Symptom family: Vocal Cord and Voice Disorders

Did you mean? Weak Voice

What is Hoarse Voice?

A hoarse voice, or raspy voice, is a condition characterized by an abnormal change in the voice, making it sound breathy, strained, or lower in pitch. This condition can result from various factors, including overuse of the vocal cords, infections, inflammation, or other underlying health issues.

In more severe cases, it may indicate a serious condition affecting the throat or vocal cords. Recognizing the underlying cause is essential for proper treatment and management.

How does TCM View Hoarse Voice?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives a hoarse voice as a manifestation of disharmony within the body's energy system, particularly involving the Lung and Kidney meridians.

According to TCM, the voice's strength and clarity are closely linked to the health of the Qi, Yin, and Yang within these organ systems. Identifying the specific pattern of imbalance causing the hoarse voice is crucial in TCM, as it guides the treatment strategy, whether through herbal medicine, acupuncture, or other therapeutic methods.

Root Causes of Hoarse Voice in TCM

In TCM, a hoarse voice is commonly attributed to patterns of Yin Deficiency and Dryness affecting the Lung system. Lung Yin Deficiency might present symptoms such as a persistently hoarse voice, an itchy throat, and a reluctance to speak, indicating a lack of nourishing fluids in the Lung.

Another pattern, Lung Dryness, can manifest as a hoarse voice accompanied by a dry cough and throat, skin dryness, and thirst, reflecting an imbalance in the body's fluids. These patterns illustrate how TCM delves beyond the symptom to address the root cause of the hoarse voice.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Dampness
  • Dryness
  • Lung
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hoarse Voice

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Lung Yin Deficiency Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Jiu Xian San
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Hoarse Voice

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Lung Dryness Hoarse voice, Dry cough, Dry throat, Skin dryness, Thirst Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Dryness

"Dryness" in TCM refers to a state where there is a lack of moisture in the body, much like how the land feels during a drought. It's a pattern of disharmony that can arise from external factors like dry weather or internal issues, such as insufficient fluid intake or certain lifestyle habits. When your body experiences this dryness, you might notice symptoms like dry skin, a scratchy throat, dry eyes, or even constipation. It's similar to the feeling of being parched or having dry, chapped lips in a very dry climate. TCM views this as an imbalance where the body's yin - often associated with moisture and cooling - is depleted.... see more

Dryness Patterns That Can Lead to Hoarse Voice

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Lung Dryness Hoarse voice, Dry cough, Dry throat, Skin dryness, Thirst Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Lung

In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more

Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Hoarse Voice

Common Symptoms: Dry Cough Dry Throat Skin Dryness Thirst Itchy Throat Reluctance To Speak Thin Chest Weak Voice

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Lung Dryness Hoarse voice, Dry cough, Dry throat, Skin dryness, Thirst Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Lung Yin Deficiency Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Jiu Xian San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hoarse Voice

To address the underlying causes of hoarse voice, TCM recommends specific formulas and herbs that target the patterns of disharmony. For Lung Yin Deficiency, Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang, which includes Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), enriches Yin and moistens Dryness, thereby alleviating hoarseness.

For symptoms of Lung Dryness, Bai He Gu Jin Tang, featuring Lily Bulbs (Bai He), nourishes Yin and tonifies the Lungs, offering relief for the hoarse voice. These formulas exemplify TCM's holistic approach, focusing on restoring balance and health to the entire body.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Dampness
  • Dryness
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
  • Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
  • Formulas that secure lungs and stop coughing

All Formulas Recommended for Hoarse Voice Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Bai He Gu Jin Tang Lung Yin Deficiency
Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang Lung Yin Deficiency
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang Lung Yin Deficiency
Bu Fei E Jiao Tang Lung Yin Deficiency
Jiu Xian San Lung Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for hoarse voice

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bai He Gu Jin Tang Lung Dryness, Lung Yin Deficiency
Bu Fei E Jiao Tang Lung Yin Deficiency

Acupoints for Hoarse Voice

Acupuncture is another pillar of TCM treatment for hoarse voice, with specific acupoints aimed at alleviating the symptoms by restoring the flow of Qi and balancing Yin and Yang. Futu LI-18, located on the lateral side of the neck, benefits the throat and voice while resolving Phlegm.

Another vital point, Tiantu REN-22, situated in the center of the suprasternal fossa, descends Lung Qi and benefits the throat, further illustrating the interconnectedness of TCM's approach to treating hoarse voice.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Directing Vessel
Futu LI-18

Futu LI-18

On the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of Adam's apple, between the sternal head and clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Tiantu REN-22

Tiantu REN-22

In the centre of the suprasternal fossa. 0.5 cun superior to the sternum.