Reading Temperament from the Face
A guide to reading temperament from the face in traditional medicine
Have you ever wondered why some faces always look lively and energetic, some soft and puffy, and others thin and angular?
In traditional medicine, the answer to these differences lies in the idea of temperament. The human face is not just an outward appearance; it also reflects the body’s inner state, the humours (the body’s fluids) and even our way of life.
In this article you will learn how to recognise the signs of temperament by looking at the face, clearly and step by step.
The basic principles of temperament physiognomy
In traditional medicine the face is assessed by four main measures:
- Colour (skin tone)
- Texture (whether the skin is dry or moist)
- The size and shape of the face
- Visible heat (whether the face looks warm or cold)
Together, these four factors are the basis for reading temperament from the face.
Why does the face tell us about temperament?
In major works of traditional medicine, such as Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine) and Zakhireh-ye Khwarazmshahi, the face is seen as a reflection of the body’s build (how lean or full it is) and the structure of the organs.
From this point of view, the shape of the face depends on four basic qualities:
Heat
- Increases the development of muscle and bone
- Makes the blood vessels more visible
- Gives the face liveliness and energy
Cold
- Reduces tissue development
- Increases fat build-up
- Makes the face look more still
Moisture
- Creates puffiness and volume
- Makes the face soft and round
Dryness
- Reduces the tissues
- Makes the face thin and angular
Face types by temperament
Hot and moist temperament (Demevi, sanguine)
Features:
- A full, round face with volume
- Prominent, reddish cheeks
- Soft, glowing skin
- Full lips
Why: the dominance of blood (dam) increases volume and energy, so the face looks lively and healthy.
Hot and dry temperament (Safravi, choleric)
Features:
- A long, bony face
- Prominent cheekbones
- Dry skin with a yellowish tint
- Thin lips
Why: heat + dryness → less fat → a more angular face.
Cold and moist temperament (Balgami, phlegmatic)
Features:
- A puffy, soft face
- Light, pale skin
- Bags under the eyes
- Cheeks that tend to sag
Why: high moisture → fluid build-up → the face looks swollen.
Cold and dry temperament (Sevdavi, melancholic)
Features:
- A thin, long face
- Dark, dry skin
- Sunken eyes
- Thin lips
Why: dryness + cold → tissue loss → the face looks thin and hollow.
A very important point (a common mistake)
Reading temperament from the face alone is wrong, because:
- Temperaments are usually mixed
- Lifestyle changes the face
- Illness affects appearance
An important difference: inborn and acquired temperament
Inborn temperament
- Determines the bone structure
- Stays the same for life
Acquired temperament
- Relates to fat and soft tissue
- Changes with lifestyle
Example: a person with a broad (Demevi) face may develop a thinner face over time because of stress and dryness.
How is temperament read from the face?
For an accurate reading, these should be assessed together:
- Skin colour
- The shape of the face
- Texture (soft or dry)
- The state of the eyes
- The lips and cheeks
They should then be weighed together with:
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Digestion
- Mood
Summary
In traditional medicine:
- Heat → redness and energy
- Cold → paleness
- Moisture → fullness and softness
- Dryness → thinness and angularity
The face reflects the body’s inner state, but for a correct reading it must always be assessed together with other signs.
Sources
- Ibn Sina. Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine).
- Jurjani SI. Zakhireh-ye Khwarazmshahi.
- Kaptchuk TJ. The Web That Has No Weaver.
- Bickley LS. Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination.
- Kumar V, Abbas AK. Robbins Pathology.
- Gholizadeh F. Traditional Medicine.
Do you know your temperament?
Which foods and herbs suit you depends on your temperament. The free temperament test takes only a few minutes.
This article is for information only and is based on traditional medical sources and general health knowledge. It is not a medical diagnosis, treatment or prescription and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have a health complaint, take regular medication, are pregnant, or are considering this for a child, consult your doctor before applying anything. Herbal products can interact with medicines.
