Vocal health from the Chinese Medicine point of view

From the Chinese medicine point of view, vocal health can be affected by many different
conditions such as over use, strain, infections, swelling, hoarseness, vocal cord polyps, nodules,
irritation (sometimes the result of gastric reflux or postnasal drip), and phlegm-damp
accumulation in the stomach, weather conditions, food choices, and emotions.
Word key:

Qi: is the vital life force. It is everything and everywhere within the body as well as within the
world around us. Everything, everywhere and every when is initiated, regulated, and limited by
circulating and connecting to Qi.
Yin-Yang: are forces in an endless dynamic, co-generating interplay of the complementary yinyang polar.
Qualities of: Yin restive, restorative qi. Yang movement, action oriented qi. For example: Blood
and moisture storage is Yin, and their circulation is Yang.
Cold-phlegm Phlegm(Tan): Thick mucus is one aspect of phlegm from the Traditional Chinese
Medicine perspective, there are many other symptoms such as incoherent behavior and western
termed mental health issues as well as paralysis and tumors where cold has mixed with phlegm
and become congealed.
Phlegm: is thick sticky mucus generally collecting within the sinus cavities and/ or the
nasopharynx. Additionally, any accumulation or thickening of body secretions/ fluids that
appear as swelling, nodule, cysts, fatty tumors, atherosclerotic or neural plaque, enlarged or
hardened lymph nodes, swollen joints, cystic acne, and hydroceles.
Damp Dampness (Shi): The Chinese medical term Dampness is one of the few that has a similar
definition to the western term. Dampness may manifest as edema or swelling of body and limbs.
Watery discharges are part of Dampness patterns. TCM also includes slow, ponderous movement
and confused thinking in its signs of Dampness, indicating that there is more to Dampness in
TCM than the basic western concept.
Toxic heat: is the excess accumulation of yang energy. The symptoms of excess heat, like heat,
one is red, hot, dry, and overactive which can be the result of exposure to the external
environment of hot weather, or emotional and physical stress such as anxiety, rage, excitement,
infection, trauma, poisoning, allergic reaction, and loss of body fluids, which are considered
internally generated. Signs such as fever, burning, inflammation, thick yellow to green
secretions, darkened urine, rashes, fast pulse, and a dry, bright red tongue are indications of the
presence of heat.
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Plum pit bound up qi stuck in the throat

Plum pit qi" (meihe qi): Is a common condition viewed as bound-up qi that feels like a plum
pi stuck in the throat. Emotions can combine with a stagnation of phlegm and qi or metabolic,
genetic, and circulatory issues which create vocal disharmonies and weakness.
The Chinese medicine treatment approach would be to regulate the flow of qi and create a
dispersing effect and or clear the dampness as well as lower the stomach qi that is pushing
upward against the throat and vocal chords with herbs, acupuncture, Chinese vocal massage,
essential oils, and foods.
Throat polyps are lumps in the throat that have a phlegm-damp quality similar to soft masses.
These polyps are viewed as a stagnation of qi circulation, complicated by the overuse of the
throat. They can also be blood stasis masses, which require vitalizing the blood circulation and
dissolving static blood. While vocal spasms and hoarseness are generally due to the common
cold.
Emotional disturbances, and fluid accumulation can form polyps as a result of weakness of the
lung and spleen, whose job it is to disperse and transform excess fluids. The lungs are
compromised by the emotion of grief while the spleen is compromised by fear of the future and
resentment.

Emotions can affect the circulation and quality of qi in your body and thus can
affect the quality and power of your voice.
Issue

Affect

Generates

Unresolved emotions or unresolved suffering Qi

dampness

Anger/anxiety

Raises qi

Heat

Terror

Scatters qi

qi leaves the body

Grief

Qi loses coherency

Depression, worry, grief and Ruminating

thoughts

Bind qi

Fright

Chaotic qi

Qi unable to travel throughout the

body
Inhibited movement of qi causes
stasis of qi which leads to blood
stagnation
Weakness, hysteria

Joy

Modulates and relaxes qi Smooth flow of qi

The Voice according the Chinese Medicine is regulated by several major organs.

