Persian Lifestyle Principles

The Six Persian Lifestyle Principles:

1.Environmental Air & Breathing,

Environmental air refers not only to the air that all living organisms share, but also the effect of seasons and weather patterns. The air we breathe is our primary source of nutrition; it is extremely vital to our health. TPM advocates correct breathing techniques and encourages breathing exercises and meditation.

One should always be aware of seasonal changes and the adverse effects of exposure to extreme climatic changes. For example, during cold and wet climatic conditions, those with a phlegmatic Temperament should take special care to ensure that optimum body heat is maintained. Similarly, a choleric person should avoid too much exposure to summer heat.

With respect to Temperamental combinations, a person with a dominant/sub-dominant Sanguineous/Phlegmatic Temperament, having a dominant quality of moistness, will be most uncomfortable and negatively affected in weather conditions where excessive moistness is prevalent.  Similarly, an individual with a dominant/sub-dominant melancholic/choleric Temperament will be negatively affected during the dry season of autumn.

3.Movement & Rest,

Controlled, regular and suitable physical exercise is also essential to maintaining good health. TPM believes that equal attention should be given to the role of exercise and rest. As we are all unique, we each have different requirements for exercise and rest.

It is important to do exercises that are appropriate for an individual’s Temperament. Some Temperaments are more suited to strenuous exercises than others. Attitudes to movement/exercise also differs for different Temperaments; for example, the choleric Temperamental type prefers competitive activities, whereas a phlegmatic individual is likely to prefer leisurely walks or gardening. Swimming, walking and Pilates are ideal for all Temperamental types, while high impact exercises such as jogging might not be ideal for the typical Melancholic thin/bony frame.

5. Emotions & Feelings,

Our emotions play a vital role in our wellbeing. Every emotion has a different qualitative effect on the body. Positive emotions such as happiness, optimism, love and humour are known to invigorate the body. Negative emotions such as anxiety, frustration, resentment and anger can cause serious health problems.

TPM associates each emotion with a qualitative effect, e.g. Anger: Hot & Dry; Worry: Hot & Moist; Depression: Moist & Hot; Fear: Cold & Moist; Grief: Cold & Dry; Excitement: Dry & Hot.

Individuals are more prone to the emotions that have the same qualities as their Temperament. For instance, a dominant Melancholic (Cold & Dry) will be more inclined to experience grief, whereas a dominant Choleric (Hot & Dry) is prone to anger.

To avoid negative health effects, the predisposition to certain emotions should be managed vigilantly. For example, a dominant Choleric individual needs to find effective ways of preventing anger with meditation and breathing exercises.

Other Lifestyle Factors

Occupation or career: As occupations vary physically and mentally, a person’s health will be influenced by their occupation.

Where you live: This refers to the home environment, which may be overcrowded or lack ventilation. The pollution levels in one’s immediate environment also need to be considered; for example, the hazardous effects of industrial toxins can be detrimental to one’s health.

Age and Gender: while a person’s Temperament is fixed (with an ideal qualitative state), the different stages of a person’s life—from infancy to old age—influence the diseases or conditions that a person may be inclined to. For example, during infancy and early childhood, most illnesses are associated with moistness (phlegm disorders, vomiting, diarrhoea etc.), teenagers/early adulthood with heat (acne, inflammation) and late adulthood with dryness (osteoporosis). Gender also influences predispositions, as females are moister than males.

Personal habits and hygiene:  Screen time, smoking and recreational drugs can have an extremely negative effect on a person’s Temperament. The influence of hygiene is also significant. In underprivileged areas where access to clean running water and basic necessities are limited, overall health is also compromised.