©REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- traction /TRAK-shuhn/
- fragrant /FREY-gruhnt/
- ailment /EYL-muhnt/
- discomfort /dis-KUHM-fert/
- soothing /SOO-thing/
[noun] – the support or attention gained by an idea, product, or service that helps it become more accepted or popular
The new app gained traction after it was featured on a popular tech blog.
[adjective] – with a pleasant smell
The garden was filled with fragrant flowers that attracted many bees.
[noun] – minor illnesses or physical conditions that cause discomfort or pain
The doctor treated various ailments, including colds and headaches.
[noun] – a feeling of being uncomfortable physically or mentally, or something that causes this
After sitting for too long, she felt a discomfort in her lower back.
[adjective] – making you feel calm
The gentle music had a soothing effect on the anxious patients.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the traditional beauty treatment known as “weyba tis” is gaining traction among young city dwellers. This therapy involves sitting in a sauna while covered in honey and butter, with the heat moderated by fragrant smoke from burning twigs and herbs. Users claim that this treatment helps relieve various ailments, including muscle pain and skin issues. Saba Yilma, who recently found relief from discomfort at the Fana Weyba spa and salon, reflects the growing interest in this ancient practice. Fana Gebremedhin, the owner of the spa, introduced this tradition from her hometown of Raya in the Tigray region over twenty years ago. She is now preparing to open her third spa in Addis Ababa due to increasing demand.
The weyba tis treatment involves sitting on a chair above a small fire made from twigs and herbs, which produces soothing smoke. Preliminary research has suggested that the weyba tree, a key component of the treatment, might have medicinal properties. Studies on animals indicate that extracts from the weyba tree could potentially be used to manage immune-related disorders. However, these findings have not yet been confirmed for human use. Despite this, local authorities, such as Workinesh Birru, the state minister of culture, endorse the treatment based on anecdotal evidence. Regular users like Mistir Desalegn report feeling significant improvements in well-being and a noticeable glow to their skin, underscoring the treatment’s growing appeal in modern Ethiopian society.
The weyba tis treatment involves sitting on a chair above a small fire made from twigs and herbs, which produces soothing smoke. Preliminary research has suggested that the weyba tree, a key component of the treatment, might have medicinal properties. Studies on animals indicate that extracts from the weyba tree could potentially be used to manage immune-related disorders. However, these findings have not yet been confirmed for human use. Despite this, local authorities, such as Workinesh Birru, the state minister of culture, endorse the treatment based on anecdotal evidence. Regular users like Mistir Desalegn report feeling significant improvements in well-being and a noticeable glow to their skin, underscoring the treatment’s growing appeal in modern Ethiopian society.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever tried a traditional or natural therapy for health or beauty? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you like to try the weyba tis? Why or why not?
- Have you ever visited a place that offers unique or unusual wellness treatments? If so, what stood out to you about the experience? If not, would you be interested in visiting such a place? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that traditional treatments can offer benefits similar to modern medicine?
- What might be some reasons people choose traditional treatments over modern medical practices?
- What impact does the growing popularity of traditional treatments in urban areas have on modern healthcare systems?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- traditional
- modern
- therapy
- well-being
- beauty treatment