How aphasia was recognised and treated in ancient China

ABSTRACT

Background: The concept of aphasia was first described as Yin Pai (most probably apoplexy aphasia) in the Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic, which is the first medical classic and the origin of traditional Chinese medicine theory.

Aims: To examine briefly the pathogenesis of Yin Pai in different eras of traditional Chinese medicine and its application to aphasia.

Main Contribution: Yin Pai was explained by four theories: kidney-essence deficiency, wind-phlegm blocking, static-blood blocking collaterals, and liver-Qi stagnation. Apoplexy aphasia is the earliest and most frequently reported subtype of aphasia. The Chinese medical prescriptions were produced based on pathophysiology and therapeutic targets.

Conclusions: Yin Pai was the earliest and dominant theory of traditional Chinese medicine, which attempted to explain aphasia and provide targets for therapy. However, evidences of efficacy and safety for treatment methods was not provided.

KEYWORDS:

• History of aphasia
• ancient China
• pathophysiology
• therapy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.