Squat on the loo − it's good for you!
squatting experience
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Squatting experience
People who squat will tell you that they urinate and defecate more effectively squatting, and use less toilet paper than they do in the sitting position. Like me, these people need no more persuading to squat than their own personal experience. For example–
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“I am so happy for what you guys are doing. Squatting is the natural way to excrete, and the sit toilet is the reason why there are so many gastrointestinal ailments in this world. I have lived in China where they have very comfortable squat toilets. I know the difference between sitting and squatting. I'm so glad you guys are encouraging the Western world to finally come out of the dark ages and revert back to the more civilized natural way to excrete! Keep up the good work!!!” — Jerry Liu, USA
Read some testimonials (found under the ‘Lillipad’ tab above) and please feel free to send any other anecdotal or scientific evidence for the benefits of the squat position and we will post them to be shared on this website.
For an unbiased view, follow the link on the links page to a humorous ‘thread’ on the subject of squatting on the toilet.
Be proactive in avoiding colon cancer
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The effective removal of excrement from the colon is vital, failure to do so can cause constipation which increases the risk of colon cancer.
Alleviate hemroids (hemorrhoids)
In the squat position the intestine alligns correctly. The thighs supporting the abdomen prevent hernias and massage the intestine into action. The muscular contractions that push food along the digestive tract are hindered by the sitting position, yet assisted by squatting. The squat position eliminates the need for excessive straining alleviating hemroids.
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Optimum birthing position
During birth the squatting position gives a greater increase of pressure in the pelvic cavity with minimal muscular effort. The birth canal will open 20—30% more in a squat than in any other position. Squatting will prevent hemroids which often plague pregnant women. Squatting each day on the Lillipad will help prepare the body for this excellent birthing position.
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Beneficial spinal stretch
Squatting is a difficult position to adopt straight away, be patient and give yourself a couple of weeks to get used to squatting. The muscles we use to defecate are excercised by getting down into, and up out of, the squat position. Not only will your balance improve, you will also give your spine a beneficial stretch.
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Promote squatting
You can squat on the rim of a toilet, but be careful and check for cracks and sturdiness first. The squatting platform offered in the plans and the |
Lillipad
are safer options, they also promote the healthy concept of squatting to others. You can promote squatting by linking to this
Lillipad
website.
*References
Alexander Kira. |
The Bathroom.
New York: Penguin, 1976
Janet Balaskas.
New Active Birth.
London: Thorsons, 1991
Joseph Heller and William Henkin.
Body Wise
. New York:
J.P. Tarcher Inc./St Martin's Press, 1986
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the British Commonwealth
, 1969
Sikrov, B.A.
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
, 1987: 23
Jacobs, E.J. and White, E.
Epidemiology
, 1998 July, 9 (4)
