Self-categorization and wellbeing

 We, Mongolians, categorize ourselves as Rats, Rabbits and Dragons (by Lunar astrological signs). This categorization is so strong that it, believe it or not, influences some on the selection of their spouse. At corporate world or even at kindergartens and schools teachers conduct temperament tests and categorize humans as choleric or melancholy.

From this, a question popped up in my mind - why do we categorize people? 

Apparently, this is an innate ability of human beings. Infants as early as 3 months can distinguish between different animals (Quinn et al., 1993). It is part of our survival skills. Categorization helps us to understand the world around us. If we did not have this ability, we would have spend much energy on getting to know every new item that surrounds us. The same is true in interaction with humans. Putting person in a temperament box, helps us to decide on how to interact with that co-worker or a student.

This categorization thing does not stop here, it extends to the mental and physical well being domain. I have encountered an Ayurvedic medicine, where the fundamental belief of this medicine is that our body is composed of five basic elements: space, air, fire, water and earth (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda). There is a test to determine which element is dominant in your body. Based on the result, it suggests dietary and lifestyle preferences. 

Then there is another interesting categorization - system vector psychology. It claims that humans have innate traits named as "vectors". There are eight vectors: oral, olfactory, muscular, skin, urethral, anal, sound and visual, which represent core personality types that influence an individual’s habits, preferences, and behaviors in daily life (https://en.yburlan.ru/biblioteka/main/8_vectors). It claims that knowing your vector helps to understand yourself and others. Practitioners of this belief, after determining their vector, change their living environment among others. 

Even though these two practices not scientifically proven, many people follow them. They are considered as an alternative paths, which means it is solely based on the belief. Knowing the fact that "categorization" is an innate survival skill of human beings it is not surprising that some people find comfort in believing that their body is "fire" dominant so they should minimize the spicy food or they have "eye vector", thus she/he should surround oneself with beautiful things. 

If its really beneficial for your mental and physical wellbeing, why not categorize yourself such way? However, there is no harm of little caution and critical thinking to avoid scammers.