Persian Traditional Medicine considers a person’s temperament, or Mizaj, an important factor when making decisions related to health, diet, lifestyle, and traditional treatment. Among the different types of temperament described in this traditional medical system, Sanguine Temperament is one of the four main temperaments and is traditionally characterized by the qualities of warmth and moisture and associated with the predominance of blood humor.

In this article, we will become familiar with the concept of temperament and take a closer look at Sanguine Temperament, including its traditional physical, behavioral, and personality characteristics. By learning about these characteristics, you may be able to gain a general idea of whether your own temperament resembles the traditional descriptions of a sanguine person. However, accurately determining a person’s temperament requires considering various characteristics and individual conditions and should be carried out by a qualified Persian Traditional Medicine specialist.

At ACPFOOD, we are interested in introducing the principles and heritage of Persian Traditional Medicine and sharing information about medicinal herbs, spices, seeds, flowers, and other natural products traditionally used within this system. Understanding Sanguine Temperament and the traditional principles behind Mizaj can help readers gain a deeper understanding of the holistic approach of Persian Traditional Medicine and the importance it places on maintaining balance in the body.

Table of Contents

What Is the Meaning of Temperament?

Temperament, or Mizaj, literally means to blend or combine. According to Persian Traditional Medicine, every compound body is composed of the four fundamental elements: fire, air, water, and earth. The differences in the amount, proportion, quality, and combination of these elements are traditionally believed to distinguish one object from another and give each compound its particular temperament.

The amount and ratio of these four elements determine the qualities of the resulting temperament. Therefore, different proportions of fire, air, water, and earth are traditionally believed to create different temperaments, each with its own physical and characteristic qualities. The interaction and predominance of these elements form the foundation for understanding Mizaj in Persian Traditional Medicine.

For example, in people with Sanguine Temperament, the element of air is traditionally considered to be predominant over the other elements. Air is associated with the qualities of warmth and moisture, which are the two fundamental qualities traditionally attributed to Sanguine Temperament. These qualities are also reflected in the traditional descriptions of the physical appearance, body structure, and other characteristics of sanguine people.

Types of Temperaments

According to Persian Traditional Medicine, human temperament is generally divided into two main categories: inborn (congenital) temperament and acquired (incidental) temperament. Understanding the distinction between these two types is important when studying Mizaj and determining a person’s fundamental temperament.

Inborn (Congenital) Temperament: This is the temperament with which a person is traditionally believed to be born. It represents the person’s natural and fundamental temperament and is considered the primary basis for identifying their individual Mizaj.
Acquired (Incidental) Temperament: This temperament develops when a person’s inborn temperament is changed or influenced by different conditions after birth. According to Persian Traditional Medicine, factors such as the season, age, gender, place of residence, diet, lifestyle, and mental and psychological state can influence a person’s acquired temperament. These factors may cause the prevailing temperament of a person to differ from their original congenital temperament.

Important Note: The main criterion for identifying a person’s fundamental temperament is traditionally considered to be their inborn (congenital) temperament. Therefore, the characteristics and information discussed in the following sections primarily relate to this type of temperament rather than temporary changes that may occur as a result of environmental or lifestyle factors.

What Are Humors?

According to the traditional humoral theory of Persian Traditional Medicine, the human body contains four fundamental humors, or fluids, which are traditionally believed to be produced and distributed throughout the body. Each humor is associated with one of the four elements and with a specific combination of qualities. The balance and relationship between these four humors are considered an important foundation for understanding health, disease, temperament, and personality.

The four humors are:

Choler or Yellow Bile — associated with Choleric Temperament, which is hot and dry. Element: Fire
Blood — associated with Sanguine Temperament, which is hot and moist. Element: Air
Phlegm — associated with Phlegmatic Temperament, which is cold and moist. Element: Water
Black Bile — associated with Melancholic Temperament, which is cold and dry. Element: Earth

According to this traditional framework, humors are closely related to a person’s temperament and are believed to influence their physical condition, health, diseases, and certain aspects of their personality. The predominance of a particular humor is traditionally associated with the corresponding temperament. For example, in people with Phlegmatic Temperament, phlegm humor is traditionally considered more predominant than in people with Choleric Temperament. Similarly, in people with Melancholic Temperament, black bile is traditionally considered more predominant than in people with Sanguine Temperament.

The balance between the four humors, as well as their quantity and quality, is considered particularly important in Persian Traditional Medicine. When this balance is disturbed, one humor may become dominant over the others, which is traditionally believed to contribute to disease and other disturbances in the body. Therefore, identifying the predominant humor and restoring its balance with the other humors is considered an important part of the traditional approach to maintaining health and treating illness.

Sanguine Temperament (Hot and Moist)

According to Persian Traditional Medicine, Sanguine Temperament originates from the predominance of blood humor in the body and is traditionally characterized by the qualities of warmth and moisture. People with this temperament are therefore described as having a naturally warm and moist constitution. Because of this predominance of warmth and moisture, they may be less tolerant of hot and humid weather and may feel more uncomfortable when exposed to such environmental conditions for extended periods.

