Health Benefits of the Natural Squatting Position
A LIGHT-HEARTED AND PHILOSOPHICAL DISCUSSION ON TOILETING POSTURE
“That Is The Way It Has Always Been Done”
When it comes to toileting posture, very few people can explain why they do it one
way, but not the other. There is actually a reason why this is so, as explained in a
story that goes something like this:
A young newlywed woman was preparing a meal of chicken for her new husband.
She took great pains to cut the chicken in a particular, if not peculiar, way, prompting
her new husband to ask her why she was preparing the chicken in that manner.
“Because my mother prepared it that way,” replied the young bride.
“Well, why did your mother prepare it that way?” the husband asked her.
“I don’t know, she just does,” said the bride who was beginning to become quite
flustered.
So the husband took it upon himself to call his new mother-in-law to learn the reason
for preparing the chicken in such a bizarre manner. But the mother replied that she
did not know, it was just the way that HER mother had always done it.
Upon consulting with the bride’s grandmother (the mother-in-law’s mother) the
husband learnt that the reason grandmother prepared the chicken in such a manner
was that this was the only way that she could get it to fit in her small pan!
In our daily lives we perpetuate similar practices, for similar reasons – because
THAT IS THE WAY IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN DONE
In truth, people generally prefer the comfort of the status quo as opposed to learning
and taking in new ideas, knowledge and ways of doing things, especially if the idea,
knowledge or way of doing things – toileting posture included – is different from what
they know and/or have been doing. And thinking is hard. It was Henry Ford who
said that this was why no many people want to think.
The famed German philosopher, Martin Heidegger, put this in another way when he
wrote: “The most thought-provoking thing in our thought-provoking time is that we
are still not thinking.”
New ideas, concepts and experiences can be frightening, especially when we are
not really thinking. Combine this element of change with a taboo subject – toileting
posture (squat or sit) – and you literally have people quickly running for cover.
We can use “potty humor” and poke fun at “the john” and “crap”, yet when it comes
to actually “doing the deed”, the majority of people are covering their ears, their eyes
tightly shut, chanting in a sing song tone: “I can’t hear you! La la la la!”
“THAT IS THE WAY IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN DONE”
The reality is that while many Westernized countries have adopted the sitting
toileting posture, it is not the healthiest practice. Numerous studies have linked the
porcelain throne to many serious colon, bladder, prostate and pelvic health problems
that are prevalent in the Western world.
In contrast, the groups which who have a squatting toileting culture, such as the
Chinese, Indians, Japanese, Middle Eastern peoples and Africans, tend to have
fewer occurrences of digestive and elimination problems.
Aristotle said, “If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is Nature’s
way.”
This has been proven over and over to be true. Squatting is the natural position for
elimination and the best way in which the body responds. Squatting promotes the
correct and natural placement of the colon and other internal organs, allowing them
to function properly.
Sitting simply does not facilitate the natural function of elimination. The use of sitting
toilet posture is not only unnatural to the body, but also hinders its natural process of
elimination.
SIDENOTE
================================
You can read about the specific ailments
associated with sitting toilets at
http://www.toilet-related-ailments.com
================================
Long ago, Buddha saw the strong connection between the mind and body when he
said, “To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to
keep our mind strong and clear.”
It is time to return to what is natural, and to return to our roots before we are unable
to even lift ourselves from the couch or adopt the correct toileting position that will
allow us to expel waste completely.
That can only happen when everyone starts to think about and question accepted
norms and practices, and rejecting the excuse…
THAT IS THE WAY IT HAS
ALWAYS BEEN DONE
THE SQUATTING POSITION – ARE YOU ABLE TO DO IT?
Although the squatting position is a basic and natural human posture, those who live
in Westernised countries have little or no opportunity to squat in their daily lives.
As a result, many find squatting to be a difficult and foreign posture when they reach
adulthood. This inability or difficulty of Westerners to assume the squatting posture
has become a defining characteristic of Westerners.
As many as one in three adult Westerners may be affected. For instance, in a well-
known Australian study on the connection between toileting posture and urinary
incontinence, researchers found that one third of women volunteers could not squat
for more than thirty seconds before falling backwards.
In contrast to Westerners, the majority of men, women and children in Asia, Africa,
Middle East and developing world have no problems with the natural squatting
position.
