What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a complex language disorder that affects an individual's ability to communicate effectively. This neurological condition typically results from damage to the brain's language centers, often due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases. Aphasia can manifest in various forms, impacting different aspects of language processing, including speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. Individuals with aphasia may struggle to find the right words, construct coherent sentences, or comprehend spoken or written language. The severity of aphasia can range from mild difficulties in word-finding to a complete loss of language abilities. This condition not only affects verbal communication but can also have profound impacts on an individual's social interactions, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

How does TCM view aphasia?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches aphasia through the lens of pattern diagnosis, a fundamental concept that distinguishes it from Western medical approaches. In TCM, a pattern represents the underlying disharmony within the body's systems that gives rise to symptoms like aphasia. This holistic view considers not just the symptom itself, but how it relates to overall bodily functions, energy flow, and organ interactions.

Identifying the correct pattern is crucial because it guides the entire treatment strategy. For aphasia, patterns might involve imbalances in organs like the Heart or Liver, or disruptions in the flow of Qi and Blood. By addressing these root patterns, TCM aims to restore balance and improve speech function more comprehensively than treating the symptom in isolation.

Root Causes of Aphasia in TCM

In the TCM paradigm, aphasia is often attributed to the accumulation of Phlegm and the presence of excessive Heat in the body. One significant pattern associated with aphasia is Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium. This condition manifests not only in speech difficulties but also in symptoms such as palpitations, flushed face, restlessness, and anxiety. The combination of Phlegm and Fire is believed to obstruct the Heart's orifices, leading to impaired communication abilities.

Another important pattern in TCM's understanding of aphasia is Heat in the Nutritive Qi level. This pattern is characterized by nighttime fever, dry mouth, restlessness, and incoherent speech. TCM practitioners view these patterns as reflecting deeper imbalances in the body's energy systems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of symptoms and their underlying causes.

Explore below more details about what might cause Aphasia according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Aphasia

Common Symptoms: Noisy Breathing Incoherent Or Confused Speech Confusion Talking To Oneself Depression Stifling Sensation In The Chest Coma Palpitations

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Aphasia, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Rapid breath... see more Zhi Bao Dan | Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm Misting the Heart Aphasia, Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Noisy breathing, Vomit... see more Wen Dan Tang | Di Tan Tang | Gun Tan Wan | Su He Xiang Wan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Aphasia, Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Sheng Tie Luo Yin
Wind-Phlegm Aphasia, Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness... see more Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Aphasia

The treatment of aphasia in TCM involves carefully selected herbal formulas tailored to address the specific pattern of disharmony identified in each patient. For Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, a commonly recommended formula is Zhi Bao Dan, which belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices. This formula often includes Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), a key herb known for its ability to cool the Blood. In cases of Heat in the Nutritive Qi level, practitioners might prescribe Qing Ying Tang, another formula designed to clear Heat at this deep level. Both formulas aim to address the root imbalances causing aphasia while also alleviating associated symptoms. It's important to note that TCM treatment is highly individualized, and the choice of formula may vary based on the patient's specific presentation and overall constitution.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address aphasia, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Aphasia Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm Misting the Heart, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart... see more
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Zhi Bao Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Hui Chun Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Di Tan Tang Phlegm Misting the Heart
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart
Su He Xiang Wan Phlegm Misting the Heart
Sheng Tie Luo Yin Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang Wind-Phlegm

Acupoints for Aphasia

Acupuncture plays a crucial role in TCM's approach to treating aphasia, with specific acupoints targeted to address the underlying imbalances and promote recovery of language function. Several key acupoints are commonly used in the treatment of aphasia, each chosen for its unique therapeutic properties. In the Stomach Channel, points like Chengqi ST-1 and Dicang ST-4 are utilized for their ability to clear Heat, expel Wind, and remove obstructions from the channel. The Governing Vessel offers important points such as Fengfu DU-16 and Yamen DU-15, which are renowned for expelling Interior Wind, nourishing the Brain, and benefiting the tongue and speech. Additionally, points from the Pericardium Channel, like Jianshi P-5, are valued for their ability to open the Mind's orifices, remove Phlegm, and calm the Mind. This multi-channel approach reflects TCM's comprehensive strategy in addressing the complex nature of aphasia, targeting both the neurological aspects and the energetic imbalances believed to underlie the condition.

Explore below some acupoints used to address aphasia, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Governing Vessel
Chengqi ST-1

Chengqi ST-1

Between the eyeball and the midpoint of the infraorbital ridge.

Dicang ST-4

Dicang ST-4

Lateral to the corner of the mouth, directly below Juliao ST-3.

Daying ST-5

Daying ST-5

On the lateral mandible, on the anterior border of masseter muscle, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.

Added to Cart