The cellular architecture and functionality in mammals are categorized into three primary groups. The foundational cell type, known as the Endoderm, gives rise to two distinct “daughter” cell categories through differentiation. One of these paths leads to the formation of the Mesoderm, which develops into our musculoskeletal system, encompassing muscles and bones. Simultaneously, the Endoderm differentiates into the Ectoderm, the precursor to our nervous system. This process underlines the Endoderm’s critical role in sustaining life. The emergence of the Mesoderm and Ectoderm marks the evolution of complex life forms capable of movement and cognitive functions, such as sensing objects, making decisions, and acting upon those decisions, characteristics inherent to animals.
Manual Therapy tailors its techniques to cater specifically to each of these cell classifications, targeting the unique characteristics of the tissue types. Gaining insight into the nature of these cells and determining the most effective therapeutic intervention for each is crucial for devising the most efficient treatment strategy. For instance, issues predominantly influenced by cognitive aspects (e.g., Reflex Integration) may not respond as well to musculoskeletal modalities. A practical illustration of this concept is seen in clients with a mesomorphic/musculoskeletal build, who tend to benefit more from therapies involving stronger and more pronounced tactile stimulation.
Our experiences, encompassing the physical, sensory, instinctual, and cognitive realms, are articulated through a dynamic interplay of three primary cell types. These cell types combine in various proportions, which differ among individuals. Typically, one cell type prevails over the others, significantly influencing our perceptions and decision-making processes. William H. Sheldon pioneered the in-depth study of these phenomena in the 1950s. His groundbreaking work, “Atlas of Men,” provided a comprehensive analysis of these patterns. Sheldon’s initial research reveals a notable trend: women predominantly exhibit an endomorphic constitution, while men’s somatotypes are more frequently mesomorphic and display a more balanced distribution across all three morphotypes.
Effective therapy requires sensitivity to the dominant cell morphology of an issue, to the dominant tissue type of the person experiencing the issue, and what therapies are most appropriate for the three cell morphologies. Most experienced therapists pay conscious or unconscious attention to these factors and modify their approach to a client within the scope of their practice to the morphology of the client and issue. A basic understanding of these factors, and what modalities have the greatest efficacy for those factors, can vastly increase our chances of success when we reach out for support with an issue.
The Three Somatotypes
ENDOMORPH:
This is the root cell type in animals. It comprises our digestive and respiratory systems, as well as the Liver and Pancreas. Endoderm is most active when we are in the mode of “rest and digestion”, assimilating nutrients and rejuvenating and restoring us to health. Tactility is often the more dominant sense.
Endomorphic Somatotypes tend to be rounder, wider in the middle than the shoulders, and are more “laid back”. These are more social people, more inclined to be with others, as opposed to doing something with others. Feelings play a more dominant role in their experience than with the other somatotypes. They will tend to a more global perspective in their thinking, generally more able to “put themselves in another’s shoes” than the other somatotypes.
The foundational experiential attitude is: CONNECTION / ISOLATION
MESOMORPH:
This is the tissue comprising our muscles, bones, and connective tissue, as well as our Heart and circulatory system, and Spleen. These are the tissues in animals that enable them to move about. Vision is often the more dominant of the five senses
Mesomorphs tend to be wider at the shoulders than hips (especially men), and more muscular with a tendency to a “type A” personality. They are oriented to “doing” as opposed to “being”. In a group, they will tend to the role of leader, see social groups from the perspective of hierarchical structures, and pay attention to their place “on the ladder”. Their instinct is to react tactically, as opposed to strategically.
The foundational experiential attitude is: (CREATIVITY/MANIFESTATION)/ANGER
ECTOMORPH:
Forming intention – sensing the surroundings, making sense of what has been sensed, and choosing a course of action – is the role of Ectoderm. Our nerves, both on our periphery and those merging into an immense centralized network of our brains are comprised of ectoderm. Other tissues made from this cell type are our epidermis, hair, and nails. Hearing is a more dominant sense, and more prone to hypersensitivity to sounds, and hypersensitivities in general, making ectomorphs both literally and figuratively “thin-skinned”.
Ectomorphs tend to be thinner, more sensitive, and more cerebral. They tend to think more strategically, weighing multiple options or points of view.
The foundational experiential attitude is: PRUDENCE/FEAR
N.B.: I have always noticed some correlation between the Somatotypes and the Enneagram, and suspect that there is an underlying confluence of these two perspectives. It is too easy to construct assumptions from generalizations, so I am cautious here, but continue to observe the similarities in my client interactions (I.E: Ectomorphic personalities tend to the 5, 6, and 7 points on the Enneagram).