Neurogenic dysphagia in traditional Chinese medicine.

The concept of neurogenic dysphagia was first described as Hou Bi in the Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic, which is the first Chinese medical classic and the origin of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. In the different eras, the pathogenesis of neurogenic dysphagia was explained mainly by three theories in TCM, that is, the wind-phlegm blocking collaterals, the deficiency of liver and kidney-essence, and the Qi-stagnation with static blood. In addition to the TCM prescriptions, acupuncture is characteristic treatment and seems to be effective. However, the evidences of efficacy and safety from clinical trials are still required.