humorální

Humorální refers to a concept primarily found in older medical theories, particularly those of Hippocrates and Galen. It describes the idea that the body's health and temperament are determined by the balance of four fundamental bodily fluids, or humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. The prevailing belief was that an excess or deficiency in any of these humors led to specific physical and psychological conditions. For instance, an abundance of yellow bile was thought to contribute to a choleric temperament, characterized by excitability and anger. Conversely, a predominance of black bile was associated with a melancholic disposition, marked by sadness and introspection. The theory of humorism suggested that treatments should aim to restore the proper balance of these humors, often through methods like bloodletting, purging, or dietary changes. While largely superseded by modern scientific understanding of physiology and disease, the concept of humorism had a profound and lasting influence on Western medicine for centuries, shaping diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The term "humorální" can still be encountered in historical contexts or when discussing the legacy of these early medical ideas.