#137 – Healing Trauma with TCM and the Emotional Freedom Technique with Antonija Barišić (Podcast)
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☯️ More AcuPro Episodes you’ll love:
Psycho-Emotional Pain using the 8 Extra Vessels with Dr. Yvonne Farrell
Supporting Emotional Trauma Patients through TCM & Acupuncture
The BEST Acupuncture Points for Fear, Phobia, Anxiety and Shock
EFT Tapping and Acupuncture: Releasing Trauma and Emotions with Antonija Barišić
Have you ever had a fear, a memory, or an emotional experience that seemed impossible to let go of? Maybe you know exactly where it came from, or perhaps you just know that something feels “stuck.”
In this episode of the AcuPro Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with a very special guest all the way from Croatia, Antonija Barišić. We explored the fascinating world of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping, and how this powerful modality beautifully bridges modern psychology with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
If you’re an acupuncturist, a student, or simply someone interested in emotional healing, you’re going to love this conversation.
Meet Antonija Barišić
One of my favorite things about interviewing guests is hearing their stories, and Antonija’s journey was incredibly inspiring.
Before becoming an EFT practitioner, she worked as a flight attendant. During her own personal growth journey, she discovered Emotional Freedom Technique and experienced firsthand how transformative it could be. What began as a tool for herself eventually evolved into a passion for helping others release emotional pain and reconnect with themselves.
Today, she teaches and guides people around the world through emotional healing using EFT.
What Exactly Is EFT Tapping?
Emotional Freedom Technique combines principles from psychology with stimulation of acupuncture points through gentle tapping.
The idea behind EFT is that difficult emotions and unresolved experiences can become stored within the nervous system. Over time, these emotional burdens may contribute to stress, anxiety, fears, and even physical symptoms.
By tapping on specific points located along the meridians, while acknowledging thoughts and emotions, we can help regulate the nervous system and process those experiences more effectively.
Unlike acupuncture, EFT doesn’t use needles. Instead, gentle pressure is applied with the fingertips.
The beauty of EFT lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any equipment, and it can be practiced almost anywhere.
Antonija’s Personal Transformation
One story that really stood out during our conversation was how EFT helped Antonija overcome her fear of public speaking.
Many of us know that fear all too well. Speaking in front of others can trigger intense anxiety and self-doubt. Through consistent tapping sessions, she was able to uncover deeper beliefs connected to childhood experiences and gradually release those emotional patterns.
Today, she confidently teaches and shares her message with audiences around the world. It’s a beautiful example of how emotional healing can change the course of our lives.
How Does a Typical EFT Session Work?
One of the reasons EFT has become so popular is because it’s accessible and easy to learn.
A typical session usually begins by identifying what is happening in the present moment.
Perhaps you’re experiencing:
As you focus on the sensation or emotion, gentle tapping is performed on a series of acupuncture points while acknowledging what you’re feeling.
Interestingly, what begins as a simple emotion often uncovers much deeper layers. Memories, childhood experiences, or long-standing beliefs may surface naturally during the process.
According to Antonija, every person’s experience is unique. There is no right or wrong way to heal.
The Connection Between EFT and Acupuncture
As acupuncturists, this part of the conversation fascinated me.
Many of the tapping points used in EFT correspond directly to acupuncture points and meridians. Although the approach is different, the underlying philosophy shares similarities with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Both acupuncture and EFT recognize the connection between emotions and physical health. Both acknowledge the role of energy pathways within the body. And both aim to restore balance rather than simply suppress symptoms.
Some commonly used EFT points include:
- The eyebrow point
- Side of the eye
- Under the eye
- Under the nose
- Chin point
- Collarbone point
- Top of the head
For practitioners familiar with meridian theory, it’s fascinating to see how these worlds overlap.
Emotional Trauma and Childhood Patterns
During our discussion, Antonija emphasized that many emotional reactions we experience as adults are rooted in earlier experiences.
People-pleasing tendencies, fears, anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt often stem from subconscious beliefs formed during childhood.
These patterns may operate beneath our awareness for years.
Through tapping, people often begin to recognize these old programs and release emotions they may have been carrying for decades.
As practitioners of Chinese medicine, we understand that emotions affect the body profoundly. Liver Qi stagnation, Heart disturbances, and Spleen deficiencies frequently have emotional components.
EFT provides another avenue for addressing these deeper layers.
Using EFT in Everyday Life
One of the most empowering aspects of EFT is that it isn’t limited to the practitioner’s office.
Antonija encourages people to incorporate tapping into daily life.
It can be useful before:
- Public speaking
- Exams
- Important meetings
- Flying
- Difficult conversations
- Stressful events
Many people also use EFT to quiet racing thoughts before bed or to calm anxiety during the day.
Having a tool that you can use anytime gives people a sense of empowerment and self-awareness that is incredibly valuable.
Emotional Suppression Isn’t the Answer
Perhaps one of the most important messages Antonija shared was this:
Don’t suppress your emotions.
So many of us have been taught to push feelings aside, stay busy, and “just get over it.” But emotions don’t disappear simply because we ignore them.
Instead, they often manifest in other ways: through anxiety, stress, tension, digestive issues, insomnia, or chronic health challenges.
Seeking support is not a sign of weakness.
Whether through acupuncture, EFT, therapy, meditation, or another healing modality, there are many pathways available. The key is finding what resonates with you.
Final Thoughts
My conversation with Antonija was a beautiful reminder that healing comes in many forms.
Emotional Freedom Technique offers a gentle, accessible, and empowering approach to working with stress, trauma, anxiety, and limiting beliefs. And for those of us in the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s fascinating to see how closely EFT aligns with meridian theory and the mind-body connection.
At the end of the day, healing isn’t about suppressing emotions. It’s about understanding them, honoring them, and creating space for transformation.
Disclaimer
The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy, which is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor a Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice for any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional, regarding any health concerns.
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