Assessment parameters of Mizāj (Temperament) of Humans in Unani Medicine: A review

Mizāj (temperament) is one of the basic principles of the Unani system of medicine. It has peculiar importance related to the healthy body, diseases, and different modalities of treatment. In Unani medicine, different types of Mizāj, viz., Damawī (Sanguine), Balghamī (Phlegmatic), Ṣafrāwī (Choleric), and Sawdāwī (Melancholic), are described with their methods of assessment. Unani physicians observed different signs and symptoms that differ according to the types of Mizāj, viz., Ḥārr Raṭb (Hot-Moist) temperament of Dam, Bārid Raṭb (Cold-Moist) temperament of Balgham, Ḥārr Yābis (Hot-Dry) temperament of Ṣafrā, and Bārid Yābis (Cold-Dry) temperament of Sawdā. In this connection, Ajnās ‘Ashara (ten classical parameters) are the most acceptable and appropriate determinants for the identification of human Mizāj. This review aimed to explore the parameters of Ajnas ashra for the assessment of Mizāj Motadil and also the clinical features of Sū’-i-Mizāj (Abnormal temperament).