Temporal Tap
An applied kinesiology technique for behavioral change and habit modification, the temporal tap uses light tapping along the temporal bone arc to bypass the brain's natural resistance to change and install new behaviors.
An applied kinesiology technique for behavioral change and habit modification, the temporal tap uses light tapping along the temporal bone arc to bypass the brain's natural resistance to change and install new behaviors.
Presentation
The Temporal Tap is a technique from applied kinesiology used to facilitate behavioral changes and habit modification. It relies on a specific neurological phenomenon: the temporal bone area, located on each side of the skull (from the temple, over the ear, to behind the ear), constitutes a "neurological gateway" that bypasses the brain's natural resistance mechanisms to change.
This technique was initially developed within applied kinesiology by George Goodheart, the discipline's founder, and later popularized by Dr John Diamond, an Australian psychiatrist and kinesiologist. Goodheart had observed that stimulation of the sphenoid-temporal line — a cranial suture connecting the sphenoid bone to the temporal bone — temporarily modified the central nervous system's receptivity to sensory information.
The principle is elegantly simple: by lightly tapping along the temporal suture while stating affirmations, a window of neurological permeability is created during which the brain more readily accepts new information, bypassing habitual filters of resistance and skepticism. The most remarkable aspect is its lateralization: the left and right sides serve distinct functions, reflecting hemispheric specialization.
The temporal tap stands out from other psycho-emotional kinesiology techniques through several unique characteristics: it can be self-administered daily without a practitioner, it targets habits and behaviors specifically rather than deep emotions, and its simplicity makes it accessible to everyone, including children.
Core Principles
The temporal gateway: the temporal bone plays a crucial role in filtering sensory information. The sphenoid-temporal line is considered a major neurological control point in applied kinesiology. Tapping along this line creates gentle mechanical stimulation that temporarily modifies neurological permeability, lowering filtering thresholds.
Functional lateralization: the left side is used for negative affirmations — formulations aimed at eliminating unwanted behavior ("I no longer crave cigarettes"). The right side is used for positive affirmations — formulations installing desired behavior ("I choose to breathe deeply when I have a craving"). This reflects hemispheric specialization theory.
Resistance bypass mechanism: the brain possesses natural protection mechanisms that resist change. The temporal tap acts as a neurological "Trojan horse": the mechanical stimulation creates heightened receptivity allowing affirmations to penetrate beyond protective filters.
Repetition as anchoring: the temporal tap derives its effectiveness from daily repetition. The recommended practice is 21 to 30 consecutive days, corresponding to the duration typically needed for new habit installation according to behavioral neuroscience research.
Technical Sheet
- Full Name
- Temporal Tap (Temporal Bone Tapping)
- Origin
- Applied Kinesiology
- Developed by
- George Goodheart, DC, popularized by John Diamond, MD
- Anatomical Basis
- Sphenoid-temporal line (suture between sphenoid and temporal bones)
- Tapping Zone
- Temporal arc: from temple, above ear, to behind ear
- Stimulation Type
- Light tapping with fingertips (2-3 fingers)
- Tapping Frequency
- Approximately 1 tap per second, regular rhythm
- Repetitions
- 5 to 10 passes per affirmation, per side
- Session Duration
- 3 to 5 minutes
- Recommended Frequency
- 2 to 3 times daily for 21 to 30 days
- Self-Administration
- Yes — self-care technique par excellence
- Equipment Required
- None
Main Indications
- Smoking cessation and craving reduction
- Dietary habit modification (snacking, sugar, emotional eating)
- Weight management alongside nutritional programs
- Sleep habit improvement (behavioral insomnia)
- Procrastination reduction and productivity enhancement
- Establishing regular exercise routines
- Self-confidence reinforcement before specific situations
- Social anxiety and stage fright reduction
- Concentration and memory improvement (exam preparation)
- Nervous habit management (nail biting, daytime bruxism)
- Substance withdrawal support (alongside medical supervision)
- Motivation reinforcement during life change processes
Session Process
The temporal tap is typically taught during a kinesiology session, then practiced independently. The kinesiologist first helps the patient identify the habit to change and desired behavior, then formulates two sets of affirmations: negative (what to eliminate) and positive (what to install). The practitioner verifies through muscle testing that affirmations are well-formulated.
The practitioner demonstrates the tapping gesture: using 2-3 fingertips to tap lightly along the temporal arc, from the temple, above the ear, to behind the ear. The tapping is light, rhythmic (about 1 tap per second), and pain-free.
Left side protocol: the patient taps the left side while stating negative affirmations aloud or mentally. 5-10 passes per affirmation. Right side protocol: the patient taps the right side while stating positive affirmations. Same modalities.
The kinesiologist verifies immediate impact through muscle testing. The patient is prescribed 2-3 daily practice sessions for 21-30 consecutive days. Each session takes only 3-5 minutes. Consistency matters more than session length.
Variations and Sub-techniques
- Classic temporal tap: standard protocol with left/right lateralization and verbal affirmations
- Silent temporal tap: affirmations formulated mentally for discretion
- Bilateral simultaneous tap: both sides tapped simultaneously with a single positive affirmation
- Visualization temporal tap: adding visualization of desired behavior during right-side tapping
- Children's temporal tap: playful version with simple, concrete affirmations
- Combined EFT temporal tap: integration into expanded EFT protocol
- Mirror temporal tap: couples technique where partners tap each other with relational affirmations
Contraindications
- Recent cranial trauma or temporal bone fracture
- Recent surgery in the temporal or ear area
- Severe psychiatric disorders with delusion (risk of reinforcing delusional beliefs)
- Acute headaches or active migraines
- Skin lesions, wounds or inflammation on the tapping zone
- Does not replace medical treatment for severe addictions (complement only)
- Avoid unrealistic affirmations contradicting ongoing medical treatment
- Consult physician before repeated cranial stimulation in cases of epilepsy
Medical Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment prescription. If in doubt, always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional. The techniques described do not replace conventional medical treatment.