Shang Dynasty: laying the foundation
Although China's prehistoric history ended at the beginning of the Xia Dynasty, few people survived during this period. However, by the Shang Dynasty, nearly a thousand years later, China has established a highly developed society. During this period, many will become the basis of Chinese culture and economics, including the cultivation of rice, wheat and livestock, and the development of the textile industry. The Shang Dynasty also laid the foundation for hundreds of years of Chinese skin care tradition. Although the exact origins of their methods are still unknown, their techniques are so ingrained in everyday life that there is already a word used to describe this approach. Even so, Shang Dynasty only saw the beginning of Chinese cosmetics. However, for centuries it will be one of the most respected cosmetics and dermatological traditions in the world.
Flat head product Zou: critical face and feet
In the Shang Dynasty, it is impossible to overestimate the extent to which textile growth affects skin care. During this time, garment manufacturers and tailors perfected their techniques of weaving silk and embroidering delicate brocade. Like most cultures, cosmetics are closely linked to fashion, and with the advent of fashion, skin care techniques and make-up designs are becoming more sophisticated. Although the first facial powder and lipstick may have been worn during this time, the beauty of the skin is still considered to be primarily related to health, nutrition and good blood circulation.
However, clothing has another effect on skin care, which is independent of the softness of the fabric or the design of the garment. Although silk has become more refined and embroidery has become more refined during this period, most women still wear invisible robes worn for centuries. Because these robes no longer emphasize the shape of the body, they are more important to the face and feet. In fact, the Chinese say "ping tou pin zu", which refers to only commenting on the face and feet when evaluating a woman's beauty. The body is buried under an invisible embroidered silk, which is considered to be unimportant compared to the pale, healthy skin or softness of the feet. [You can read more about the relationship between fashion and skin care here: http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/English/e2004/e200411/p60.htm]
The root of Chinese herbal medicine
Although fashion may have shifted its focus to the face, it is the traditional Chinese medicine that has caused an attitude towards skin care itself. The Shang Dynasty, as well as the Zhou Dynasty that carried it, saw the beginning of the Chinese tradition. For example, during this period, Bian first introduced the theory of his four diagnostic methods: appearance, hearing, inquiry and feeling. These methods are used to diagnose all methods from disease to allergy to skin condition and remain the basis of many diagnostic techniques used today. [You can read more about Bianque and Zhou Dynasty China here: http://www.chinatour360.com/history/zhou-dynasty/]
Like the Egyptians, the Chinese have taken a holistic approach to health and beauty and believe that the two are inseparable. Beauty is associated with vitality and is seen as the result of a perfect balance between nutrition, herbs and good blood circulation. Skin diseases are diagnosed by doctors and treated through diet and herbal applications. Although the great court of the Chinese Empire, its luxurious face paint and exquisite eyebrows, is still the next few centuries, noble women value the light of healthy faces.
As agriculture becomes more developed, tanned skin is associated with working-class farmers, pale skin is becoming more and more popular, and more and more women are looking for skin to go to herbs and remedies. In the next few centuries, the pursuit of pale skin will become a hot topic in Chinese skin care. Although women in the Shang and Zhou dynasties usually choose a healthy, natural look, but soon after, this natural look will give way to powder, skin brighteners and bold makeup trays of the Imperial Court.
Orignal From: Skincare History Part 3 - The Secrets of Ancient China, 1200 BC - 500 BC
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