THE exam season is almost upon us once more with countless students up and down the country about to sit for GCSEs,A Levels and degree finals. In the "good old days" when I took all of the above, student stress was barely acknowledged,and certainly not tolerated.

Under performance due to nerves or anxiety- related conditions was not thought credible. Now we know that things are rather more complicated than that. The human body and psyche are sensitive mechanisms which can stubbornly fail to deliver if certain external factors are present in relation to particular individuals.

I should know.I'vealways been prone to exam nerves and what the medics would call psychosomatic illnesses. I think I've sat every test with a desk piled high with throat lozenges and nasal inhalers.

Luckily today's students are well catered for in schools and colleges with counsellors,learning mentors and welfare officers. It is not a matter of shame to admit to someone you are paralysed with fear because your whole three year degree course is going to be assessed in 10 consecutive three hour examinations.

Anxiety can manifest itself through muscle tension which leads to headaches, neck and back pain, palpitations and digestive disturbances. It is physically and emotionally draining and,in the long term,can compromise the immune system and can also cause high blood pressure and irritable bowel syndrome.

I was prescribed Valium when I took my university finals in 1982 - -it's amazingI managed to keep awake during each paper,let alone recall anything vaguely relevant to write down about medieval English lyrics or 18th century satire.

Now,faced with the same symptoms,I would certainly turn to homeopathy, trying Tarentula for restlessness or Arsenicum for feelings of insecurity.Similarly, in herbal medicine the tincture Kawa Kawa is a successful calming agent,as are the Bach flower remedies - elm or larch are good for anxiety about being unable to cope.

Regular massage can relieve muscle tension. In a US study by the Touch Research Institute in Miami, 30 minutes of daily massage was found to be more effective than a relaxation video.

Additionally,aromatherapists often massage with Roman Chamomile oil.

Arts therapies can work towards identifying the root of the anxiety. Musicmaking seeks to explore feelings and dance therapies may allow a fresh light on problems and feelings.

A naturopathic approach would include relaxation,homeopathy and applied nutrition. Here a practitioner will ensure that your diet contains adequate nutrients and complex carbohydrates such as bread and pasta which help stabilise blood sugar levels and enhance mood. Stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.

And a vital piece of reassuring advice which should be given to all students taking exams - if you fail, you canal ways take them again.

This Article has been submitted by the Jeremy's Prophecy Dot Com team for informational and educational purposes. Jeremy's Prophecy Dot Com is a website dedicated to telling the story of Jeremy Jacobs, a character in the novel, Jeremy's Prophecy Dot Com.