The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism by Matthew Wood

Author:Matthew Wood [Wood, Matthew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-58394-738-8
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Published: 2013-04-01T16:00:00+00:00

Sheldon’s Three Types

In the 1940s, psychologist and physician William Sheldon began to develop a system of body types based on scientific research. The model he came up with also has three types that are thin, medium, and thick in build. Each somatotype had its own peculiar psychological, physical, and medical tendencies, which he determined through statistical studies. Sheldon went a step further and speculated that the three types were derived from a preponderance, during embryological development, of one of the three layers of tissue in the embryo: the ectoderm, mesoderm, or endoderm (meaning the outer, middle, and inner developmental layers). Thus, he named his three types the ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.

It turns out that there is a striking correlation between Sheldon’s work and the earlier, physiognomic model, not only with regard to the three constitutional types, but also in regard to the three classes of organs associated with each type. The groupings developed by the earlier, intuitive researchers, correspond exactly with the organs and systems which develop out of the three embryological layers. Remarkably, the earlier researchers had no knowledge of embryological science. Thus, the endoderm develops into the digestive tract, including pancreas, liver, and gall bladder; the respiratory system; and the bladder. The mesoderm evolves into the muscular and skeletal system; the circulatory system (heart and vasculature); and the kidneys and adrenals. The ectoderm gives rise to the nervous system, the sensorium, and the skin through which the nerves and senses operate so strongly.

Ectomorph. The ectoderm develops into the outer layers of the body, including the skin and the sensory nervous system. Thus, ectomorphs are directly exposed to the world, making them oversensitive, nervous, and overexposed. They tend to set up ideals that protect them from direct emotional interaction, because they are too sensitive and are constantly being pushed out of balance. They have erratic habits in eating, sleeping, and living. They tend to be easily disturbed and are more vulnerable to sickness than the other types. They tend to strong reactions, emotions, thoughts, and opinions, which can be expressed suddenly and surprisingly, for they keep to themselves for self-protection and contemplation. They have a hard time dealing with these strong reactions, with feelings, sexuality, and other people.

Mesomorph. This constitution develops out of the mesoderm, which creates the muscular and skeletal, cardiovascular, and renal systems. They are thus powerful, agile, well built, athletic, strong, and charismatic. They have a medium build between the other two types. Mesomorphs thrive on action, taking an active role in the world and attempting to have more impact than others do. They tend to exude a feeling of confidence, energy, and optimism, so that others are drawn to them as leaders. They are naturally healthy, but so driven that they can create problems for themselves through injuries and tension. They have a hot arterial system and tendencies to coronary problems. Because of their external orientation, they tend to become isolated from their own internal life, and to be less sensitive to those with whom they have friendships and relationships.

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