Introduction to the four temperaments in traditional Iranian medicine
Introduction
In traditional Iranian medicine, it is believed that the human body is composed of four main elements:
water, air, earth, and fire.
The dominance of each of these elements in the body leads to the formation of one of the four primary temperaments.
The balance among these temperaments ensures health, while their imbalance is considered the cause of many diseases.
Choleric temperament (hot and dry – element of fire – summer season)
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Physical characteristics: compact body, slim upper and lower limbs, slightly yellowish complexion, warm and dry skin.
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Personality traits: quick-tempered, energetic, impatient, intelligent, and a fast decision-maker.
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Signs of imbalance: acne and body heat, irritability, dry skin, insomnia, and constipation.
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Recommendations: cooling foods such as cucumber, plum, lettuce, yogurt drink (doogh), watermelon, and barley soup are beneficial for these individuals. They should avoid pepper, spicy foods, lamb meat, and fried dishes.
Sanguine temperament (warm and moist – element of air – spring season)
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Physical characteristics: large body frame, strong muscles, rosy or reddish skin, and moderate body hair.
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Personality traits: friendly, warm-hearted, cheerful, sociable, and sometimes prone to oversleeping and comfort-seeking.
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Signs of imbalance: excessive blood flow, dizziness, itching, body heaviness, and a strong sensation of heat.
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Recommendations: consuming cool and dry foods such as lentils, sumac, lemon juice, and pomegranate is recommended. Seasonal bloodletting or cupping (hijama) is also beneficial for balancing blood levels.
Phlegmatic temperament (cold and moist – element of water – winter season)
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Physical characteristics: fair and soft skin, overweight or plump body (especially in the lower body), with moist and cold skin.
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Personality traits: calm, slow, patient, but sometimes low in energy and prone to excessive sleep.
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Signs of imbalance: body heaviness, forgetfulness, excessive sleep, increased saliva, and excessive stomach moisture.
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Recommendations: warm and dry foods such as honey, ginger, dates, cinnamon, and lamb meat are beneficial. Cold dairy products, excessive rice, and cold beverages should be avoided.
Melancholic temperament (cold and dry – element of earth – autumn season)
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Physical characteristics: thin and bony body, dark or olive skin, thick and abundant hair, and prominent veins.
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Personality traits: precise, organized, thoughtful, and methodical, but sometimes obsessive and anxious.
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Signs of imbalance: insomnia, anxiety, depression, dark circles under the eyes, and constipation.
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Recommendations: warm and moist foods such as barley soup, light soups, almonds, raisins, and almond oil are beneficial. Sour foods, coffee, and dry or hard-to-digest meals should be avoided.
Two types of temperament in humans
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Innate or congenital temperament:
A natural balance inherited from the parents, which remains relatively constant throughout life. -
Acquired temperament:
It changes due to factors such as diet, climate, occupation, habits, and environmental conditions.
For example, a warm-tempered person who lives in a cold environment (such as riding a motorcycle in winter) may gradually develop an acquired cold temperament.
The role of the liver in the formation of temperaments
In traditional medicine, the liver is considered the center of digestion and the production of the four humors.
After food is digested in the stomach, it enters the liver, where it is transformed into the four main humors:
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Dam (blood)
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Safra (yellow bile)
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Balgham (phlegm)
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Soda (black bile)
The balance of these humors determines the overall temperament of the body.
Conclusion
Every person is a combination of temperaments, but usually one dominates over the others, known as the dominant temperament.
Understanding one’s temperament helps us to:
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Choose the right diet and lifestyle for ourselves,
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Prevent the occurrence of diseases,
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And maintain the body’s natural balance.
