Homeopathic Constitutional Types : Which One Are You?
So, did you recognize yourself in one of the six genotype descriptions?
For some of you, it was relatively easy to spot your own type, and less easy for others. That’s about par for the course even inside the consult room when I am typing a patient for their genotype. Some I know virtually instantaneously, and some take some time of getting to know the person before the genotype comes into focus.
Often, the issue is that the patient will identify with two or more of the genotypes, not being clear about which one is their fundamental. This is largely due to the fact that the six genotypes are grouped into two distinct triads. When I have to work at figuring someone’s genotype out, one of the first things I’ll differentiate is which triad they belong to — the upper (Silicea, Phosphorous, Pulsatilla), or the lower (Sulphur, Calcarea, Lycopodium)? Everyone tends to express up to two or even all three of the genotypes of their triad, rotating through them at different times of the day, or seasons of the year, or to adapt to different circumstances.
There is always one single genotype which is the fundamental for each person, but ultimately, the healthier we become, the more we express all six aspects of being human, constitutionally speaking. This is one reason why it sometimes takes time to identify the fundamental genotype. The paradox is, that the healthier we become, the more clear our fundamental genotype appears, yet the more we also express all six.
Another aspect which can make finding the genotype tricky, is that our personality is made up of more than just the homeopathic constitution. There are personality elements contributed from our blood type, our dominant glandular type, our astrological sign, and so on. Elements of our gender and our cultural background also make up various parts of how our personality appears in the world. All this, however, doesn’t take away from the fact that each genotype is clear, and can be apprehended as a distinct entity within us, and can be positively affected by the corresponding homeopathic remedy, as opposed to any abstract personality typing system (see the magazines at the grocery store check-out for examples) which doesn’t root itself into anything real within nature.
I know a number of people who resist the idea of typology, which I suppose is an expression of the feeling of their unique individuality. Typology and individuality don’t contradict each other, but are two dimensions we partake of in our make-up. Getting to know both your typological aspects, and your unique individuality will contribute to the unfolding of your highest state of health.
- Homeopathic Constitutional Types : Pulsatilla
- Homeopathic Constitutional Types : What is The Significance in Heilkunst Treatment?
Interesting! Will you be covering the phenotypes soon?
As a matter of fact, I’m organizing my next blog series to be on the phenotypes……
I’m becoming very interested in these posts: would you please consider organizing your genotype / phenotype posts so that they’re titled consistently and all in one place? Or at least put the links in one place? (List all six genotypes and all six phenotypes as links, perhaps? ) cause these are fascinating, but I can’t seem to find all of your posts, which makes it hard to speculate on my constitution, seeing as I don’t have all the info! Thanks
Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog!
I have this blog post pointing out all 6 genotypes:
https://arcanum.ca/2012/04/11/homeopathic-constitutional-types-which-one-are-you/
And this one pointing out the 6 phenotypes:
Nat-m:
https://arcanum.ca/2012/04/14/homeopathic-constitutional-types-natrum-muriaticum/
Ars:
https://arcanum.ca/2012/04/15/homeopathic-constitutional-types-arsenicum/
Staph:
https://arcanum.ca/2012/04/16/homeopathic-constitutional-types-staphysagria/
Nux-v:
https://arcanum.ca/2012/04/17/homeopathic-constitutional-types-nux-vomica/
Sep:
https://arcanum.ca/2012/04/18/homeopathic-constitutional-types-sepia/
Lach:
https://arcanum.ca/2012/04/19/homeopathic-constitutional-types-lachesis/
I saw a Naturopath today. He said I was a Pulsatilla, and gave me some stuff to put under my tongue in the morning. (I had had a latte right before my apt so couldn’t do it today). But after reading this, I feel like I am a Silicea. Will it be OK to take the stuff for Pulsatilla?
Hi Jennifer,
Unfortunately, the way most naturopaths and even homeopaths are trained, they have quite a distorted understanding of what the constitution is. One basic idea that is usually missed is that of the 6 genotypes (yes, there are only 6 basic personality types), the person’s “constitution” is a question of dominance, just like most people are either dominantly left-handed, or right-handed. While everyone does have a strong dominance for their genotype, we ultimately contain all 6 within us. Furthermore, there is another distinction made between the two “triads”, where silica – phosphorous – pulsatilla flow more naturally into one another, and then so do sulphur – calcarea – lycopodium.
If your genotype, for example, is pulsatilla, then silica would very likely be a strong secondary aspect of your personality, or vice versa.
The bigger issue to be concerned about with the lesser understanding of constitutions that most naturopaths have, is that they don’t understand the difference between “a state of health” (which the genotype is), and a “state of disease”, which is the primary goal of Hahnemann’s Heilkunst and homeopathy to cure. This is a very different goal than simply balancing the person through their constitution, which actually does not do anything to remove any of the actual disease layers.
Best,
Jeff
Could you explain further the constitution type differences between the genotypes and the phenotypes listed. What if we are displaying a phenotype of Nux V. probably due to environment, should we take that first? Then later address the genotype constitution? If we are “healthy” can we take these constitutional medicines as “emotional” states arise? what does this do for us? Thanks
Hello there “Casanova” – the key concept to keep in mind when studying the differences between the genotypes and phenotypes, is the fundamental difference between health and disease, or more specifically a state of health and a state of disease. They are not two points along a spectrum, but two fundamentally and qualitatively different states of being. The problem with most systems of healthcare, including most approaches to homeopathy, is that it is only focused on symptom removal, without understanding this idea of qualitatively different states of being.