This is not surprising; in these cultures, squatting is required for many daily activities,
eg: washing clothes, cooking, talking with children, reaching out for things in lower
cupboards. And, of course, when using traditional squat toilets.
The Ability Or Inability To Squat – Does It Really Matter?
The ability to squat is important because it is intended that human beings evacuate
waste in the squatting position. The Western habit of sitting is actually a recent
development which began about 150 years ago, during the Industrial Revolution,
when sitting-type toilets were introduced to the masses.
Steven Arnott, in his book Wash Your Hands! (Prion Books, 2001), explained why
squatting is better than sitting in such a simple manner that even a young child can
understand:
“Squatting… spreads the buttocks to
reveal the anus, whereas sitting can do
the opposite.”
Sitting toilets can actually do much more harm that just keeping the anus “closed”.
The long-term use of sitting toilets for waste evacuation is detrimental to one’s health.
What many may not be aware is that in the sitting position, there is a natural kink
between the rectum and anus. One has to strain and bear downwards in an attempt
to force a turd around the bend.
It is this straining and ‘pushing downwards’ with the diaphragm while holding the
breath that are the root causes of many serious colon, bladder, prostate, pelvic-
related ailments and diseases. (You can find out more about these specific health
problems at http://www.toilet-related-ailments.co
The men who invented the ‘more civilised’ sitting toilet did not understand how the
human body works, the natural requirements of waste elimination or its serious
impact on the health of users.
The truth is that squatting is the best toileting posture as it aligns and straightens the
rectum and anus, resulting in quicker, easier and more complete evacuation.
THE ROADMAP TO COLON HEALTH
The foundation of colon health is the use of the squatting position for bowel
movements.
Aside from squatting for bodily functions, the other two elements of colon health are:
(1) daily bowel movements (at least one per day, ideally one for each meal), and (2)
colon cleansing and detoxification (two or more times a year).
Together, they constitute the roadmap to colon health, the result of which is a clean
and healthy colon that provides natural protection and immunity against colon and
digestive ailments and diseases.
Although the old saying “Death Begins in the Colon” may seem to be an
oversimplification, it is more accurate than not in many cases of ill health and
disease.
The situation is quite serious. Diseases of the colon have reached an all time high
worldwide — and are still on the rise.
For instance, in America alone, close to 100 million people today are affected by
colon disorders and diseases such as constipation, diverticular disease, hemorrhoids,
colitis and Crohn’s disease and colon cancer. The total cost for all aspects of these
colon health problems is estimated at more than $100 billion per year.
Since the real cause behind much sickness and disease is the retention and
reabsorption of built up toxic waste in the colon, the road to good health must always
begin with the colon.
This is why in virtually all health rejuvenation programs, the first step is getting rid of
old toxic and poisonous waste matter that have accumulated in the colon over the
years. (Ten to twenty pounds is not unusual; 60 to 70 pounds has actually been
reported.)
Along with the removal of built-up fecal waste, the cause of sickness and disease is
also removed in many cases. The colon — and the whole body — is given a new
lease of life, and healing can take place.
Bowel Movements
Cutting down on meat, eating more unprocessed and natural foods, drinking more
water (distilled water is recommended), moving and exercising more all contribute to
regular bowel movements.
Squatting for Waste Elimination
Contrary to what many believe, human beings were not meant to evacuate waste in
the sitting position but in the squatting position.
The time will come when all would recognise that the introduction of sitting toilets
was a tragic decision which have brought in its wake much pain and suffering in the
form of colon, bladder, prostate and pelvic-related ailments and diseases.
Colon Cleansing and Detoxification
A good colon cleansing and detoxification program would have to address several
key areas. Among other things, it must be able to achieve the following:
• Draw out and remove old fecal matter off the colon walls and pockets
• Draw out poisons and toxins (including chemicals and drug residues)
• Destroy and expel parasites
• Help stimulate the muscle movement of the colon
• Speed up the transit time of feces through the large intestine
• Soothe and promote the healing of the mucous membrane lining of the entire
digestive tract
There are many colon health, cleansing and detoxification programs available in the
market, but not all are equal to the task at hand.
I would recommend that you go for Jon Barron’s Colon Corrective and Colon
Detoxifier. (Both are listed under Category A. You can read about their formulation,
properties of the herbs used, instructions on dosage and also Q&A by clicking on the
respective links.)
Colon Health — As Easy As 1-2-3
In summary, colon health boils down to three things, namely daily bowel movements,
doing it in the correct way (squatting) and colon cleansing and detoxification.
