In the grand history of ancient China, the royal court was a place of opulence and grandeur. The emperors, their families, and the imperial concubines were treated with the utmost respect and care, not only in terms of their political power and status but also in regard to their health and well-being. Health care in the royal family, particularly for the concubines (also known as fei-tan) and princesses, was of great importance. These women, who held significant political influence, were essential in ensuring the continuation of the royal bloodline and maintaining the empire’s political stability.
The methods of health care available to the imperial women were a combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), specific dietary practices, daily routines, and expert medical supervision. Health care for concubines and princesses was not just about physical wellness but also about maintaining their beauty, fertility, and emotional well-being. This article explores the practices and treatments used to maintain the health of these women within the royal court, shedding light on the extraordinary level of attention devoted to their care.
1. The Importance of Health for Concubines and Princesses
Concubines and princesses held critical roles within the imperial family. The emperor relied on them not only for companionship and political alliances but also for producing heirs to secure the dynasty’s continuity. As such, their health was a matter of great importance. The emperor’s consorts and daughters needed to maintain a youthful appearance, fertility, and good physical health to fulfill their roles effectively.
For the empresses, concubines, and princesses, there were numerous health rituals and practices meant to preserve their vitality, beauty, and overall well-being. The imperial physicians would ensure that these women received the best care possible, often providing a combination of traditional remedies, herbal treatments, and Qi Gong exercises to address their health concerns. Empresses and concubines often had personal physicians who catered exclusively to their needs, ensuring they received timely medical care.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Practices for Imperial Women
In the royal court, traditional Chinese medicine was the cornerstone of health care. The emperors, concubines, and princesses were often treated with the most sophisticated techniques available at the time. The medical practices followed within the imperial court were passed down by royal physicians, who were often the most skilled practitioners of TCM.
2.1. Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure were used to treat a variety of ailments among the royal women. Acupuncture is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) and balance the body’s internal systems. It was commonly used for pain relief, promoting blood circulation, and enhancing fertility, particularly important for concubines who needed to conceive a male heir.
Acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body without needles, was also used to relieve stress, reduce pain, and maintain overall health. Concubines and princesses, who often led highly regulated and stressful lives, would benefit greatly from these techniques to maintain their emotional balance and physical well-being.
2.2. Herbal Remedies and Tonics
Herbal medicine played a central role in the health care practices of concubines and princesses. The royal physicians would prepare medicinal tonics, herbal baths, and soup remedies designed to enhance the health, beauty, and longevity of these women. Herbs like ginseng, goji berries, and dong quai (a popular herb for women’s health) were frequently used to boost vitality, nourish blood, and regulate menstrual cycles.
Ginseng, in particular, was known for its energy-boosting and anti-aging properties. It was often included in elixirs and teas designed to increase stamina and vitality. Additionally, angelica root (dong quai) was commonly used to balance hormones and promote better blood circulation, ensuring that concubines maintained a youthful and fertile state.
For princesses and concubines who were pregnant or trying to conceive, herbal tonics that promoted uterine health and fertility were essential. The root of the red date and tribulus were often used in these specialized remedies to help with fertility and ensure a safe pregnancy.
3. Beauty and Skin Care for Imperial Women
The royal court placed high importance on the beauty of the emperor’s women. In ancient China, a woman’s beauty was seen as an essential aspect of her health and social status. This beauty was maintained through elaborate and effective skin care routines, which were carefully managed by royal physicians and attendants. The imperial women were known for their flawless, fair skin, which was a sign of both their health and status.
3.1. Herbal Baths and Face Masks
Concubines and princesses were often treated with herbal baths that contained a mixture of herbs, flowers, and essential oils known for their skin-clarifying and anti-aging effects. Chamomile, lotus, and rose petals were frequently used in these luxurious baths to soothe the skin, reduce stress, and maintain a youthful complexion.
Face masks made from natural ingredients like honey, milk, and rice flour were also common, as they were believed to improve skin elasticity, brighten complexion, and slow the signs of aging. These natural beauty rituals were highly valued in the royal court, where physical attractiveness was seen as a reflection of one’s health.
3.2. The Use of Pearl Powder
Another fascinating beauty secret in the imperial court was the use of pearl powder. Pearl powder, made from finely ground pearls, was a popular ingredient in beauty treatments for concubines and princesses. It was believed to have anti-aging properties, helping to reduce wrinkles, improve skin tone, and promote radiance. Royal women would often ingest small amounts of this powder in their food or apply it topically to maintain their youthful appearance.
4. The Role of Diet in Health Care for Concubines and Princesses
The health care practices for the imperial women were closely linked to their diets. Diet was carefully regulated to ensure that it supported not only fertility and beauty but also longevity and overall health. The royal court had access to the best ingredients, including rare herbs, ginseng, seafood, and luxurious delicacies, all of which were believed to have specific health benefits.
Concubines and princesses would often consume meals that were high in protein and vitamins, with an emphasis on fresh vegetables, fish, and lean meats. Chinese medicine emphasized the importance of balance in the diet to maintain both physical and emotional health. Foods that were particularly beneficial for women’s reproductive health—such as black sesame, goji berries, and red dates—were regularly included in the diet of concubines and princesses.
Additionally, liquid tonics, often made with ginseng, goji berries, and longan fruit, were consumed regularly to boost the immune system, improve vitality, and support the body’s internal systems. Green tea, famous for its antioxidants and detoxifying properties, was another common drink within the imperial court.
5. Physical Activity and Emotional Health
While physical activity was not emphasized as much for imperial women as it was for men, concubines and princesses still participated in certain gentle exercises to maintain their health. Practices like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and walking were common ways for women in the royal court to manage their health and relieve stress.
Qi Gong, a practice designed to regulate the flow of energy through the body, was especially important for maintaining emotional well-being. For women who lived in the royal court, often under immense pressure, emotional health was just as important as physical health. Practices like meditation and breathing exercises helped to reduce anxiety, improve mental clarity, and promote emotional balance.
6. The Role of the Imperial Physicians
The royal physicians played a critical role in the health and well-being of concubines and princesses. These highly trained individuals were tasked with ensuring that the emperor’s family remained in optimal health. They were often involved in diagnosing illnesses, prescribing herbal remedies, and advising on diet and exercise.
In addition to their medical responsibilities, these physicians were also responsible for guiding the concubines and princesses through their daily health routines, ensuring they adhered to the prescribed treatments and practices. These physicians were trusted with the personal well-being of the royal family and were considered some of the best-trained medical professionals of their time.
7. Conclusion: The Legacy of Imperial Health Care
The health care practices for concubines and princesses in the imperial court reflect the deep cultural importance placed on women’s health and beauty in ancient China. Through the careful application of traditional Chinese medicine, herbal remedies, luxurious beauty treatments, and dietary regimens, the royal women of ancient China were able to maintain their vitality, fertility, and overall well-being.
These practices not only ensured the health and longevity of the emperor’s consorts and daughters but also contributed to the continuation of the royal bloodline. The legacy of these health practices continues today in the form of traditional Chinese medicine, and many of the techniques used to promote beauty, longevity, and vitality are still widely practiced across the world.
In the end, the royal family’s dedication to health
care shows that, even in ancient times, the health and well-being of women in positions of power were of utmost importance, both for personal satisfaction and for the stability of the empire.
