Feeling Numb? Try this.
If you are feeling numb and need some help feeling like yourself again, try the Four Thumps. This is a simple body-based technique that will help you re-awaken your system and get your energy flowing. The technique comes to us from Donna Eden. Practice the technique right now by watching the video below and following along. You can also download written instructions in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
How it Works
To do the Four Thumps, tap lightly under your eyes. Then tap or rub under your collarbones, on the middle of your chest, and on your bottom rib.
Follow along with the video above and give the Four Thumps a try! Take notice of how your body feels both before and after you use the technique. The next time you are feeling numb, remember to give it a try. This technique is just one of many you can use to get your energy flowing again.
Why It Works
When you use techniques like the Four Thumps, you are interacting with your body's energy system and increasing the flow of energy through your system. This technique turns your circuits back on and gets your energy flowing again.
This technique is also helpful if you feel discouraged, groggy, shocked, or paralyzed.
More techniques to try when you are feeling numb.
If you found the Four Thumps helpful, here are a couple more tools you can use to reboot your system: the Heel Shock Release and Thymus Thump.
All the videos and techniques in our "Try This" series were created by ACEP's Humanitarian Committee to help people heal by spreading the word about the powerful effects of energy psychology techniques. We invite you to help by sharing this information!
Need Help from a Professional?
Many people are looking for holistic ways to let go of anger and other upsetting emotions. ACEP is a nonprofit, 501c3 dedicated to the research, education, and sharing of energy psychology. Check out the ACEP practitioner directory to find a certified ACEP therapist in your area or online.
Author: Sarah Murphy, LPC, ACP-EFT
Sarah Murphy is a counselor in private practice and specializes in working with people who have serious illnesses.
Video Resources Provided by the ACEP Humanitarian Committee
The mission of the ACEP Humanitarian Committee is to develop and implement humanitarian projects that alleviate emotional distress caused by catastrophic natural and man-made events around the globe. We do this by encouraging and assisting ACEP members in developing humanitarian projects that utilize recognized energy psychology and other modalities that meet ACEP’s standards and guidelines. Learn more here.
Photo by Yuan Rong Gong on Unsplash

