Talking To Oneselfaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Mental Health Disorders

What is Talking to Oneself?

Talking to oneself, commonly referred to as mumbling or muttering, is a behavior where individuals engage in vocalizing thoughts without the intention of communicating with others. While it's a common experience for many, excessive or disruptive self-talk can be a symptom of underlying mental health issues. This behavior varies in its manifestation; for some, it's a way of processing thoughts, while for others, it can be a sign of distress or cognitive dissonance.

How does TCM view Talking to Oneself?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches talking to oneself from a holistic perspective, viewing it as a symptom that can arise from imbalances in the body's internal systems.

Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on psychological aspects, TCM considers physical, emotional, and environmental factors contributing to this symptom. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing this behavior, as each pattern requires a unique treatment approach.

Root Causes of Talking To Oneself in TCM

In TCM, talking to oneself is often associated with patterns of disharmony involving Phlegm and Fire. One such pattern is Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, characterized by symptoms like muttering to oneself, palpitations, restlessness, and insomnia. This condition is thought to arise from an imbalance where Phlegm and Fire disturb the mind.

Another related pattern is Phlegm Misting the Heart, which can lead to confusion, incoherent speech, and muttering to oneself. These patterns highlight TCM's focus on understanding the underlying causes of symptoms, considering both physical and mental aspects.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Phlegm
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Heat
  • Heart
  • Pericardium
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 Talking To Oneself

Common Symptoms: Noisy Breathing Incoherent Or Confused Speech Confusion Depression Aphasia Coma Palpitations Flushed Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Muttering to oneself, 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, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Chest pain, Rapid respiration... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Zhi Bao Dan | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm Misting the Heart Muttering to oneself, Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit... see more Wen Dan Tang | Di Tan Tang | Gun Tan Wan | Su He Xiang Wan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Muttering to oneself, 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
Detailed description of the cause

Mind Disturbance

In TCM "Shen" refers to the mind or spirit, and a Shen disturbance is a pattern of disharmony that affects the mental and emotional state. This concept reflects the TCM belief in the deep interconnectedness of mind and body. Symptoms of Shen disturbance can vary widely but often include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, or in severe cases, hallucinations or delirium. These symptoms indicate an imbalance in the body's energies affecting the heart, which in TCM is not only the center of blood circulation but also the seat of the mind and consciousness. The root of Shen disturbance can be traced to various factors, including emotional stress, physical illness, or an imbalance in fundamental substances like Qi, Yin, or Yang.... see more

Mind Disturbance Patterns That Can Lead to Talking To Oneself

Common Symptoms: Noisy Breathing Incoherent Or Confused Speech Confusion Depression Aphasia Coma Palpitations Flushed Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Muttering to oneself, 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, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Chest pain, Rapid respiration... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Zhi Bao Dan | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm Misting the Heart Muttering to oneself, Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit... see more Wen Dan Tang | Di Tan Tang | Gun Tan Wan | Su He Xiang Wan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Muttering to oneself, 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
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Talking To Oneself

Common Symptoms: Palpitations Flushed Face Bitter Taste In The Mouth Noisy Breathing Restlessness Insomnia Vivid Dreaming Anxiety

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Muttering to oneself, 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, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Chest pain, Rapid respiration... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Zhi Bao Dan | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Muttering to oneself, 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
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Talking To Oneself

Common Symptoms: Confusion Incoherent Or Confused Speech Aphasia Noisy Breathing Depression Coma Loss Of Consciousness Hypersomnia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Misting the Heart Muttering to oneself, Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit... see more Wen Dan Tang | Di Tan Tang | Gun Tan Wan | Su He Xiang Wan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Muttering to oneself, 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
Detailed description of the cause

Pericardium

In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Talking To Oneself

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Muttering to oneself, 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, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Chest pain, Rapid respiration... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Zhi Bao Dan | Hui Chun Dan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Talking To Oneself

TCM uses a variety of herbal formulas to address the specific patterns associated with talking to oneself. For patterns like Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium and Phlegm Misting the Heart, formulas such as Wen Dan Tang and Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang are commonly recommended. These formulas contain ingredients like Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), which are known for their efficacy in transforming Phlegm and clearing Fire.

In cases of Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart, a similar approach is taken. The selection of these formulas is based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual's pattern of disharmony, underscoring the personalized nature of TCM treatment.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Phlegm
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Heat
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that dispel phlegm
  • Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that sedate and calm the mind

All Formulas Recommended for Talking To Oneself 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

All Formulas Recommended for Talking To Oneself Caused by Mind Disturbance

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

All Formulas Recommended for Talking To Oneself Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
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
Sheng Tie Luo Yin Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart

All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for talking to oneself

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
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

All "formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices" recommended for talking to oneself

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Zhi Bao Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Hui Chun Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium

TCM Herbs for Talking To Oneself

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address talking to oneself, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that open the orifices
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough

"Herbs that open the Orifices" recommended for talking to oneself

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Musk (She Xiang) Zhi Bao Dan | Hui Chun Dan | Su He Xiang Wan
Styrax (Su He Xiang) Su He Xiang Wan
Borneol (Bing Pian) Su He Xiang Wan
Benzoin (An Xi Xiang) Su He Xiang Wan

"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for talking to oneself

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing) Di Tan Tang

"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for talking to oneself

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) Zhi Bao Dan
Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) Hui Chun Dan

"Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit" recommended for talking to oneself

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Oxidized Iron Filings (Sheng Tie Luo) Sheng Tie Luo Yin
Cinnabar (Zhu Sha) Sheng Tie Luo Yin