Symptom family: Communication Disorders
Did you mean? Difficult Speaking
Dislike of speaking, also known as speech aversion, is a psychological and physiological condition characterized by a strong reluctance or aversion to verbal communication. This phenomenon can manifest as extreme shyness, anxiety, or discomfort when faced with situations requiring vocal expression. Individuals experiencing this condition may exhibit physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, or rapid heartbeat when expected to speak. The severity can range from mild hesitation in social settings to a complete avoidance of verbal interaction, potentially impacting personal and professional relationships. While not officially classified as a distinct disorder, dislike of speaking is often associated with social anxiety disorder or selective mutism.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches dislike of speaking from a holistic perspective, viewing it as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's energy systems. Unlike Western medicine, TCM does not isolate symptoms but considers them part of a larger pattern of disharmony. In TCM, the reluctance to speak may be linked to various organ systems, particularly the Lung, Heart, and Spleen. It is crucial to understand that TCM diagnosis relies on identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom, rather than treating the symptom in isolation. This approach emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique energetic imbalance.
In TCM, dislike of speaking can stem from multiple patterns of disharmony, with Qi Deficiency being a primary concern. Lung Qi Deficiency, for instance, may manifest as an aversion to speak accompanied by daytime sweating. This pattern reflects a weakness in the Lung's function of governing Qi and respiration, leading to a reluctance to expend energy through speech.
Another significant pattern is Blood Stasis, particularly when it affects the Heart Vessel. This obstruction can result in a stifling sensation in the chest, palpitations, and a reluctance to communicate verbally. These patterns illustrate TCM's nuanced approach to understanding the root causes of symptoms, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body systems and the importance of restoring overall balance.
Explore below more details about what might cause Dislike of speaking according to TCM.
Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more
Common Symptoms: Shortness Of Breath Weak Voice Generalized Fatigue Coughing Pale Face Frequent Colds Or Flu Spontaneous Sweat Apathy
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Lung Qi Deficiency | Aversion to speak, Daytime sweating, Dislike of speaking | Ba Zhen Tang | Si Jun Zi Tang | Jiu Xian San | Bu Fei Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Zhi Gan Cao Tang |
Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency | Aversion to speak, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Weak voice, Dislike of speaking, Pale face, Frequent colds or flu, Generalized fatigue, Palpitations, Depression, Spontaneous sweat, Sighing... see more | Si Jun Zi Tang | Bao Yuan Tang |
Qi and Blood Deficiency | Aversion to speak, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Ba Zhen Tang | Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Guo Qi Yin |
Qi Deficiency | Aversion to speak, General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Shortness of breath... see more | Si Jun Zi Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang |
Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency | Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea, Obesity, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Weak voice, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Aversion to cold... see more | Si Jun Zi Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Heart Vessel obstructed | Aversion to speak, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dislike of speaking, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple nails, Purple face... see more | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Lung Yin Deficiency | Aversion to speak, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Dislike of speaking, Thin chest | Jiu Xian San | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Qi and Blood Deficiency | Aversion to speak, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Ba Zhen Tang | Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Guo Qi Yin |
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
Common Symptoms: Shortness Of Breath Weak Voice Generalized Fatigue Coughing Pale Face Frequent Colds Or Flu Aversion To Cold Depression
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Lung Qi Deficiency | Aversion to speak, Daytime sweating, Dislike of speaking | Ba Zhen Tang | Si Jun Zi Tang | Jiu Xian San | Bu Fei Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Zhi Gan Cao Tang |
Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency | Aversion to speak, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Weak voice, Dislike of speaking, Pale face, Frequent colds or flu, Generalized fatigue, Palpitations, Depression, Spontaneous sweat, Sighing... see more | Si Jun Zi Tang | Bao Yuan Tang |
Lung Yin Deficiency | Aversion to speak, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Dislike of speaking, Thin chest | Jiu Xian San | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency | Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea, Obesity, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Weak voice, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Aversion to cold... see more | Si Jun Zi Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
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
Common Symptoms: Palpitations Shortness Of Breath Depression Sighing Restlessness Stifling Sensation In The Chest Heart Pain Chest Pain
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Heart Vessel obstructed | Aversion to speak, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dislike of speaking, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple nails, Purple face... see more | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang |
Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency | Aversion to speak, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Weak voice, Dislike of speaking, Pale face, Frequent colds or flu, Generalized fatigue, Palpitations, Depression, Spontaneous sweat, Sighing... see more | Si Jun Zi Tang | Bao Yuan Tang |
In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency | Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea, Obesity, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Weak voice, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Aversion to cold... see more | Si Jun Zi Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
The treatment of dislike of speaking in TCM involves selecting formulas and herbs that address the underlying pattern of disharmony. For Lung Qi Deficiency, Ba Zhen Tang, a formula that tonifies both Qi and Blood, may be recommended. This formula often includes Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb for strengthening Qi.
