Episode 8 : Butterfly Tapping Practice for Nervous System Regulation

THE HOLISTIC THERAPIST PODCAST

Episode 8: Butterfly Tapping Practice for Nervous System Regulation

EPISODE SUMMARY

Take a moment to pause, reconnect with your body, and pour back into yourself.

In this week's Nervous System Regulation Practice, LeNaya Smith Crawford guides you through a simple butterfly tapping practice designed to support self-soothing and emotional regulation. Butterfly tapping uses alternating taps across the shoulders as a form of bilateral stimulation while encouraging mindful breathing and body awareness.

Throughout the practice, LeNaya invites you to create a sense of safety and grounding through breath, gentle tapping, affirmations, and connection to the body. You are encouraged to move at a pace that feels supportive for you, with options to keep your eyes open, use a low gaze, sit, or lie down.

This is a practice you can use for yourself and potentially bring into the therapy room, coaching space, or healing work as an accessible tool for nervous system regulation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Butterfly tapping can be used as a simple self-soothing and emotional regulation practice.
  • The alternating tapping motion provides bilateral stimulation across the body.
  • There is no โ€œrightโ€ pace for butterfly taps. The practice is about honoring what feels good and supportive in your body.
  • Breath awareness can help anchor you in the present moment.
  • Creating physical connection through a self-hug can provide an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
  • You can adapt the practice to what feels safest for you, including keeping your eyes open, using a low gaze, sitting, or lying down.
  • Grounding affirmations can be incorporated into the practice, including: โ€œI am safe. I am grounded. I am present. I am connected.โ€
  • This practice can be adapted for personal self-care and potentially incorporated into therapy, coaching, and healing spaces.

IN THIS PRACTICE

  • Butterfly tapping
  • Bilateral stimulation
  • Self-soothing
  • Emotional regulation
  • Nervous system regulation
  • Breath awareness
  • Grounding
  • Body awareness
  • Affirmations
  • Gentle movement

PRACTICE WITH LENAYA

Find a comfortable position, either seated or lying down.

Cross your arms over your body so your **right hand rests on your left shoulder and your left hand rests on your right shoulder**, creating a butterfly shape.

Begin by noticing your natural breath. Then gently alternate tapping your left and right shoulders at a pace that feels good for your body.

As you practice, you can repeat:

I am safe.
I am grounded.
I am rooted.
I am calm.
I am present.
I am connected.

Allow yourself to notice whatever comes up with love and curiosity, while continuing to breathe and tap.

JOIN US AT THE SECOND ANNUAL HOLISTIC THERAPIST CONFERENCE

Ready to take your holistic practice deeper and experience this work in community?

The Second Annual Holistic Therapist Conference is happening **October 1st through 4th, 2026**, at the **Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina**.

Register by September 1st to save $200 on your ticket.

Grab your early bird ticket here:

https://lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/holistic-therapist-conference

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ABOUT LENAYA

LeNaya Smith Crawford is a licensed holistic therapist, trauma-informed facilitator, yoga and breathwork teacher, sound healer, wellness CEO, and international speaker and teacher. She is passionate about making holistic mental health and healing accessible, inclusive, and relatable.

DISCLAIMER

The content shared on The Holistic Therapist Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. LeNaya Smith Crawford is a licensed therapist but is not your therapist. Nothing shared in this podcast should be taken as personal mental health advice or used as a substitute for working with a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please reach out to a licensed professional in your area.