Doshas, Part II
Remember that each of us has a Dosha or somatotype, usually a combination of such that is ours from birth: ectomorph (Vata), mesomorph (Pitta) and/or endomorph (Kapha). One's body type cannot be changed, even with plastic surgery. Diets, exercise and liposuction can change some of the superficial outer layers, reduce the amount of fat sitting on the muscles and shave bumps on noses, but only to a small extent.
The ectomorph, the somatotype you met last month that ballet choreographers and artistic directors seem to prefer, has become the female ideal for this age.
Enter the mesomorph (Pittas in Ayurvedic studies). The mesomorph is considered the male ideal.
A mesomorph has square, sturdy bones. The shaft of the bone is as wide as the ends of the bones. The word "knobby" does not apply to mesomorphs. The muscles on those bones are the strongest of the three basic body types. The connective tissue is also thicker and tighter, which gives them the greatest ratio of strength and stability, but the least amount of flexibility.
When an ectomorph and a mesomorph return to classes and rehearsal from a vacation, the ectomorph will be able to stretch at his or her former level of flexibility with relatively few minutes of warm-up, yet feel close to collapse trying to get through the class. The mesomorph will leap through class, yet may pull muscles doing so, for the levels of strength and endurance will be high, but the level of flexibility will have dropped considerably. Ectomorphs' legs will be over their heads, approaching a 180 degree penche. Mesomorphs may not be able to reach past their knees on their way to the floor.
Mesomorphs are a tough, strong body type. Their skin tone is good, blood pressure steady and strong (as long as they are exercising and in shape), and their body's thermostat is more reliable than the ectomorph's. As they age, and their activity level decreases, blood pressure may shoot up alarmingly, though.
Mesomorphs have an efficient digestive system. They tend not to be as disturbed by changes in diet or certain food combinations as the ectomorph's hyper reactive system. The mesomorph's food is absorbed evenly and, as long as they are exercising and being moderately aware of their caloric intake, obesity isn't an immediate problem. Their bodies process food for fuel quickly. When their activity levels fall, the "beer belly" syndrome becomes evident. Witness the look of the athletes competing and playing on the field vs. the look of the pudgy coaches on the sidelines, bellies bulging over belts.
Female mesomorphs may have a rough time in their social life. While female ectomorphs have few curves, that body type is preferred in today's society over the square, brick-like appearance of the female mesomorph--a lady jock. Female mesomorph's bodies, however, tend to give them fewer problems with menstruation, childbirth and aging than the other two body types.
Male mesomorphs are the ones pictured bullying the "90 pound weaklings," the skinny male ectomorphs. Their muscular body type has long been the ideal for men. Mesomorphs can tolerate a greater level of stimuli and pain than ectomorphs before "losing it." They usually have good sleep patterns and don't succumb to dramatic low blood sugar problems if they wait too long before eating.
Muscularly unsurpassed, this powerful body type needs to work at maintaining flexibility. Ectomorphs, who need strength, prefer stretching as their warm-up. Mesomorphs, who need stretching, prefer jogging, running, bouncing warm-ups. Because their body is so strong and so tightly connected, their injuries come from their decreased range of motion. Muscles and connective tissue, with their more limited range of motion, are torn from improper and insufficient stretching. Their posture is usually good. If they neglect stretching, however, their overly tight system will begin pulling the body out of alignment.
Mesomorphs tend to be the jumpers in class and in choreography, with a natural ballon. Dance history buffs will immediately picture Nijinsky with his huge thighs. Extended, flowing adagios are not their forte, nor are they likely to be hired as contortionists in a "Cirque de Soleil" company. Look for them holding up the pyramid of twelve tumblers instead.
As with the other two body types, they come in many heights from little bricks to big bruisers, but no matter what, their look is not the long lean one currently in vogue for females. No amount of dieting will change the shape of anyone's bones. Enjoy your strong body type, mesomorphs. Delight in your strength and work on your stretches.
Next month, meet the endomorph.
For further and more in depth reading consult Sally S. Fitt's Dance Kinesiology by Schirmer Books (especially helpful because it focuses on dancers) and Robert E. Svoboda's Prakruti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution by Geocom, Ltd.