In cases of Heart Vessel obstruction due to Blood Stasis, Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang might be prescribed to invigorate Blood and dispel stagnation. This formula typically contains Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), which are effective in promoting Blood circulation. It's important to note that the choice of formula and herbs is highly individualized, based on the patient's specific pattern and overall constitution.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dislike of speaking, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause dislike of speaking, such as Lung Qi Deficiency or Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Si Jun Zi Tang | Lung Qi Deficiency, Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency, Qi Deficiency, Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency... see more |
Ba Zhen Tang | Lung Qi Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Lung Qi Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Liu Jun Zi Tang | Qi Deficiency, Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency |
Jiu Xian San | Lung Qi Deficiency |
Bu Fei Tang | Lung Qi Deficiency |
Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Lung Qi Deficiency |
Bao Yuan Tang | Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency |
Gui Pi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Guo Qi Yin | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency |
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause dislike of speaking, such as Heart Vessel obstructed
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Heart Vessel obstructed |
Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Heart Vessel obstructed |
Di Tan Tang | Heart Vessel obstructed |
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang | Heart Vessel obstructed |
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause dislike of speaking, such as Lung Yin Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Jiu Xian San | 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 |
Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause dislike of speaking, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ba Zhen Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Gui Pi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Guo Qi Yin | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some dislike of speaking-causing patterns like Lung Qi Deficiency or Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is Si Jun Zi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Si Jun Zi Tang | Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency, Lung Qi Deficiency, Qi Deficiency, Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency... see more |
Liu Jun Zi Tang | Qi Deficiency, Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency |
Bao Yuan Tang | Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency |
Bu Fei Tang | Lung Qi Deficiency |
Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Lung Qi Deficiency |
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some dislike of speaking-causing patterns like Lung Qi Deficiency or Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Ba Zhen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Ba Zhen Tang | Lung Qi Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Zhi Gan Cao Tang | Lung Qi Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Gui Pi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some dislike of speaking-causing patterns like Lung Qi Deficiency or Lung Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Jiu Xian San, with poppy capsule as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dislike of speaking-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Bu Fei E Jiao Tang, with donkey-hide gelatin as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some dislike of speaking-causing patterns like Heart Vessel obstructed.
One such formula is Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dislike of speaking-causing patterns like Heart Vessel obstructed.
One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dislike of speaking-causing patterns like Heart Vessel obstructed.
One such formula is Di Tan Tang, with arisaema as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dislike of speaking-causing patterns like Heart Vessel obstructed.
One such formula is Dang Gui Si Ni Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dislike of speaking-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dislike of speaking-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dislike of speaking-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Guo Qi Yin, with dong quai as a key herb.
Acupuncture plays a significant role in TCM treatment for dislike of speaking, with specific points targeted to address the underlying imbalances. One key acupoint is Lianquan REN-23, located on the anterior midline of the neck, above the Adam's apple. This point is particularly effective in benefiting the tongue and voice, as well as descending Qi. By stimulating Lianquan REN-23, practitioners aim to improve the flow of energy to the organs associated with speech and communication. This acupoint's location and functions align with TCM's holistic approach, addressing both the physical and energetic aspects of speech aversion. As with herbal treatments, the selection of acupoints is tailored to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony.
See more details below about Lianquan REN-23, an acupoint used to address dislike of speaking.
On the anterior midline of the neck, above the Adm's apple, in the depression at the upper border of the hyoid bone.