Theory of the Four Humors

This theory was the basis of medical practice in Europe up to the 19th century. The theory took root in ancient Greece and Rome. It was based on the idea that the human body consists of 4 elements (or humors). Illness is the result of either a deficiency or excess of any one or more of the humors. Medical cures, therefore, consisted of efforts to restore the natural balance of these 4 elements. Common cures included bloodletting, leeching, and dietary changes. The humors were also considered to be the source for personality traits and psychological problems.

 

Body and Personality Type

Humor

produced by

Element

Qualities

Complexion and Body type

Psych. Profile

Sanguine

blood

liver

air

hot and moist

red-cheeked, corpulent

amorous, happy, generous, optimistic, irresponsible

Choleric

yellow bile

spleen

fire

hot and dry

red-haired, thin

violent, vengeful, short-tempered, ambitious

Phlegmatic

phlegm

lungs

water

cold and moist

corpulent

Sluggish, pallid, cowardly, lazy

Melancholic

black bile

gall bladder

earth

cold and dry

sallow, thin

Introspective, sentimental, gluttonous, lazy

 

 


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Last updated:08/27/2014