Understanding terms like melancholic, sanguine, and even general imbalances is ingrained in our vocabulary, yet few of us question their origins. These terms trace back to the ancient Greek theory of Humoralism, which proposed the existence of four humors within the human body. According to this theory, these humors played a vital role in shaping various aspects of human life.
History
The Humoralism theory of medicine, which was developed and researched by Hippocrates, held its position as the prevailing medical theory until the 1800s. This concept proposed that an individual’s physical appearance, personality, temperament, mental health, and physical well-being were determined by the presence of four humors within the body – yellow bile, black bile, phlegm, and blood.
Humor Theory vs. Supernatural Theory
In the past, supernatural theories were commonly used to explain illness before humoralism gained popularity. Prior to Hippocrates’ scientific approach, illness, especially mental illness, was attributed to demonic possession. Prayer and exorcism were the primary methods of treatment.