I have a problem with build-up of earwax. The ear suddenly 'blocks' and I'm deaf in it for hours. I am a tree surgeon and wear ear deafeners for a lot of the day. I'm sure that I aggravate the problem by trying to clean my ears with cotton buds, and by using olive oil and syringing when the block occurs.

Your ears may be producing wax to protect them from the noise of your saw, so the more you clean out the wax, the more will be produced. Can you get more effective ear protectors? Constant production of earwax can respond well to homeopathy - try Causticum 6C four times a day for up to seven days, or visit a homeopath (Society of Homeopaths, 01604 621400). Reflexology can be effective at unblocking ears and normalising secretions. Massage daily the ear reflexes on the sole of each foot, where it is joined by the fourth and little toe. This has been found to clear ear pain and blockages immediately. Avoid mucus-producing foods: meat, eggs, bananas, sugar and especially dairy.

I have an elderly relative who has suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis for more than 20 years. She has taken all the recommended medications; each has been effective for a limited period only. She has tried alternative remedies and acupuncture, which has given little relief. Do you have any suggestions? All the medical profession can offer is pain relief.

The Arthritis Association has an excellent information pack and helpline (01323 416550). Most sufferers experience huge improvements by adjusting their diet. Foods from the nightshade family (potato, aubergine, peppers and tomatoes),citrus fruits, meat, sugar and acids (such as vinegar), salt and tobacco often cause symptoms. Foods containing sulphur (egg, onion, garlic and asparagus), green leafy vegetables and oily fish help. Ideally, she should see a qualified nutritionist (the British Register of Nutritional Therapists, 0870 606 1284), who will recommend supplements (fish oils, glucosamine sulphate and organic sulphur). Homeopathy can be extremely helpful for pain relief, but it would be best to see a homeopath in person (Society of Homeopaths, 01604 621400). Bathing or being massaged with essential oils will give great relief. Rosemary cleanses the body of uric acid (which causes pain in the joints), camomile is anti-inflammatory and lavender relieves pain. Contact Kolinka Zinovieff at NHR for advice (0845 310 8066).

I am 58 and find that there are frequent occasions when I cannot get to the loo in time. As you can imagine, this can be very embarrassing. Do you have any suggestions?

The pelvic floor, or pubococcygeus muscle, is a hammock of muscle that extends from the pubic bone in the front to the coccyx at the back. It forms the anal, vaginal and urinary sphincter. These muscles require continual strengthening with kegel exercises. Imagine this hammock of muscles and contract it tightly for three seconds. Repeat 10 times. Find a position that is comfortable for you, and repeat many times a day; in a car, when washing up or after going to the loo. There are many variations - longer contractions, or contracting and releasing very rapidly. Keep visualising what you are trying to do and, in time, you'll become more aware of where the muscles are.

· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions.

Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com