Reno Relief: Tap Toxins Fueling Summer Eczema?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 6, 2026

Imagine waking up in Reno, the sun blazing, ready for a hike near Mount Rose, only to be greeted by an angry, itchy rash. Eczema, that unwelcome summer guest, has decided to crash your outdoor plans. But before you resign yourself to a season of discomfort, know that there’s a powerful, often overlooked tool you can use: Emotional Freedom Techniques, or EFT tapping.

EFT tapping, a blend of ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology, can be a game-changer for managing eczema flare-ups, especially those triggered by Reno’s unique summer challenges. Think sagebrush pollen, intense sun exposure, and the stress that comes with both. This isn’t just about scratching the surface; it’s about addressing the root causes.

Here’s how Reno residents can use EFT tapping to find relief from summer eczema:

First, understand the connection. Eczema isn’t just a skin condition. Stress, anxiety, and even specific emotional triggers can exacerbate it. In Reno, the high pollen count during the summer months, particularly from sagebrush, can trigger allergic reactions that lead to eczema flare-ups. The stress of dealing with these allergies, coupled with the pressure to enjoy the beautiful Nevada summer, can create a perfect storm.

EFT works by stimulating specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on the emotional or physical issue at hand. This sends signals to the brain to calm the nervous system and reduce the intensity of the emotional or physical distress.

Here’s a step-by-step EFT tapping routine tailored for Reno residents battling summer eczema:

1. Identify the Issue: Be specific. Instead of “my eczema,” try “this itching on my arms” or “the redness on my face.” Rate the intensity of the symptom on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the most intense.

2. The Setup: This involves tapping on the Karate Chop point (the fleshy part of the side of your hand) while repeating a setup statement three times. The statement should acknowledge the problem and accept yourself despite it. For example: “Even though I have this intense itching on my arms from the sagebrush pollen, I deeply and completely accept myself.” Or, “Even though I’m so frustrated with this eczema flare-up ruining my summer hikes, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

3. The Tapping Sequence: Use your fingertips to gently tap on the following points, repeating a reminder phrase at each point. Tap each point about 5-7 times.

   • Eyebrow (EB): The beginning of the eyebrow, closest to the nose. Reminder phrase: “This itching.”
   • Side of the Eye (SE): On the bony area at the side of the eye. Reminder phrase: “This redness.”
   • Under the Eye (UE): On the bony area under the eye, about an inch below the pupil. Reminder phrase: “This inflammation.”
   • Under the Nose (UN): The area between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip. Reminder phrase: “This frustration.”
   • Chin Point (CP): The crease in the chin. Reminder phrase: “This discomfort.”
   • Collarbone Point (CB): About an inch down and to the side from the notch in your collarbone. Reminder phrase: “This allergy.”
   • Under the Arm (UA): About four inches below the armpit, on the side of the body. Reminder phrase: “This eczema.”
   • Top of the Head (TH): The crown of the head. Reminder phrase: “Releasing this now.”

4. The Round: Repeat the tapping sequence 2-3 times, or until you feel a shift in the intensity of your symptoms.

5. Assess and Adjust: After each round, reassess the intensity of your eczema symptoms on the 0-10 scale. If the intensity hasn’t decreased, refine your reminder phrases. Are you truly addressing the core issue? Perhaps the itching is linked to a specific memory of a past flare-up, or a fear of social situations due to your skin.

Addressing Specific Reno Challenges:

• Sagebrush Pollen: Tailor your setup statement to address the allergy directly. “Even though I’m reacting to the sagebrush pollen and my skin is inflamed, I deeply and completely accept myself.” During the tapping sequence, use reminder phrases like “This pollen reaction” or “My body is reacting to the sagebrush.”

• Sun Exposure: If sun exposure triggers your eczema, use statements like, “Even though the sun makes my skin burn and itch, I deeply and completely accept myself.” Reminder phrases could include “This sun sensitivity” or “My skin is reacting to the sun.” Remember to always use appropriate sun protection!

• Stress and Frustration: Acknowledge the emotional component. “Even though I’m stressed about this eczema ruining my summer, I deeply and completely accept myself.” Reminder phrases: “This stress,” “This frustration,” or “This feeling of being limited.”

Common Pitfalls and How to Overcome Them:

• Being Too General: Vague statements like “I hate my eczema” are less effective than specific ones like “This burning sensation on my elbows.” Get granular.

• Not Addressing Underlying Emotions: Eczema is often linked to deeper emotional issues. If tapping on the physical symptoms isn’t working, explore potential emotional triggers. What were you feeling before the flare-up started?

• Giving Up Too Soon: EFT can be subtle. It may take several rounds of tapping to notice a significant difference. Be patient and persistent.

• Not Drinking Enough Water: Hydration is crucial for skin health. Reno’s dry climate can exacerbate eczema, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Ignoring Other Triggers: While EFT can help manage the emotional and physical symptoms, it’s essential to identify and avoid other triggers, such as certain foods, fabrics, or skincare products.

Real-World Application:

Imagine Sarah, a Reno resident who loves hiking in the Truckee Meadows. Every summer, her eczema flares up due to sagebrush pollen and sun exposure, making her miserable. She starts using EFT, focusing on the itching, redness, and her frustration at being unable to enjoy her favorite activity. After a few weeks of consistent tapping, she notices a significant reduction in her flare-ups. She’s still careful about sun protection and avoiding known allergens, but EFT helps her manage the emotional stress and physical symptoms, allowing her to enjoy her summer hikes again.

Finding Local Resources:

While you can learn EFT tapping on your own, working with a qualified practitioner can be beneficial, especially if you’re dealing with complex emotional issues. Search online directories for EFT practitioners in the Reno area. Look for practitioners who are certified and have experience working with skin conditions. Consider joining local support groups for people with eczema. Sharing experiences and tips with others can be incredibly helpful.

EFT tapping is not a magic bullet, but it can be a powerful tool for managing eczema flare-ups, especially when combined with other self-care practices and medical treatments. For Reno residents battling summer eczema, it offers a way to address both the physical symptoms and the emotional stress that can exacerbate the condition, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Nevada without the constant itch. Give it a try. You might be surprised at the relief you find.