TEMPERAMENT

The psycho-physical personality peculiar to an individual, influencing his
metabolic process, manner of thought and action can be termed as temperament
of that particular person. The word temperament is derived from a Latin word
“temperare” which means to temper, or moderate.

TEMPERAMENT=TEMPERERE = TO MODERATE

Temperament is partly determined by genes, but broadly influenced by the
environment. It is true that the genetic tendency child derives from the parents,
does not yield to any treatment, but the physiological disturbances which disturb
the quality of life can be modified by the perfectly selected similimum. The
temperament unlike constitution, can be modified to some extent during the
lifetime of a person. Temperaments are, to a large extent physiological.
Temperament includes the state of the person, color, functions of the systems,
mental and emotional tendencies etc in relation to environment and
circumstances. H.A.Roberts says, “The morbific influences that are attached to
the temperamental tendencies are amendable to treatment and can be removed
by the homeopathic remedy; this in itself greatly preventive of the dangers
arising from the temperamental weakness”.

Classification of Temperaments
Four classical types of temperaments have been explained by H.A.Roberts:

1. Nervous temperament
2. Bilious temperament
3. Sanguineous temperament
4. Phlegmatic temperament
   

Sometimes we find the combination of these types in a single patient, but
one type will always dominate. In some instances, it will even become difficult
to grade a person under one heading as he seems to be a mixture of many
temperamental types.

1. Nervous temperament
   The patient is mentally and physically alert, nerves easily excite. He takes
   quick decisions and acts very rapidly. Nervous weakness and loquacity can be
   seen in him. Example: Actaea racemosa, Agaricus, Nux vomica etc.
2. Bilious temperament
   Combination of earth, cold and dry. This is also called as the choleric
   temperament. There is a tendency to liver disorders. Ill-humored persons are
   seen in this temperament. Generalized pigmentation, high blood pressure, slow
   pulse, well developed muscles, strong appetite and tendency to sluggishness is
   the characteristic of these personalities. Example: Aloe socotrina, Argentum
   nitricum, Podophyllum etc.
3. Sanguineous temperament
   Combination of fire, hot and moist. The name is derived from a Latin word
   “sangus” which means “blood”. The patient is optimistic, confident, and full of
   vigor, blood related diseases, and vascular abnormalities are seen in this type.
   The patient is plethoric, hopeful with fair complexion, light hair and eyes, a full
   pulse and good digestion. Example: Aconitum napellus, Cactus grandiflorus,
   etc.
4. Phlegmatic temperament
   Combination of water, wet and cold. Phlegm or mucosal discharges are
   much present in this temperament. The patient is sluggish, indifferent, calm and
   very lazy. Pallor of skin, slow shallow respiration with lymphatic glandular
   enlargement, and venous stasis are some important findings in this type.
   Example: Pulsatilla.
   Few other types of temperaments are also noticed in the literature:
5. Melancholic temperament
   Combination of air, cool and dry. This name is derived from Greek words
   “melen” which means “black” and “chole”, which means “bile”. The patient is
   pessimistic, always thinks about the negative side of things. He is of silent
   natured, dull, emaciated, lean body with sad and depressed mentality. Example:
   Aurum metallicum, Baryta carbonica. etc.
6. Irritable temperament
   The patient is irritable, easily vexed person. It is very difficult to please him.
   He becomes easily angry.
   Example:Apis mellifica
7. Lymphatic temperament
   Sluggish, pale patients with lean, flabby muscles and slow shallow
   respiration and inflammation of the skin and lymphatics are seen in this type.
   Example: Baptisia tinctoria

Clinical Importance:

1. It helps the physician in understanding the psychological basis of the
   disease.
2. It helps in understanding the patient in relationship to his environment
   and disease.
3. Temperamental study helps in selecting the similimum remedy. “In
   homeopathic instruction, there is frequent mention of temperaments;
   especially do we consider temperaments in case taking and in
   prescribing” says Roberts.
4. Temperament helps in grouping of remedies in Materia Medica with
   similar temperaments.
5. Prescribing on the basis of constitutional types and temperaments alone
   is not a right method. Roberts calls it as the prescription based on “half
   truth”, i.e. partial symptoms. Temperament can give a clue to the
   remedy, but final prescription must always be made on the basis of
   totality of the patient’s symptoms. “Prescribing on types and
   temperaments is a best slack method of using the blessings of
   homeopathy. It is really keynote prescribing, and then not any morbific
   symptoms, but on a general stature, that is present from the birth. Key
   notes may often give us a clue to the indicated remedy, but this clue
   must not be allowed to over balance our judgment in weighing the
   whole symptom picture.”