Phlegmatic Winter

In Unani Tibb, the concept of temperaments (Mizaj) plays a key role in maintaining balance between the body's humors (Ahlam). The Phlegmatic season is typically associated with winter, when the cold, damp, and heavy qualities dominate. The cold and moist nature of this season influences the temperaments differently. Here's how each of the four temperaments—Sanguine, Melancholic, and Choleric—are affected by the Phlegmatic winter season and how to balance them:  

Sanguine Temperament

The Sanguine person is naturally warm, moist, and tends to be cheerful, sociable, and lively. During the Phlegmatic (winter) season, the cold, damp, and heavy qualities can suppress the natural warmth and vitality of a Sanguine person. This may lead to feelings of sluggishness, low energy, and reduced enthusiasm.  

• Effects during Winter: Tendency towards lethargy or low energy. Reduced social interactions or a desire to be more indoors, potentially leading to feelings of depression or disconnection. Increased susceptibility to respiratory issues (like colds or coughs) due to the cold and damp nature.

How to Balance the Sanguine Temperament in Winter   

• Foods to Favor: Warm, nourishing foods like soups, stews, and broths. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, which promote warmth and digestion. Fats and oils (preferably healthy oils like olive oil, ghee) to maintain warmth and energy. High-protein foods like eggs, lean meats, and legumes to stabilize energy levels. Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers to boost the immune system.
• Lifestyle Recommendations:   Stay active: Regular moderate exercise (like walking, yoga) helps to maintain circulation and energy levels. Socialize in moderation: Keep connections strong but try not to over-extend socially, which can deplete energy. Use warmth: Avoid cold environments and dress warmly. A warm, cozy atmosphere can help uplift mood.

Melancholic Temperament

The Melancholic temperament is typically cold, dry, and reflective. People with a Melancholic temperament are often introspective, serious, and prone to sadness. The winter season, with its cold and damp nature, can exacerbate these tendencies, leading to deeper introspection, sadness, and feelings of isolation or depression.  

• Effects during Winter: Tendency towards sadness, pessimism, and overthinking. Greater susceptibility to mood swings, anxiety, and depressive thoughts. Increased desire for solitude, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness or isolation.

How to Balance the Melancholic Temperament in Winter   

• Foods to Favor:   Warming, grounding foods: Cooked root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Oily, moist foods: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish to counteract dryness and provide nourishment to the body and mind. Spices like turmeric, saffron, cinnamon, and nutmeg to uplift mood and stimulate circulation. Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice to stabilize energy and improve mood. Berries, dark chocolate, and foods rich in magnesium (such as leafy greens, bananas) to support the nervous system.
• Lifestyle Recommendations:   Sunlight and light therapy: Even in winter, try to get sunlight, which helps increase serotonin levels. If sunlight is limited, consider using light therapy. Social interactions: While Melancholic people may tend toward solitude, maintaining healthy social connections is important to avoid isolation. Gentle movement: Moderate exercises like walking, tai chi, or gentle yoga can help to reduce the heaviness in the body and mind, releasing endorphins. Mindfulness and grounding practices: Meditation, deep breathing, and grounding techniques to stay mentally present and avoid overthinking.

Choleric Temperament

The Choleric temperament is typically hot and dry, characterized by ambition, leadership qualities, and a high level of activity. In the winter season, the cold and damp qualities can directly counterbalance the natural warmth and dryness of the Choleric temperament. This can lead to frustration, irritability, or a lack of focus due to the suppressed fiery energy.  

• Effects during Winter: Tendency towards frustration, irritability, or feeling "stuck" or sluggish. Potential for low motivation or difficulty focusing, especially if the Choleric person thrives in more active, stimulating environments. Increased susceptibility to digestive issues like bloating or constipation due to the cold and dampness affecting the gut.

How to Balance the Choleric Temperament in Winter 

• Foods to Favor:   Warm, grounding foods: Root vegetables, hearty grains (like quinoa, barley), and cooked greens to nourish and ground the body. Spices and herbs: Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, mustard, and garlic to stimulate digestion and balance internal heat. Proteins: Lean meats, legumes, eggs, and warming broths to provide energy and stability. Anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, garlic, and olive oil to counteract any potential inflammatory tendencies.
• Lifestyle Recommendations:   Structured physical activity: Engage in moderate exercises that allow for energy release, such as brisk walking, running, or strength training. Intense exercise is best done in moderation to avoid overheating or exhaustion. Stay productive: Keep the mind and body engaged with productive tasks to avoid frustration and restlessness. Stay warm: Choleric people benefit from warm environments, so dressing in layers and using heating devices can keep them comfortable.

General Tips for the Winter Phlegmatic Season

• Maintain a balanced routine: Regular sleep and rest are essential during this cold and heavy season. Both physical and mental fatigue are common, so adequate sleep helps restore the body's balance.
• Stay hydrated: Even in winter, staying hydrated is important. Herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, and peppermint are warming and soothing.
• Support the immune system: Since winter increases the risk of illness, immune-boosting foods like garlic, honey, lemon, and ginger should be part of your diet.
• Moisturize the body: The cold weather can dry out the skin, so using natural oils (like olive or almond oil) can help maintain skin health and balance the body’s dryness.

In conclusion, winter as a Phlegmatic season can throw each temperament out of balance, so it’s important to focus on warmth, moisture, and vitality. By choosing the right foods, engaging in appropriate lifestyle practices, and moderating activity levels, it’s possible to restore harmony and maintain a balanced state during this season.