People with Sanguine Temperament are traditionally described as having a relatively large-boned, tall, and well-developed body structure. They may have broad or large hands and are generally considered to possess considerable physical strength and vitality. Their body structure is often associated with a healthy and robust appearance, and they may naturally have greater physical power compared with people who have other types of temperament.

Another characteristic traditionally associated with sanguine people is abundant body hair. They may have thick hair on their head as well as noticeable hair growth on other parts of the body, including the legs. They are traditionally considered less prone to hair loss during their younger years. However, as they become older, they may experience changes such as hair thinning, baldness, or whitening of the hair as part of the natural aging process.

In terms of social and personality characteristics, Sanguine Temperament is traditionally associated with being sociable, cheerful, humorous, and good-natured. Sanguine people are often described as enjoying social interactions, communicating easily with others, and having a natural ability to establish relationships. They may be funny and entertaining in social situations and are generally considered friendly and easy to get along with. Their warm and lively nature traditionally makes them more comfortable in groups and social gatherings, and they may adapt easily to different people and environments.

What Are the Characteristics of Sanguine People?

According to the traditional descriptions of Sanguine Temperament in Persian Traditional Medicine, people with a hot and moist constitution may display a distinctive combination of physical, behavioral, emotional, and personality characteristics. The following features are traditionally associated with people who have a predominance of blood humor:

Large and muscular body: People with Sanguine Temperament generally have a large, well-developed, and muscular body structure rather than a thin or delicate physique. They are traditionally considered to have good physical strength and vitality.
Ruddy complexion: Their skin is often described as having a reddish or ruddy complexion, which is traditionally associated with the predominance of blood and the warm nature of this temperament.
Thick head hair: Sanguine women are traditionally described as having thick and abundant hair on their heads. This characteristic refers specifically to the hair of the scalp and does not necessarily mean excessive or unwanted body hair.
Good sleep and tolerance of staying awake: They generally sleep well and are considered to have good sleep quality. At the same time, they may be able to tolerate staying awake late at night better than people with some other temperaments.
Warm, moist, and soft skin: People with a hot and moist temperament are traditionally described as having skin that feels warm, moist, and soft when touched.
Preference for both sweet and sour tastes: They may enjoy both sweet and sour flavors and are traditionally considered to have an inclination toward foods with these tastes.
Courage and self-confidence: Sanguine people are traditionally described as brave, courageous, and confident. They may have a strong sense of self-confidence and are often willing to express their opinions and take action.
Natural leadership: They are often described as natural leaders and may take a leading role within a group. Their energetic, confident, and sociable nature can make them influential among others.
Good manners and friendliness: People with Sanguine Temperament are traditionally considered well-mannered, sincere, friendly, calm, and pleasant in their interactions. They generally enjoy communicating with others and can establish social relationships easily.
Risky behavior when angry: Although they are generally cheerful and calm, when they become seriously angry, they may react intensely and engage in risky or impulsive behaviors.
High risk-taking tendency: Hot and moist people are traditionally described as adventurous and willing to take risks. They may be more inclined than other temperaments to accept challenges and enter unfamiliar situations.
Less organization and precision: Compared with Choleric Temperament, sanguine people are traditionally considered less organized and less precise. They may sometimes be disordered or careless about arranging their belongings and completing tasks in a highly systematic manner.
High intelligence and strong memory: Sanguine people are traditionally described as intelligent, quick to understand matters, and possessing a strong memory. They may learn and remember information relatively easily.
Speed and energy: They are generally described as fast-moving, energetic, active, and full of vitality. Their warm and moist constitution is traditionally believed to contribute to their high level of physical and mental activity.
Strong body movements: The hot and moist qualities associated with Sanguine Temperament are traditionally believed to increase the strength and energy of body movements, making these individuals physically active and powerful.
High sexual desire and power: Sanguine people are traditionally described as having relatively high sexual desire and sexual energy, which is associated with the warm and moist nature of their temperament.
Tendency toward cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure: According to traditional descriptions, people with a hot and moist temperament may be more susceptible to cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure.
Prominent veins on the hands: The veins on their hands may be relatively prominent and visible, which is traditionally considered one of the physical signs associated with Sanguine Temperament.
Full and strong pulse: Their pulse is traditionally described as full, strong, and powerful, reflecting the predominance of blood humor and the warm nature of this temperament.
Loud and firm voice: A loud, clear, and firm voice is traditionally considered another characteristic that may be observed in people with Sanguine Temperament.
Good digestion and appetite: They are traditionally believed to have good digestive strength and a healthy appetite. They generally have fewer problems with constipation and are considered to digest food relatively well.
Carefree, cheerful, and generous nature: Sanguine people are traditionally described as carefree, cheerful, optimistic, generous, and open-hearted. They tend to enjoy life, social interactions, and spending time with others, and their lively personality can make them pleasant companions.