Pitch is regulated by the lungs while speed and rhythm are regulated by the heart. High/low tones are
regulated by contracting the vocal chords. Females tend to be more contracted and have a higher voice,
while males tend to be less contracted and have a deeper voice.
Foods influence the quality and tone of Voice
A good rule of thumb is to eliminate all sources of dairy because dairy forms mucous that can damage the
delicate sinus cavities which affect their resonant qualities. Consuming excess sweets weakens the spleen
and its natural ability to transform dampness. Salty and refined foods create a higher voice, while water,
dairy, oil and fat make a lower voice. A fast speech pattern is yang, while a slow speech pattern is yin.
The Voice is best firmly rooted in the intestines. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables helps your intestines
clean and open. A weak voice with shallow breathing indicates that the Lungs and intestines are weak
with excess yin in the autonomic nervous system.
Drink lukewarm water prior to singing or performing as this soothes the vocal cords and throat, as well as
moistens the tissues and muscles involved, which reduces the risk of vocal damage. Mint is an excellent
vocal tonic as it sooths the voice and freshens the breath.
These foods dry the throat: citrus fruits, and alcohol. These foods irritate the throat: Overly spicy foods,
and coffee, sodas and other fizzy drinks put lots of air in your stomach and blood, ice-cold foods, and
beverages constrict your throat. Warm water or herbal teas and soups soothe your throat.
Mint opens and heals the bronchial tubes, Eustachian tubes, sinuses, and the vocal cords. Use In teas,
salads, or chew the leaves.
Pineapple is great for vocal cord inflammation as it contains Bromelain, which is an anti-inflammatory
enzyme. You can either eat the fresh fruit or drink the juice.
Grapefruit is great for vocal cord inflammation as it also contains Bromelain, which is an antiinflammatory enzyme. You can eat the fresh fruit or drink the juice.
Eucalyptus Honey contains Eucalyptol, which helps to relieve and heal damaged vocal tissue. Use in tea
or by the spoonful.
Red Clover Buds contains a nutrient called trifolin, which nourishes the vocal cords. Drink as a tea or
eaten fresh and raw in a salad.
Blackberries, Barberry, Radishes each contain Berberin, which is a natural anti-fungal compound.
Recipes for the Vocal strength
Smoothies can be made in a blender: Vita mix is the one I use
Honey is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
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Loquat Syrup reduces "lung heat" syndromes, or other infections sore throats swollen glands and nodular
swellings
Recipes for the Vocal strength
Smoothies can be made in a blender: Vita mix is the one I use
Ingredients: Ginger; Loquat Honey, Pineapple, Mint leaves, 2 drops of cayenne tincture; add 4 ozs. of
purified room temperature water. Blend as a smoothie.
Ingredients: Grapefruit; Loquat honey; and add 4ozs. of purified room temperature water. Blend as
smoothie.
Ingredients: Cayenne pepper 2-4 drops of tincture with fresh organic lemon and fresh organic
limewater at room temperature cleanses throat, liver, and pancreas.
Ingredients: 1 Pink Grapefruit with skin; 4 Mint leaves; 2 rsp of Loquat Honey or Raw Organic Local
Honey; Organic Cucumber with Skin, and 6 ozs. of water or Raw Organic Coconut Milk. Blend as a
smoothie.
Ingredients: 1 Pink Grapefruit with skin; 2 tsp of of Loquat Honey or Raw Organic Local Honey; 6 ozs.
of Almond Milk; add a little Cinnamon. Blend as a smoothie.
Ingredients: 1 Pink Grapefruit with skin; Pineapple; 4 Mint leaves; and 6 ozs. of water or Raw Organic
Coconut Milk. Blend as a smoothie. Cuta lime in half, squeeze fresh lime juice into smoothie.
Soothing Pops
Ingredients: 3 pineapple rings, with skin; -inch slice ginger root; 1 firm pear; 3-oz. paper cups;
Wooden popsicle sticks. Juice pineapple. Push ginger through hopper with pear. Pour juice into cups, add
sticks, and freeze.
**Avoid smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes. These are bad for the heart, lungs, and vocal tract.
Chinese Laryngeal massage treats voice issues as reported by the Department of
Laryngology of Artists Hospital of Shanghai

The Department of Laryngology of Artists Hospital of Shanghai has successfully used

Chinese laryngeal Massage in their hospital since about 1960. The treatment was highly
successful with incomplete closure of the glottis, which causes disruption of singing quality.
Chinese "laryngeal massage should be performed briskly, gently, powerfully and persistently,
but never roughly according Gu Lide from the Department of Laryngology of Artists Hospital
of Shanghai,
The Chinese laryngeal massage includes local treatments in the front and back of the neck,
and whole body treatments, but especially massage of the arms near the location of the large
intestine points quchi (LI-11) and hegu (LI-4) and the lung points chize (LU-5) and yuji (LU-10)
along the lung/ large intestine meridian pathway because they strengthen the energy that supports
the voice.

