A Comparative Study of Somatotypes in Different Mizaj-e-Insani

Greco-Arab system of medicine is based on fundamentals postulated by Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.). Besides other concepts, the humoural and temperamental (mizaj) theories are the back-bone of this system and a very important base-line of Tibb is the concept of Mizaj-e-Insani (human temperament) which revolves around the diagnosis and treatment modalities as well as specific constitution of an individual. But as modern mind always seeks for more information which can only be provided by research on modern lines with the support of methods which were not available to the ancients. Therefore a comparative study was conducted between different somatotypes and Mizaje Insani at Aligarh city of Uttar Pradesh, India. Subjects were adults of age 19-25 years. Human mizaj was assessed on the basis of proforma developed to reveal Ajnase Ashra (ten parameters) as given in Unani literature, whereas somatotypes were assessed on Carter and Heath ratings. Two Types of Mizaj were selected for study i.e. Damvi and Balghami and their morphology was compared with different somatotypes. Significant difference was found between Damvi and Balghami (Mizaj) of their endomorph and slightly insignificant was documented between Damvi and Balghami and it was found that that majority of Damvi were mesomorphs where as majority of Balghami were endomorphs, which is consistent with the concept of Unani System of Medicine i.e. people of Damvi mizaj are more muscular and robust whereas Balghami mizaj people have more fat deposition.