Additional information
For more information on the link between the use of the sitting posture (toilets) and
colon, bladder, prostate and pelvic-related ailments and diseases, please visit this
website on toilet-related ailments.
HOW YOU CAN LEARN TO SQUAT AGAIN
A person’s ability (or inability) to squat is a good indication of his or her physical
condition. To do a squat, one must not only possess a flexible body, but also have
well-developed leg and back muscles.
Although human beings are born with the innate ability to squat, a lack of practice in
squatting could render a person incapable of squatting, or holding the squatting
position for even a minute.
The ability to squat is also important for health reasons. Contrary to Western ideas
about toilet design, human beings were not meant to evacuate waste in the sitting
position. The best toileting posture is squatting – the posture used by most Asians,
Africans, people in Middle Eastern countries and many other regions of the world.
Dr Henry L Bockus, in his book Gastroenterology (Vol 2, pg 469, Philadelphia: W.B.
Saunders Co, 1944), explained why squatting is better:
“The ideal posture for (elimination) is the
squatting position, with the thighs flexed
upon the abdomen.
In this way the capacity of the abdominal
cavity is greatly diminished and intra-
abdominal pressure is increased, thus
encouraging expulsion.”
However, as a result of the confluence of several factors/events in history – the
mistaken idea that sitting is more dignified and ‘civilized’ than squatting (the posture
used by native peoples in the colonies and developing world), the availability of
sewers and indoor plumbing during the Industrial Revolution and invention of sitting
toilets – one third of humanity ended up abandoning the squatting posture for bowel
movements.
Today, with few exceptions, eg: in France, it is virtually impossible for a visitor to find
any squat toilets in Western countries.
The habit of sitting for defecation has given rise to a strange defining characteristic of
Western peoples: one in three adults (according to one study) is incapable of
holding the squatting position for more than thirty seconds.
squatting position, squatting posture, squatting, squat
But there is more to a person’s ability to squat than meets the eye…
Sit or Squat?
The truth is that human beings were designed to evacuate waste in the squatting
position.
In the sitting posture, it is physically impossible to empty the colon completely. In
spite of all the straining, it is impossible to empty the colon completely. The use of
sitting for defecation has also been linked to the growing epidemic of colon, bladder,
prostate and pelvic–related health problems in the Westernised countries. (You can
find out more by visiting http://www.toilet-related-ailments.com.)
Squatting Exercises
For those who want to switch from sitting to squatting, the first thing is to regain the
ability to squat. There is no other way other than actually doing it, as shown in this
Expert Village video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L95GvVjBK2M
SQUATTING TIP
========================
If you have difficulty in doing a squat, place one or two tall-back
chairs at your side and use your hands to hold on to them for support.
Or you could practise squatting with a big exercise ball placed
between your back and a wall.
========================
Aside from squatting, there are also other forms of exercises that can improve
flexibility, sense of balance and strength that are effective in helping a person regain
the ability to squat.
Yoga
Yoga exercises are especially beneficial in helping a person regain the ability to
squat again. The practice of yoga increases natural flexibility of the body, which is
crucial in being able to squat correctly. Yoga also strengthens the muscles needed
to facilitate the squatting position.
Pilates
Aside from yoga, Pilates can also strengthen your entire body, which can help you to
regain the ability to squat.
Ballet
There are also several ballet exercises that are especially effective in enhancing a
person’s ability to squat:
Demi Plies
Hold on to a chair and stand with your feel about hip’s width apart. Keep your back
straight and your pelvis tucked under your body. Slowly lower your body, keeping
your feel flat on the floor. Hold for a count of ten and slowly stand back up.
Grande Plies
Stand holding onto the chair, back straight, pelvis tucked. Slowly lower yourself. As
you lower your body, rise up on your toes and go down as far as you can while
keeping your back straight. You can hold there and in several other positions going
up or down if you wish. Slowly raise yourself.
Demi and Grande Plies
You can do plies, both grande and demi, from several off the five basic ballet
positions:
1) First position is heels together, toes pointed outward.
2) Second position is feet about hip width apart with toes pointed outward.
3) Third position is rarely used.
4) Fourth position is toe to heel in the shape of a seven, either correct or
backwards, depending on the lead foot.
5) Fifth position which is toe to outer instep, forming a sort of “T”.
