In ancient Chinese society, medicine was not only a practical science aimed at treating illnesses but also an intricate and spiritual art deeply rooted in the concept of balance, harmony, and purity. The Imperial Court, with its influence and wealth, had distinct practices that combined both the scientific and spiritual aspects of healing. One of the most prominent and sacred practices within the royal medicine system was the rituals of purification or tái yuè (tying or clearing impurity). These rituals were considered essential for maintaining not just physical health but also moral and spiritual well-being. In this article, we will explore the historical, cultural, and medical significance of these purification rituals in the context of royal medicine during ancient Chinese dynasties, particularly focusing on their role in the health and well-being of emperors and the imperial family.

1. The Concept of Purification in Ancient China

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the body was viewed as a reflection of the natural world. This holistic system emphasized balance in all aspects of life, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual domains. Health was seen as a state of harmony, where the flow of vital energy (qi) and the balance of elements like yin and yang were in equilibrium.

Purification rituals were centered around restoring and maintaining this balance. These practices were rooted in the idea that illness or misfortune, particularly in the royal family, could be the result of impurity—whether it be spiritual pollution, external misfortune, or the accumulation of negative energy. To protect the emperor and the royal family, these purification rituals were believed to rid the body and mind of any harmful influences that could disrupt the delicate balance necessary for health.

2. The Role of Purification in Royal Medicine

The health of the emperor was regarded as vital to the prosperity of the entire empire. In the traditional Chinese worldview, the emperor was often considered the “Son of Heaven,” and his well-being directly impacted the welfare of the nation. Consequently, the imperial court had a highly developed system of medical practitioners and sacred rituals designed to protect the emperor from disease, misfortune, and spiritual pollution.

Purification rituals in royal medicine were performed during times of illness, personal crises, or moments of significant transitions, such as the emperor’s ascension to the throne or the change of seasons. These rituals were believed to be able to cleanse both physical and spiritual impurities, restoring the body to its original state of harmony and balance.

The purification rites were also an essential part of preparing the emperor for important state functions or diplomatic activities. The emperor was expected to be a divine intermediary between heaven and earth, and any spiritual or physical impurity could potentially tarnish his ability to fulfill his duties.

3. Types of Purification Rituals

There were various forms of purification rituals practiced by the royal court, each serving specific purposes depending on the situation and the perceived cause of the impurity. Some of the most significant purification methods included:

a. Ritual Cleansing and Bathing

The most common purification ritual in the royal court involved the ritual cleansing of the body through bathing. This was done with the belief that water had the power to wash away spiritual impurities. The emperor would often bathe in special water infused with herbs, flowers, and aromatic oils, believed to have purifying properties.

These sacred baths were designed to cleanse not only the body but also the spirit and soul. For example, sandalwood, lotus, and ginseng were popular ingredients used in these bathing rituals. These materials were thought to carry powerful healing properties that could restore vitality, calm the mind, and protect the body from sickness.

b. The Burning of Incense

Another key component of purification rituals in royal medicine was the use of incense. Burning incense, especially fragrant types like sandalwood, agarwood, or frankincense, was thought to purify the atmosphere, protect the individual from negative energies, and promote overall well-being. In the context of royal medicine, incense was not only used to cleanse the body but also to purify the imperial palace and medicine rooms, ensuring that the healing environment remained sacred and protected from any harmful influences.

The smoke of incense was also believed to create a direct link between heaven and earth, enabling the divine energies to enter the emperor’s body and mind. It played a dual role in both protecting and healing the body.

c. Fasting and Dietary Purification

In addition to physical cleansing through bathing and incense, dietary purification was another form of ritual used in the imperial court. The emperor, especially in times of illness or before significant royal events, would often undergo fasting or adhere to a strict dietary regimen of specially prepared foods and tonics.

