Introduction:
- Temperament means a
person’s natural physical and mental makeup.
- In
homoeopathy, it helps in individualizing the case.
- Temperament
influences:
- Disease
expression
- Susceptibility
- Remedy
selection
Every individual is different due to their inborn constitution and temperament.
1. What is Temperament?
- A natural
combination of physical, emotional, and mental traits.
- It affects
the way a person falls ill and responds to treatment.
- Helps to
understand personality, behavior, and reaction pattern.
Mnemonic: T-I-M-E
- Traits
- Individuality
- Mind-body
nature
- Essence of
person
2. Four Basic Types of
Temperaments
According to ancient classification (Hippocratic), there are 4 main
types:
a) Sanguine
- Cheerful,
social, talkative
- Loves
company, easily excited, quick to forget
- Physical
traits: fair, moist skin, medium build
Susceptibility: Acute diseases, quick response to remedies
b) Choleric
- Ambitious,
aggressive, fiery temperament
- Gets angry
quickly, impatient
- Physical
traits: lean, dry skin, strong pulse
Susceptibility: Prone to liver disorders, inflammatory conditions
c) Melancholic
- Sad,
quiet, introspective
- Worries a
lot, slow in action, lacks confidence
- Physical
traits: thin, pale, cold body
Susceptibility: Chronic diseases, mental disorders
d) Phlegmatic
- Calm,
slow, dull, lazy
- Emotionally
stable, not easily excited
- Physical
traits: overweight, slow pulse, soft tissues
Susceptibility: Cold, congestion, sluggish metabolism
3. Importance of Temperament in
Homoeopathy
- Helps in individualization
of the case.
- Gives
clues for selecting constitutional remedies.
- Explains variation
in symptoms for same disease in different patients.
Same disease, different temperaments = different remedies!
Chart: Temperaments at a Glance
|
Temperament |
Key Traits |
Susceptibility |
Remedy Hint |
|
Sanguine |
Cheerful, active |
Acute, nervous disorders |
Pulsatilla, Belladonna |
|
Choleric |
Angry, energetic |
Fevers, inflammation |
Nux vomica, Bryonia |
|
Melancholic |
Sad, anxious, thoughtful |
Depression, chronic complaints |
Natrum mur, Ignatia |
|
Phlegmatic |
Slow, relaxed, passive |
Cold, cough, metabolism issues |
Calcarea carb, Antim crud |
4. Temperament Is Not the Whole
Case!
- Temperament
is just one part of individualization.
- Remedy
must be chosen based on totality of symptoms, not temperament
alone.
- Still,
knowing the temperament helps in confirming or ruling out remedies.
Word Meanings
|
Word / Phrase |
Meaning |
|
Temperament |
Natural mental and physical makeup of a person |
|
Sanguine |
Optimistic, sociable, active temperament |
|
Choleric |
Hot-tempered, intense personality |
|
Melancholic |
Quiet, sad, thoughtful temperament |
|
Phlegmatic |
Calm, slow, indifferent temperament |
|
Susceptibility |
Ability of the body to react to disease or remedy |
|
Unprejudiced Observer |
A physician who observes the case without bias |
|
Individualization |
Understanding what makes each patient unique |
|
Disease per se |
The true nature of the disease, not just the symptoms |
Conclusion:
Temperaments give us a deeper insight into the patient’s nature. Although not enough alone to prescribe a remedy, they help us individualize the case, understand susceptibility, and support remedy selection. A wise homoeopath always considers temperament, but never ignores the totality of symptoms.
