What was the main role of a physician in ancient China?

In ancient China, the primary role of a physician extended beyond simply treating ailments; it encompassed a strong emphasis on the prevention of illnesses. This approach was largely influenced by traditional Chinese medicine principles, which valued harmony and balance in the body as essential for maintaining health. Physicians were trained to understand the factors that could disrupt this balance, including lifestyle, diet, and environmental influences, and they often focused on practices that could help individuals avoid illness in the first place.

Preventative care included recommending specific diets, herbal remedies, acupuncture, and lifestyle modifications aimed at strengthening the body's resistance to disease. By emphasizing prevention, physicians sought to promote overall well-being and maintain health rather than just addressing issues as they arose. This longstanding philosophy also reflects the holistic nature of traditional Chinese medicine, which considers physical, emotional, and spiritual health as interconnected components of one's overall state of health.