The Life of the Last Emperor Puyi: A Journey Without Descendants
Puyi, the last emperor of China, led a fascinating yet tragic life marked by his inability to have children. According to historical records, after the liberation of China, central leadership sought diagnosis and treatment from a renowned domestic hospital regarding Puyi's condition. The medical record noted that "the patient had experienced impotence since his reign as emperor thirty years prior and had sought treatment without significant results…" it also stated that he had been married three times, yet none of his wives bore him children.
Medical Consultations and Traditional Remedies
Following his struggles, several esteemed traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in Beijing provided diagnoses and treatment suggestions. Among them, the esteemed fourth-generation physician Zhang Rongzeng offered two remarkable prescriptions aimed at alleviating Puyi's condition:
First Prescription
The first remedy included five qian (a traditional weight unit) of deer antler, which could be increased to one liang (approximately 37.5 grams), alongside one liang of mountain yam, finely ground. This mixture was to be wrapped in thin silk and soaked in a bottle of white wine. Daily consumption of three small cups was recommended, and once finished, the deer antler could be dried and used as medicine afterwards for enhanced efficacy.
Second Prescription
The second remedy comprised five liang of agarwood, one liang of wood incense, one liang of green salt, along with three liang of Chuanlianzi meat stir-fried with green salt. Additional ingredients included Zhiqiao (fruit of the bitter orange) and chives, each treatment involving soaking in wine and then stir-frying. This mixture was to be formed into pills for ingestion. Reports suggest that after utilizing these remedies, Puyi observed noticeable improvements in his condition.
Key Observations from Puyi's Treatments
From these seemingly straightforward prescriptions, we can draw two key points of interest:
Holistic Approach
Both remedies emphasized natural ingredients, reflecting the holistic approach typically found in traditional Chinese medicine. This approach not only targets symptoms but also seeks to balance the body's overall health.
Systematic Treatment
Furthermore, the treatments highlight the importance of systematic and continuous management of a health issue. Puyi's case exemplifies how persistent medical intervention, coupled with changes in lifestyle—like the incorporation of herbal treatments—can lead to improved health outcomes.
In summary, Puyi's life serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate balance between historical relevance and personal health struggles. His story and the traditional remedies he explored provide valuable insights into both medical practices and the human experience.