The Study Of Conservation Medicine In The Tang Dynasty

The birth of a healthy male child was a sign of traditional family prosperity and the basis for the continuity of patriarchal society.During the Tang dynasty,the concept of "early,many,male" fertility continued to be practised,and the government issued decrees promoting early marriage and rewarding childbirth,while doctors turned their attention more to women and children.The number of diseases covered and the number of prescriptions available were unparalleled in any other dynasty before the Tang.In addition,the medical prescriptions instructed pregnant women to take care of their foetus month by month with the health of the foetus as the primary goal,and to teach the foetus to be virtuous.Even if the birth is planned in accordance with the diagram and the taboos are avoided,the choice is between a sitting or lying down birth.However,if a pregnant woman is frightened prematurely,the slightest inadvertent obstructed labour will occur,requiring prompt medical attention,and postnatal care is particularly important.In the medical prescriptions,care for the newborn begins at the time of delivery.The first step is to swab the mouth of the newborn to remove toxins and to bathe the baby after removing the faeces,to take care of the umbilical cord after it has been cut,to prevent the invasion of wind and the occurrence of umbilical wind,not to wrap the baby too warmly,to nurse regularly and quantitatively,to pay attention to the posture of the baby,and to the clothing and living of the baby.In addition to this,the seemingly marginal but essential role of the birth attendant,the father and the nursing mother,also played an important role in the process of childcare.