We need each temperament for the total functioning of the body. Each part should do its work, to unify the action and produce harmonious results.
The poem also tells us that each of us may have some personality traits of the other temperaments to a lesser extent. In reality, there is a dominance of one type of temperament, and a sub-dominance of a second type. There is also a smaller percentage of a third type, and even less of the last.
The video clip included in this section on Temperament, includes a presentation by Joey Rasdien, that highlights the personality traits of the four temperamental types reacting to a particular situation.
The poem together with the video highlights the fact that each of the temperamental types has distinguishing personality traits. For example, the Sanguinous is a typical extrovert, fun loving person, Melancholics are analytical and philosophical, the Bilious person is determined and prone to anger, whereas the Phlegmatic type is calm and prefers not to make a scene.
Qualities associated with the four Temperamental Types
As mentioned in the Tibb philosophy on “Creation” human beings have an overall Hot & Moist quality, being at a temperature of ±37°C and with approximately 70% water. However, slight variations exist within this Hot & Moist category, which explains why some of us feel colder or hotter than others.
The qualities associated with each of the four temperamental types are listed below:
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Sanguinous – qualities of Hot and Moist
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Phlegmatic – qualities of Cold and Moist
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Bilious – qualities of Hot and Dry
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Melancholic – qualities of Cold and Dry
It is interesting to note that the qualities associated with the different temperamental types are indicative of their personality traits. For example, the Bilious temperament is associated with Hot & Dry qualities as their temperament is inclined towards a fiery nature and heat (a hot natured person). Similarly, the Phlegmatic temperament is associated with Cold & Moist qualities as their temperament is predisposed to being cool and calm – described as being as cool as a cucumber.
Identifying an individual’s temperamental combination
The adjacent chart reflects that the Sanguinous temperament, with qualities of Hot & Moist, is opposite to the Melancholic temperament with qualities of Cold & Dry. Likewise, the Phlegmatic temperament, Cold & Moist is opposite to the Bilious temperament, Hot & Dry.
As in nature, opposite qualities Hot & Cold nor Moist & Dry cannot exist at the same time – nothing can be hot and cold at the same time. Therefore, as in nature, it is not possible that a person who has a dominant Sanguinous (Hot & Moist) temperament will have a sub-dominant Melancholic (Cold & Dry) temperament. What is possible, however, is that a Sanguinous person may have a sub-dominant of Phlegmatic (Cold & Moist) or Bilious (Hot & Dry) temperament. Similarly, a person with a dominant Phlegmatic temperament will have a sub-dominant temperament which is either Sanguinous or Melancholic.
Having an understanding that each person has a dominant/sub-dominant temperamental combination, identifying this combination from the four different temperamental types is determined by evaluating three (3) broad categories. These include Physical Appearance, Behavioural Tendencies and Personality/Emotional Traits as listed below:
Sanguinous temperament (Hot & Moist qualities):
Physical appearance: Medium to large frame, more muscle, a macho walk, reddish or shiny complexion, warm and moist skin texture; speech: clear and moderate.
Tendencies: As this temperamental type has Hot & Moist qualities, they prefer Cold & Dry weather, cold drinks, have a healthy appetite, require 6-8 hours moderate to deep sleep. He/she will be inclined to illnesses such as hypertension and/or diabetes.
Personality traits: typical extrovert, carefree, persuasive, sociable, talkative, outgoing, optimistic – “a get acknowledged person”. They may also be disorganized and tend to exaggerate.
Phlegmatic temperament (Cold & Moist qualities):
Physical appearance: Medium to large frame, more fat, a slow walk, pale complexion, cold, soft and moist skin texture, speech: slow and soft.
Tendencies: As this temperamental type has Cold & Moist qualities, they prefer Hot & Dry weather, hot drinks, have a low appetite, require at least 8 hours deep sleep. He/she will be inclined to illnesses such as phlegm related disorders
Personality traits: introvert, calm, accommodating, patient, relaxed a good listener, indecisive – “a get along person”. They may also be push over’s and shy.
Melancholic temperament (Cold & Dry qualities):
Physical appearance: Thin/bony frame, quick/anxious walk, cold and dry skin texture, speech: fast – soft or loud.
Tendencies: As this temperamental type has Cold & Dry qualities, they prefer humid (Hot & Moist) weather, hot drinks, fixed mealtimes, require 5-6 hours’ sleep. He/she will be inclined to illnesses such as insomnia, gas related illnesses, bone and joint complaints.
Personality traits: introvert, philosophical, logical, analytical, organized, imaginative – “a get it right person”. They may also be perfectionist, anxious and skeptical.
Bilious temperament (Hot & Dry qualities):
Physical appearance: Medium frame, lean, firm walk, Hot & Dry skin texture, speech: loud.
Tendencies: As this temperamental type has Hot & Dry qualities, they prefer Cold & Moist weather, cold drinks –healthy appetite and cannot skip meals, require 5-6 hours sound sleep. He/she will be inclined to illnesses such as stress, anxiety and hay-fever.
Personality traits: extrovert, born leaders, resourceful, energetic, outspoken, dominant – “a get it done person”. They may also be short-tempered, critical, irritable and impatient.
Having provided the above information about the four temperamental types, listed below is a table that can be completed, to identifying an individual’s or your dominant and sub-dominant temperament. When completing the table below, the following needs to be noted:
- Remember each person is a combination of all four temperaments, with a dominant/sub-dominant temperament – next to each other.
- Physical appearance should be as in the early 20’s – as age and certain medication (cortisone) can change physical appearance.
- Do not confuse habits with tendencies. Certain habits may be acquired due to circumstances.
- Personality and Emotional traits are important criteria and should be noted whilst being relaxed, and also how friends and family members see and know you.
- When determining your temperament, base it on how you really are and not how you wish you were.
- The column containing the most ticks is the dominant temperament whereas the column with the second most ticks will be the sub-dominant temperament.
Download the table to Identify your dominant/sub-dominant temperamental combination