FOOT REFLEX POINTS: Massage oil or blend with side of your thumb or reflex tool on corresponding reflex point on feet (see foot reflex charts at akobiaromas.com). Use a press and circle motion for 10-20 seconds per point.

RECTAL RETENTION: (only if directed by healthcare provider) Dilute 15 drops recommended essential oil(s) or blend with 1 TBSP vegetable oil. Insert 1 TBSP into rectum with a bulb syringe and retain overnight.

VAGINAL RETENTION: (only if directed by healthcare provider) Apply 5-8 drops of oil or blend on a tampon and insert into vagina for internal infection; or apply to sanitary pad for external lesions. Retain overnight.

VAPORIZE: Run hot, steaming water into sink or large bowl. Drape towel over head, covering hot water also. Add 3-6 drops essential oil(s) or blend to water. Inhale vapors as deeply as possible several times through nose as they rise with steam. Recharge vapors with additional hot water as needed.

MASSAGE: Blend 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil (Almond, Apricot, Jojoba) and indulge in power of touch.

OTHER USES: Facial steams, foot soaks, insect repellant, household cleaning.... and much more... use your imagination

Dietary indiscretions will be a major factor in maintaining any illness, however it may not be main issue. If we use ulcers as an example: too only modify diet would be to treat only half (or less) of problem. This would not be getting at cause which may be dissatisfaction with their job or relationship, or just an inability to cope with life as they see it.

To pursue example of ulcers a little further; we know that they are usually caused by stress. We also know that people under stress are likely to drink alcohol and coffee to try and cope with their stress. Foods that are sugary, fatty and salty are also tasty and satisfying and make a great "pick me up" when we are down or depressed. These foods are popular with ulcer sufferers. So, stress has contributed to ulcer and has also been a major reason for our choice of inappropriate foods. This poor diet will contribute greatly to increased stress levels because of "highs and lows" created by drug-like effect of sugar, coffee and alcohol.

The Behavioral Effects of Stress

These are observable in way we act or behave. For this it is necessary to observe what happens on a physiological level, and understand how stressful events and emotions affect us physically. We accept that more toxic elements of our diet have a depressing effect on us. However, it appears that emotional strains are even more debilitating.

Anything which comprises our immune system is a serious threat to our health. From a purely physical point of view our body reacts same way, no matter what stress is. Be it an argument with your employer of flight from a wild animal; physical response will be basically same; only degree of response will vary according to intensity of stress. The advantages of latter example is that you are either going to be eaten by that wild animal or you will escape.

Either way stress will be resolved. It is often not possible to resolve stresses in our modern and complex framework of social interaction. Intense emotions may have to be buried with no opportunity for immediate or short term resolve. These feelings of anger, futility, resentment and hurt are left to eat away at our very core.

Physical and emotional threats to our well-being are registered by Hypothalamus in brain. The Hypothalamus is a major control centre of brain and initiates reactions via Autonomic Nervous System. This system is not directly under our conscious control and can act in many ways. It can restrict blood flow or digestive secretions and inhibit genitalia. It may act to dilate blood vessels serving muscles involved in "fight or flight" response. Nerves to face can dilate pupils and tense facial muscles.

Something as simple as an embarrassing word can send blood rushing to our face. An angry word at work may send blood rushing to our arms and muscles to prompt other physical changes. It is important to acknowledge that all stresses are not bad. Some stress is necessary and is a great motivator. Indeed stress reactions are very necessary for our survival. They are our body's way of preparing for and dealing with crises. This is both necessary and healthy.

What is not healthy is excessive or chronic (ongoing, long term) stress. When we are chronically stressed all of these physical reactions remain active. Everything is thrown out of balance. It is hardly conducive to digestion if, through a stress reaction, your blood has been directed away from digestive area and gastric secretion has been inhibited.

Two examples of this would be arguing at dinner table or maintaining intense mental activity at work whilst eating lunch. The Pituitary Gland is actually an anatomical extension of Hypothalamus; so close is connection between brain and endocrine glands. The pituitary sends our many hormones which act directly on tissues of body and on other endocrine glands which put out even more hormones. Pituitary hormones stimulate thyroid which produces hormones to raise metabolic rate during times of stress. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone, or ACTH is produced by pituitary and carried by blood to adrenals.

Therefore, brain's response to various stresses can increase secretion of glucocoriticoide from adrenal cortex to bring about adaptive metabolic responses in order to increase bodily resistance and survival. In conclusion, it is important to realise that however well you appear to cope with everyday life, you will experience stress to some degree.

Moderate amounts are good for you, and can improve your performance, your efficiency and productivity. But too much may generate disabling emotions such as overwhelming anxiety and tension, difficulty in thinking clearly, and a wide range of behavioural responses.