Certain foods were believed to have purifying effects on the body and mind. Herbal broths, medicinal soups, and elixirs made from rare and precious herbs, such as ginseng, dong quai, and reishi mushrooms, were often prescribed. These substances were thought to help cleanse the blood, support internal organs, and boost the flow of qi throughout the body.

Fasting, particularly before major ceremonial events or before embarking on diplomatic missions, was viewed as a way of removing excess energies and preparing the body and soul for important tasks. The emperor’s diet was seen as an integral part of maintaining not only his physical health but also his ability to govern the empire with clarity and wisdom.

d. Rituals of Prayer and Meditation

Purification was not solely a physical process; it also involved mental and spiritual cleansing. Prayers and meditations were an essential aspect of the purification process, as it was believed that a clear and focused mind could help heal the body and restore balance to the spirit.

Royal physicians and shamans were often called upon to lead the emperor through meditation sessions, where they would engage in deep reflection and seek divine guidance. These sessions could include chants, visualizations, and qi-gong exercises, designed to promote the free flow of energy throughout the body and align the emperor’s spirit with the natural rhythms of the universe.

The emperor’s personal connection with Taoist priests or Buddhist monks played a critical role in maintaining a purified and harmonious state, as these spiritual guides were believed to possess profound wisdom and the ability to guide the emperor toward inner peace and spiritual enlightenment.

e. Use of Sacred Objects

Sacred objects also played a key role in the royal purification process. Items such as jade pendants, ceremonial swords, bronze mirrors, and golden amulets were used during purification rituals. These objects were imbued with spiritual significance and were believed to possess protective and cleansing properties.

For instance, jade was highly prized in Chinese culture for its connection to purity and longevity. It was often used in ritual practices to purify and protect the royal family, particularly the emperor, from spiritual contaminants. The act of wearing jade or placing it near the body during purification rituals was thought to invoke the healing powers of the stone, aligning the emperor with divine forces.

f. Exorcisms and Purging of Negative Energies

In some cases, when the cause of impurity was believed to be particularly severe—such as possession by malevolent spirits or bad luck—exorcism rituals were performed. Exorcists, usually shamans or Taoist priests, would conduct elaborate ceremonies to purge the emperor or members of the royal family from harmful energies.

These exorcisms often involved chants, symbolic rituals, and offerings to spirits or ancestors. The goal was to expel negative forces and restore harmony between the spiritual and physical realms.

4. The Significance of Purification for the Emperor

Purification rituals in royal medicine were not simply medical procedures—they were symbolic actions that reinforced the emperor’s divine status and protected the nation from misfortune. In ancient China, the health and well-being of the emperor were viewed as closely linked to the welfare of the entire empire. Therefore, maintaining the emperor’s health and spiritual purity through these rituals was a matter of utmost importance.

The purification practices not only aimed to cure illness but also to ensure that the emperor remained in tune with the spiritual and cosmic order. It was believed that by aligning the emperor’s mind, body, and soul with the natural forces of the universe, the emperor could govern wisely and justly.

5. Legacy of Purification Rituals in Modern Medicine

The influence of purification rituals from royal Chinese medicine continues to echo in modern traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices. Concepts like the importance of balance, energy flow, and purification can still be seen in contemporary treatments, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and spiritual wellness practices.

While the rituals of purification in royal medicine were often performed in a sacred and highly ceremonial context, many aspects of these ancient practices continue to shape the way healing is viewed in modern Chinese culture, particularly the emphasis on holistic health and the prevention of disease through lifestyle and spiritual practices.

Conclusion

The rituals of purification in royal Chinese medicine were not merely ceremonial—they were deeply entwined with the culture, spirituality, and governance of the time. These practices served as a means of ensuring that the emperor remained both physically healthy and spiritually in harmony with the universe, thus ensuring prosperity for the entire empire. Whether through bathing, fasting, incense burning, or exorcisms, these rituals were integral to the emperor’s well-being and his role as the Son of Heaven. Today, the legacy of these purification practices lives on in Chinese medicine and wellness traditions, reflecting a profound belief in the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.