Zi Yin: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Loss of Voice in Pregnancy

Loss of voice or hoarseness during pregnancy is called zi yin, which means "loss of voice in pregnancy". This condition is always caused by Yin deficiency, and typically occurs towards the end of pregnancy due to a deficiency of the Kidneys. This can cause the Uterus channel, which is connected to the Kidneys, to become "detached".

The pathology of zi yin is always related to Yin deficiency of the Kidneys and possibly the Lungs. The only pattern associated with this condition is Kidney-Yin deficiency, which can manifest as aphonia or hoarseness towards the end of pregnancy, dry throat, a feeling of heat in the evening, dizziness, tinnitus, and a red tongue without coating in cases of Empty-Heat. The pulse is typically Floating-Empty.

The treatment principle for zi yin is to nourish Kidney-Yin and ease the throat. This condition is easy to treat, especially with herbs, and can be cleared with a few decoctions. Pears are also recommended, as they nourish Yin and benefit the throat. There is no Western view of this condition.