Tips and benefits of laryngeal Self Massage

A light laryngeal self massage before singing or speaking engagements promotes

flexibility of the laryngeal muscles as well as coordinate the antagonistic muscles the
modulate the effects of singing. Massage after performance also relieves fatigue of the
throat.

Massage along the channels defrags debris from the channels and promotes
circulation of qi and blood, which clears the throat and enhances singing.

Massage any tender points on the neck.

Massage the laryngeal muscles, eliminates inflammation due to accumulation of

waste material in the muscles, promotes repair of the laryngeal muscles.

Massage the cricothyroid articulation and muscles reduces the distance between
the cricoid and thyroid cartilages enhances the ability to achieve high pitch voices,
and indirectly increases the length and tonicity of the vocal cords.

Massage on the arytenoid region is conducive to appropriate alignment of the

vocal cords.

The vocal organs in the throat are delicate please use gentle manipulations and
avoid abrupt excessive pressure during massage.

Points to massage - pictures of point locations below.

CV 22 (taintu point), located at the base of the neck, regulates and eases the movement of lung
qi, while cooling the throat, and clearing the voice. Massage in counter clockwise small circles to

instantly open the laryngeal orifice and eliminate stagnation of phlegm and blood.

Zhaohai (KI-6), specifically indicated for treatment of throat disorders, and hegu (LI-4),
used to clear heat and swelling in the neck and head areas.

Chinese Medicine and Essential Oils

Apply topically; add a few drops to a carrier oil such as organic coconut oil, almond oil.
Lavender oil - In Chinese medical terms, lavender essential oil can clear heat and reduce
inflammation, while nourishing the Liver yin and Liver blood, and moving Liver Qi. Apply to CV 22
and throat area.
Chamomile German - Excellent for performance anxiety. It has the Chinese energetic of "calming
the spirit. Soothes the digestive system. It tonifies Spleen Qi and clears Stomach heat, nourishes
Heart yin and sedates Heart yang, anti-inflammatory and clears toxic heat. It strengthens the earth

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element in the body, encouraging emotional grounding, and allows people to let go of their cares and
learn to enjoy the present moment. Apply to St 36 and St 40.
Eucalyptus- Eucalyptus essential oil is strongly antiseptic, anti-bacterial, antiviral, it tonifies the
Lung Qi, boosting immunity and aiding respiration, clears phlegm and can function as an expectorant.
The oil is useful for conditions of phlegm-heat combined with Lung Qi deficiency. Apply to Lu5 and
Lu 10.
Peppermint- In Chinese energetic terms it clears Stomach heat, clears heat in the Large Intestine,
moves Liver Qi and tonifies Spleen Qi. It is an antiseptic and analgesic, transforms phlegm and
dampness. Apply to Li4, ST36, and SP6
Frankincense- Frankincense strengthens the Lung Qi, transforms phlegm, strongly moves Qi and
blood, and nourishes Liver blood. Apply to Lu5 and Lu10.
Rosemary- Wonderful mood lifter, encourages oxygenation and blood flow to the brain, tonifies
Heart Qi, Kidney Yang and moves Liver Qi. Apply to Ki3, Ht7, and Lv3.
Patchouli- Earthy /grounding essential oil, helps one get in touch and get grounded inside their own
bodies and relax. Excellent for stomach and intestinal problems, is a powerful Spleen Qi tonic. Apply
to St 25.
Juniper- According to Chinese medicine energetics, it drains damp-heat from the lower burner. It
also clears toxic heat.
Myrrh- Dries dampness in the body, dissolves phlegm, or for conditions made worse from humidity.
Apply to St 40.
Thyme - It is a powerful Lung Qi and Defensive Qi tonic, asthma and chest congestion stimulates
the immune system supports thyroid use in small mounts. Apply on throat 1-2 drops only.
Clary Sage- Is an essential oil that creates a wonderful feeling of openness and euphoria when
inhaled. It can move Liver Qi and tonify Spleen Qi and Heart Qi, while nourishing Kidney yin. It can
aid patterns of Liver overacting on Lung, Liver overacting on Spleen, and Liver overacting on Large
Intestine. Apply to Lv 14.
Ylang Ylang- In Chinese Medicine, ylang ylang would be classified as a Heart and Kidney yin
tonic. Used for anxiety with heart palpitations and restlessness. Apply to Ki1 and Ht 7
Secondary points are mainly Hegu (LI-4), lung points on the forearm arm and hand (LU-5 through LU11), and the leg points Zhaohai (KI-6) and Fenglong (ST-40). Massage therapy can also be used as an aid
to treating and preventing vocal disorders, particularly those suffered by performers who use their voices
for singing or acting add throat points.

