Lets face it.

Being afraid to fly is not a rational fear. And yet, you have been trying to rationalize, and using all sorts of logic, to make that fear go away, havent you?

It is estimated that 1 out of 8 avoid commercial flights. But 1 out of 8 do not avoid traveling by car. Yet statistics are in overwhelming favor of flying as the safe option. You are FAR safer in the air, than traveling by car.

At some point in time, the part of your brain in charge of your safety, mistakenly identified flying as a threat. That primitive part of your brain sets off a whole cascade of neuro chemicals and hormones preparing your body for fight or flight.

This whole series of events in the brain, which takes place when you get on a plane, or just think of getting on a plane, is mostly unaffected by any intervention involving the conscious rational mind.

Yet, we continue trying to rationalize over and over again, we try to talk ourselves into a calm space, even though we have seen it not help. Trying to use logic to a problem that has no logic, is about as useful as putting fertilizer on a rock garden.

A new look at the cause: Its an energy-disruption.

Based on recent research, new treatment methods using the same bio electrical pathways as Acupuncture, have evolved. As effective as Acupuncture is for physical pain, these new methods help to relieve us from emotional pains of all sorts.

These methods are particularly effective with irrational fears, such as fear of flying, fear of driving, fear of heights, fear of public speaking etc. Where in the past it could take years of painstaking work, not to mention the expense, these methods can see relief sometimes within minutes.

Energy based techniques bypass the rational mind, and go directly to your energy system. The working theory is that whenever there is a negative emotion, there is a disruption in the bodies energy system. No disruption, means there will be peace, calm and relaxation.

The object then, is to clear the disruption, or blocked energy, and once cleared, the fear of flying is totally and completely gone.

Clearing the blockages is accomplished by tuning in to the problem, meaning activating the blockage by THINKING of the frightening image, and then, as the blockage is activated we tap on points on the skin, proven for their effect on biochemicals in the brain. Tapping on the points while the blockage is activated, disrupts that whole cascade of neuro chemicals, as well as effectively resetting the mistaken notion that flying is a threat, thus allowing you to fly while feeling absolutely calm and relaxed.

While the total cessation of the fear of flying is usually a more involved and different process, here is an easy and effective technique you can use next time you feel panicked or anxious on the plane.

The Fast Anxiety Release Technique. (FART)

(Developed by Christine Sutherland, Clinical Psychotherapist at Perth Trauma Clinic, Au)

1. Place the thumb on one hand on the inside corner of your eye.

2. Place the ring finger on the inside corner of the other eye.

3. Place the middle finger one half inch above the middle of your eye brows.

4. With the fingertips of the other hand, tap the center (crown) of the top of your head.

5. While tapping and holding, just allow the fear to be there. If you are able to, you can think dichotomous thoughts. Im dying Im more alive than ever Im out of control Im controlled and calm

Tap the crown, and hold the points gently. No need to use force. Continue the tapping and the dichotomous thinking until calm.

(This is not intended as replacement for qualified psychological help, its sole purpose is that of education.)