Overworked and stressed to the limit in this relentless recession, many Japanese are seeking ways to soothe their bodies and spirits, even if for just one blissful moment. The buzzword iyashi (癒し, soothing) is currently being used to promote an endless stream of relaxation products and services, including massages, weekend hot-spring getaways, jewelry, aroma therapy, even a gadget called an "iyashi wand." Non-intimidating, soft-spoken entertainers are billed as 癒し系 (iyashikei, soothing types): A bit of screen time spent at the end of a grueling workday with the likes of actress Haruka Ayase is ostensibly an effective antidote for frazzled nerves.

QUIZ

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Match the following compound words comprised of kanji containing the sickness-component with their English meanings/Japanese pronunciations.

1. 病院 (illness/institution)
2. 花粉症 (flower/powder/symptom)
3. 治療 (cure/heal)
4. 水痘 (water/smallpox)
5. 下痢 (come down/diarrhea)
6. 悪癖 (bad/habit)
7. 頭痛 (head/pain)
8. 病的 (illness/-like)

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