CV 22

GB 20

Li 4

Ki 6

Lu 5 & Ht 7

Lu 10

Ki 3

Ki 1

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Sp 6

St 36

St 40

Lv 14 & St 25

REFERENCES

Lu, C. Henry, Chinese Natural Cures, Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers,, Inc. 1994, NY.,NY.
Lu, C. Henry, Chinese System of Food Cures Prevention and Remedies, Sterling Publishing Co.,
Inc. 1986, N.Y.,N.Y.
Deadman,Peter, & Al-Khafaji, Mazin, with Baker, Kevin, A Manual of Acupuncture, Journal of
Chinese Medicine Publications 2001,East Sussex England; dist. By Eastland Press, Ca. USA.

Hsu HY and Wang SY (translators), Chin Kuei Yao Lueh, 1983 Oriental Healing Arts Institute,
Long Beach, CA.
Hsu HY and Hsu CS, Commonly Used Chinese Herb Formulas with Illustrations, 1980 Oriental
Healing Arts Institute, Long Beach, CA.
Iwasaki K, et al., The traditional Chinese medicine banxia houpo tang improves swallowing
reflex, Phytomedicine 1999; 6(2): 103-106.
Yang Shurong, Clinical observations on 109 cases of vocal nodules treated with acupuncture and
Chinese drugs, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2000; 20(3): 202-205.

Chen Peifang, Massage for the treatment of voice ailments, Journal of Traditional Chinese
Medicine 1991; 11(3): 209-215.
O'Connor J and Bensky D (translators), Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text, 1981 Eastland
Press, Seattle, WA.
Xie Qiang and Yang Shurong, Clinical observation on combination therapy of acupuncture and
Chinese herbal medicine in treating vocal cord nodule, Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and
Western Medicine 2000; 6(1): 56-57.
Jiang Youguang, Clinical applications of point futu, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
1986; 6(1): 6-8.
Gu Lide and Fan Liandi, Effect of traditional massage on closure insufficiency of glottis in
singers, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1981; 1 (1): 67-68.
Dr. Susan Russell Ph.D,Th.D,L.Ac., LMSW
Dr. Susan Russell Ph.D,Th.D,L.Ac., LMSW. is an author, psychotherapist, acupuncturist, educator,
workshop presenter and founder of The Turning Point Healing Center a multiple modality healing and
education center voted best in Marietta for 2009. Dr. Susan has presented her research study on The
Reduction of Free Radicals and the affects on physical and emotional states at ISSSEEM The
International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine in 2006. Dr. Susan is a Board
Chair of Holos University, www.holosuniversity.org and a member of the ISSSEEM (International
Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine) Conference Committee 2010 and has been
invited back for 2011, www.issseem.org.
Dr. Susan is the author of: The Seasonal Meridian Guide; a guide to enhancing your energy
throughout the year. Portrait of Qi, a three part article series for Acupuncture Today. Turning Points
stories of healing from client and treatment experiences, The Hinge Between Heaven and Earth
wellness and health of the digestive and eliminative systems of the body while restoring balance to the
mind, The Body of Qi CD Meditation Series that teaches you how to enhance your mind and body
by learning to develop and move your creative, vital life force. CD Titles: Brain qi Gong, Living Bones,
Living qi channels and soon to be released Wei Qi a guided meditation that provides physical, mental
and emotional immune enhancement. As well as the developer of Living Food Tonics.
Turning Point Healing Center
Award Winner of the Best of Marietta 2009 & 2010 - Holistic Help Services
4343 Shallowford Rd. Ste. H-5, Marietta, GA 30062
Phone: 770-552-4155 Website: www.Turningpointhc.com
Email: [email protected]

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