In your example, if someone is suffering from a nux-v disease state, then that remedy can be given to them to clear the state. If their genotype is also known, then that can be given to them at the same time.
The so-called constitutional remedy, or “genotype” is to support and balance the underlying state of health. It does not function to remove any disease state, as each specific disease state needs to be cured with its corresponding specific remedy. To your example, using the genotype remedy for someone will NOT clear on underline nux disease state.
I found a draw between Silica and Lycopodium. Am I mistaken since they don’t share a triad?
You’re right – they’re not in the same constitutional triad, but they have enough similarities that it can often be difficult to distinguish them from each other.
I have often experienced this with certain patients, where it takes me a little while before I get to know them better, and can see if their underlying constitution is silicea or lycopodicum.
Have you used either of these remedies, yourself?
Hi,
I’m also not sure of my type, there are traits that I have in both Silicea and Phosphorus as well as both types have some traits that are completely out of the question in my personality, so I’m confused and wondering is there an angle to take to define my “true type” with a relatively high certainty?
Or will trying both remedies and comparing the results give me the final say?
Thank you!
Hi Urszula – yes, the Silicea and Phosphorous can have quite a lot of overlap with each other, and be difficult to tell apart sometimes. Part of the confusion in typing a person can come from elements which fall outside of the genotype (such as diseases and imbalances which cloud the natural image of the person). If you are interested in your health, generally, we could do a total assessment of you, which would include the genotype. You could reach us through reception@arcanum.ca to find out how to become a patient.
I am interested in possibly signing up to become a patient so that I can find out what my genotype and phenotypes are. I found your article incredibly interesting!
Question:
1- Do you offer phone consults? (as I am in the USA and would not be able to go to Canada for an appointment)
2- Concerning SILICEA. I have been told that Silicea 30C is a great remedy to push out a wooden splinter (I got one under my fingernail). HOWEVER, upon researching this remedy online, I read many sites that said those with IMPLANTS should never use silicea, as it would push the implant out. !! I got scared (I have breast implants), and opted to NOT use Silicea. I also have dental fillings (silver) and also read that silicea would cause those to fall out as well.
Is this true??
Will Silicea, at 30C and 6C “over the counter” potencies, cause implants (be they breast, pacemaker, knee replacement, dental fillings, etc) to be pushed out of the body?? As implants are not anchored, but rather just floating, I am really concerned. I have thought Silicea to be a good remedy to have on hand for many self limiting issues, but? Also, my mother had a subdural hematoma back in the 1980s, which required brain surgery. They had to cut a part of the skull open, and then they closed it back. I am assuming she has some type of metal screws in her skull? If so, then should she also NOT use silicea in the 30C or 6C?
Much thanks!
Kelli
Is it possible for a genotype to be a disease state like a phenotype? For instance the constitution is silicea but the physical ailments match lycopodium with some of the lyc mentals?
Have you treated anyone in your practice with this many complications:
HI am 36 years old male, with the following health issues:
Gilbert Syndrome (elevated levels of bilirubin/ yellow skin(eyes)) in my teens.
Shortly after with thyroid problem.
Eczema
Food constantly being stuck in my throat (to a point 3x to the hospital to have the surgeon push it down)
Allergies all year round (runny nose, sneezing, and red watery eyes)
Irritated easily
Poor memory
Fatigue, Desire but lack of energy to finish task,
Good amount of sleep but hard to wake up and feeling lethargic through out the day
Inconsistency, cant keep up with the goals
Hi Mohammed,
Thanks you for your comment. I have replied to your email this morning.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
– Diane Nowlan, Office Manager, Arcanum Wholistic Clinic
Hi Abigail,
Practitioner, Jeff Korentayer, has provided the following response to your query:
“Yes – remedies can be “multi-purpose” in the sense you’re saying here. If we take the homeopathic remedy “Phosphorous”, for example, it can be applied to one patient to treat a “phosphorous-like disease”, and to another patient to balance their “Phosphorous genotype”.
The important key here is to understand the difference between a “state of health” and a “state of disease”.
The challenge as a student is that traditional materia medicas have been written without this fundamental distinction being understood. This means that the typical materia medica is presented with a mix of healthy characteristics mixed in with disease symptoms. It creates the illusion that health and disease are just two sides of the same coin, which they are not.”
hai sir only this drugs genotype 6 phenotype6 drugs enough for practice remaining not used for treatment
Hello sir,
No – I believe you’ve come to a misunderstanding about the genotypes and phenotypes.
These “constitutional” remedies, particularly the 6 genotypes, represent how the human beings express themselves in a state o health, but then starting with the 6 phenotypes, as well as the many thousands of available homeopathic remedies, we can begin into the curative aspect of treatment.
I’ve written many times about the definition of health, and you can start here : https://arcanum.ca/2012/06/02/what-is-health-anyways/
Your ideas have likely become confused by the myths of Classical homeopathy, which has a very unclear and indistinct definition of the so-called “constitutional” remedy. When you study Hahnemann closely, such myths cannot remain standing.
I welcome your further questions on this topic. Perhaps you may enjoy being my guest on one of my upcoming live Facebook broadcasts, where we could discuss this topic thoroughly.
Best,
Jeff