Image © John Corrigan
Ectomorph (Vāta or Wind Type)
These types display the characteristics of wind as this is how their dominant element air exists in a secondary element of space. They are light, dry and unpredictable in their movement – just like the wind.
Physically, they are usually either very tall or very short. Their pulse is likened to a snake – quick and slithering. There is something irregular about their bodies, and this irregularity is seen in everything relating to the unpredictable nature of the wind. This may be expressed as an irregular trunk-to-leg proportion, for example.
They usually have the longest limbs of any type if the opposite is not expressed, which leads to a very short individual. They are usually very thin and find it difficult to gain weight. This is due to the predominance of the air element being light in nature and its drying effect on the tissues.
They are dark in colour. They brown easily in the sun and have coarse, dry hair and skin. Wind can lead to drying of the external and internal skin, where dry skin and constipation are a result. Keeping the body moist and well lubricated is important for them as is keeping themselves safe and warm.
Wind can make them feel detached, so they usually find it easier to go for marathon runs, hike for hours and generally keeping themselves on the move. They need to work more on holding onto things and staying in one place or stick with a certain routine, such as the forms of exercise that suit their constitution.
Above all, they need to build strength. It is important for them to remain flexible, of course, because the tendency for them will be to accumulate stress in the body and become stiff over time, just as when things dry out in nature, they become hard and brittle. They do well by incorporating a slow, daily physical exercise into their busy lives, too keep themselves moving and well-oiled. This may mean including regular massages in order to prevent stress from accumulating.
It is not usually possible for a wind type to just sit still without doing some physical activity first. After the nervous system has been relaxed, and a state of ease can be felt in the mind-body, they can then learn to be still.
These types display the characteristics of wind as this is how their dominant element air exists in a secondary element of space. They are light, dry and unpredictable in their movement – just like the wind.
Physically, they are usually either very tall or very short. Their pulse is likened to a snake – quick and slithering. There is something irregular about their bodies, and this irregularity is seen in everything relating to the unpredictable nature of the wind. This may be expressed as an irregular trunk-to-leg proportion, for example.
They usually have the longest limbs of any type if the opposite is not expressed, which leads to a very short individual. They are usually very thin and find it difficult to gain weight. This is due to the predominance of the air element being light in nature and its drying effect on the tissues.
They are dark in colour. They brown easily in the sun and have coarse, dry hair and skin. Wind can lead to drying of the external and internal skin, where dry skin and constipation are a result. Keeping the body moist and well lubricated is important for them as is keeping themselves safe and warm.
Wind can make them feel detached, so they usually find it easier to go for marathon runs, hike for hours and generally keeping themselves on the move. They need to work more on holding onto things and staying in one place or stick with a certain routine, such as the forms of exercise that suit their constitution.
Above all, they need to build strength. It is important for them to remain flexible, of course, because the tendency for them will be to accumulate stress in the body and become stiff over time, just as when things dry out in nature, they become hard and brittle. They do well by incorporating a slow, daily physical exercise into their busy lives, too keep themselves moving and well-oiled. This may mean including regular massages in order to prevent stress from accumulating.
It is not usually possible for a wind type to just sit still without doing some physical activity first. After the nervous system has been relaxed, and a state of ease can be felt in the mind-body, they can then learn to be still.