally safe and well-tolerated, but there are a few situations where a gentler approach may be needed:

1. Recent Injuries or Surgery in the Chest/Collarbone Area

If you have a fractured collarbone, recent surgery, or significant bruising, avoid tapping directly on the area.
Instead, try light touch or gentle pressure.

2. Severe Anxiety or Trauma Responses

For some, focusing on body sensations too quickly can feel overwhelming.
If this happens, slow down, tap more lightly, or pause if needed. Grounding techniques (like focusing on the feet) can help.

3. Skin Sensitivities or Nerve Conditions

If you have conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathy, or hypersensitive skin, tapping may feel uncomfortable.
Instead, try a softer touch or slow, circular rubbing.

4. Heart Conditions or Low Blood Pressure

Since tapping may activate the vagus nerve, it can sometimes lower heart rate and blood pressure.
If you are prone to dizziness, start slowly and avoid tapping while standing.

5. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

If tapping makes you feel lightheaded, pause and check in with your body.
This could be a sign of nervous system shifts, so go gently and stay seated if needed.

How to Adjust for Sensitivity

✔ Use lighter pressure instead of tapping.
✔ Try slow, circular rubbing instead.
✔ Reduce the time—start with 10–15 seconds and build up.

Final Thoughts

Small actions create big shifts. Collarbone tapping is a simple yet powerful tool for calming the nervous system, increasing focus, and reconnecting with the present moment.

The key? Listen to your body. Try it, notice how you feel, and adjust as needed.

Would love to hear—have you tried tapping before? What do you notice?

With love,

Laura x

Collarbone Tapping: A Simple Tool for Nervous System Balance