Heatstroke from Overexertion

A Chinese Opera Performer’s Brush with Heatstroke (Qing Dynasty Case)

In 19th-century Beijing, a lead female-role performer (Note 1) from the prestigious “Four Joys” opera troupe performed in the martial arts drama “The Siege of Sizhou City” to great acclaim. An impressed government official paid extra for an additional weapons demonstration scene.

Bound in elaborate armor with prop swords and spears, the performer executed intense combat choreography for over two hours under summer heat. After removing his stage makeup backstage, he suddenly developed violent vomiting and abdominal cramps. Rushed home unconscious, he lay unresponsive with remnants of greasepaint clinging to his sweaty face.

His master demanded the responsible official arrange medical help. As a licensed traditional physician, I was summoned through mutual acquaintances. Upon examination:

Pulse diagnosis (Note 2): Faint floating pulses at all six wrist positions
Symptoms: Labored breathing, cold sweats, unresponsive state
Diagnosis: Acute heatstroke with yang pathogen invasion
Immediate (used in traditional contexts):

Applied heated shoe soles to navel (traditional emergency warming method)
Administered concentrated Xiang Ru Yin (Note 3) – an herbal formula containing:Elsholtzia (Mosla chinensis) – natural coolant,Magnolia bark,Hyacinth beans
The performer regained consciousness within 30 minutes and fully recovered in two days. Three days later, a well-dressed youth appeared at my clinic – revealed to be the performer in civilian clothes coming to express gratitude. According to period social conventions (Note 4), I declined the meeting through an assistant.

Cultural Footnotes:

1,Female-role performers: Male actors specialized in feminine roles through voice training and movement artistry, a tradition lasting until the 1930s.
2,Pulse diagnosis: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physicians assess health through six pulse points on each wrist, believed to connect to different organ systems.
3,Xiang Ru Yin: Still used today, this formula is nicknamed “Nature’s Air Conditioning” in TCM circles. Clinical studies confirm its effectiveness in mild-to-moderate heatstroke.
4,Social hierarchy: Opera performers were classified among “the nine low occupations.” Physicians often refused direct contact with entertainers to maintain professional reputation, though this practice faded in the early 20th century.