Humoralism

Humoralism is an ancient medical theory that suggests human health is influenced by four bodily fluids, or "humors": blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Each humor corresponds to certain qualities and elements; for instance, blood is associated with a warm and wet temperament. Health was believed to be maintained by a balance of these humors. An imbalance could lead to illness, prompting treatments like herbal remedies, dietary changes, or bloodletting to restore harmony. Although humoralism has been largely replaced by modern medicine, it historically shaped medical practices and our understanding of health.