Overall, these characteristics reflect the traditional understanding of Sanguine Temperament as a hot and moist temperament. In Persian Traditional Medicine, the combination of physical appearance, energy level, digestion, sleep, emotional characteristics, social behavior, and other individual signs is considered when assessing a person’s Mizaj.

What Are the Symptoms of Blood Humor Domination?

According to the traditional humoral framework of Persian Traditional Medicine, the predominance of blood humor in the body is associated with Sanguine Temperament, which is traditionally characterized by warmth and moisture. When blood humor becomes excessive or its balance with the other humors is disturbed, various physical, digestive, mental, and emotional symptoms may appear. The following signs are traditionally associated with Blood Humor Domination:

Varicose veins: Varicose veins, traditionally described in this context as congestion or blockage affecting the vessels of the legs, may occur.
Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are another condition traditionally associated with blood humor predominance.
Premature fatigue: A person may experience fatigue and reduced physical endurance sooner than expected.
Dark circles under the eyes: Darkening beneath the eyes may become noticeable.
Dark skin blemishes: Dark-colored blemishes or spots may gradually spread over different parts of the body.
Black bile sediments in the lower limbs: According to traditional descriptions, black bile may accumulate or settle in the lower limbs when the balance between the humors is disturbed.
Poor eyesight: Reduced visual clarity or weakness of eyesight may be among the associated symptoms.
Poor memory: The person may experience difficulty remembering information or may notice a decline in memory strength.
Pessimism: Negative or pessimistic thinking may become more prominent.
Delayed decision-making: The person may have difficulty making decisions quickly and may spend excessive time considering different possibilities.
Uncertainty and obsessive tendencies: Excessive doubt, uncertainty, and obsessive thinking may occur.
High triglycerides and cholesterol: Elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels are included among the physical signs associated with blood humor domination in traditional descriptions.
High blood pressure: Increased blood pressure may also be observed.
Chronic headaches: Persistent or recurring headaches may become one of the noticeable symptoms.
Knee crepitus: Cracking, clicking, or other unusual sounds from the knees may occur during movement.
Back and lower-back disc pain: Pain in the back, waist, or lower-back region, including discomfort associated with the spinal discs, may occur.
Lack of emotion: The person may experience reduced emotional responsiveness or feel emotionally less engaged than usual.
Negative thoughts: Recurring negative thoughts and unpleasant mental patterns may become more frequent.
A feeling of heaviness in the body: A sense of heaviness may be experienced throughout the body, particularly behind the eyes, in the head, and around the temples.
Unexplained fatigue: The person may feel tired or exhausted without an obvious reason.
Slow understanding: Difficulty understanding information quickly or a feeling of slow mental processing may occur.
Pimples and skin or mouth rashes: Pimples, skin rashes, and similar lesions may appear on the skin or inside the mouth.
Bleeding from the gums, nose, and anus: Unusual bleeding from the gums, nose, or anus is also included among the traditionally described symptoms.
Unusual sweetness in the mouth: An unprecedented or unusual sweet taste in the mouth may be experienced.
Redness of the tongue: The tongue may appear noticeably red.
Dreams involving red objects: Traditional descriptions also associate blood humor predominance with dreams involving red objects, such as blood, as well as vivid or highly exciting dreams.

These symptoms are understood within the traditional theory of humors, in which the quantity, quality, and balance of the four humors are considered important factors in maintaining the body’s overall balance. For this reason, recognizing the signs associated with Blood Humor Domination is traditionally considered an important part of understanding Sanguine Temperament and its relationship with the other temperaments.

Conclusion

Sanguine Temperament, traditionally characterized by warmth and moisture, is one of the four major temperaments described in Persian Traditional Medicine. According to this traditional framework, the predominance of blood humor is associated with various physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral characteristics, including a strong and well-developed body, warm and moist skin, high energy, sociability, confidence, good appetite, and a cheerful and generous personality. At the same time, an excessive predominance of blood humor is traditionally believed to be associated with a range of symptoms and imbalances that may affect different aspects of the body and mind.

Therefore, recognizing a person’s Sanguine Temperament, understanding the qualities of their Mizaj, and paying attention to their diet, lifestyle, environment, and daily habits are considered important principles for maintaining balance in Persian Traditional Medicine. By learning more about Sanguine Temperament and the traditional theory of humors, we can better understand the holistic approach of Persian medical heritage and its emphasis on maintaining balance rather than focusing on a single symptom or part of the body. ACPFOOD is pleased to share information about Persian Traditional Medicine and the traditional uses of medicinal herbs, spices, seeds, flowers, and other natural products with readers around the world.

If you’d like to have information about our products and their traditional uses and benefits in Persian Traditional Medicine, please CLICK HERE.

Sanguine Temperament: Characteristics, Symptoms & Traditional Approaches