One Last Word…
There are few things in life that, with so little effort required on your part, could
provide such a profound and positive effect on your health.
By regaining the ability to squat, and making a simple change in your daily routine –
squatting instead of sitting for bowel movements – you could prolong and greatly
improve the quality of your life.
WHAT HAS SQUATTING GOT TO DO WITH CONSTIPATION AND CANCER?
A Lesson from the Navajo Indians in America
For more than a hundred years, doctors have known about the connection between
constipation and cancer.
One of them was British surgeon Sir William Arbuthnot Lane (1856-1943).
Sir William repeatedly emphasized that in his surgical practice, he had never came
across a single case of cancer where the patient had not suffered from a prolonged
intestinal stasis (chronic constipation).
Another doctor, Professor Aviles of the Biochemistry of Cancer Department in
Guadalajara, Mexico, found that out of 7,715 cancer patients he had examined over
a 15-year period, virtually all of them (99%) had suffered from constipation.
Prof Aviles also discovered that degree of malignancy was parallel to the degree of
constipation.
Western Diet, Constipation and Cancer
In his remarkable book Cancerproof Your Body, Australian author Ross Horne also
identified the Western diet as one of the two root causes of constipation and cancer:
“Not only does the Western (high fat, high protein, low fiber) diet
directly cause blood pollution and high blood viscosity, it is
guaranteed also to cause constipation.
“The Western diet (also) causes auto-intoxication when unexpelled
wastes putrefy in the colon (large bowel).
“The Western diet is further conducive to cancer in that it lacks not
only the necessary fiber but lacks also the anti-carcinogenic
substances contained in the missing raw fruit and vegetables.”
Horne also revealed the reason why constipation is the most common factor
associated with all forms of cancer:
“Not only is the colon therefore constantly exposed to these
carcinogens…at the same time, the toxins are taken up by the
bowel veins and so enter the already polluted bloodstream to exert
their carcinogenic effect throughout the entire body.”
However, what sets Ross Horne’s book apart, however, was his argument that the
Western habit of using the sitting position (toilet) was also to be blamed for
constipation and cancer.
In the chapter “The Importance of Squatting – A Lesson from the Navajo Indians”, he
described the work of Dr De Lamar Gibbons, who had studied North American
Indians in San Juan County.
In 32 years of practice, Dr Gibbons noted that despite the Navajo’s appalling diet
(containing large amounts of fat and junk food, and no vegetables), cancer was
almost non-existent, even though they were generally in bad health, most commonly
with diabetes, sclerosis of the liver, and hypertension.
In one area where the Navajo represented 40% of the whole population, Dr Gibbons
found that they accounted for only 3% of the cancer cases. In another reservation,
during the period 1960-73, there were only 13 cases of cancer out of 13,000
admissions (ie: 0.1%).
Ross Horne wrote about the surprise Dr Gibbons and his colleague Dr John
Heinerman felt with regard to the absence of cancer among the Navajos…
Dr Gibbons:
“The nutritional content of their diet is a disaster. Their sanitation in
many cases is unbelievably bad. Many draw water from open
creeks and have no sanitary facilities (not even outhouses, much
less indoor plumbing and running water). In short, they do
everything wrong. And yet they do not get cancer!
“They must be doing something right that the rest of us are doing
wrong.”
Dr John Heinerman:
“Neither Dr Gibbons nor ourselves ever found any recorded cases
of lung cancer among them. Equally amazing is the epidemic of
obesity among both tribes, particularly the women.
“Yet no cases of breast cancer or colon cancer have ever been
detected.”
In closing, Ross Horne told readers what he thought was the ‘right thing’ that
Navajos did that the rest (of America) were doing wrong:
“Dr Gibbons noticed that Navajo had a taboo against eating chicken
or other birds, and wondered whether this abstinence had any
connection with their freedom from cancer.
“This taboo aside, perhaps they suffer less stress, less air pollution,
maybe get a little more exercise, but ONE THING sets them apart
is the fact that they have ‘no sanitary facilities, not even outhouses’.
“This is, perhaps, the key – the thing they are doing right that we are
doing wrong…
“They (Navajos) are squatting to defecate, while the rest of
America is sitting on a pedestal toilet.”
THE HUMAN AND FINANCIAL COSTS
OF TOILET-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
The growing epidemic of toilet-related health problems has serious ramifications that
go beyond just personal pain and suffering. In particular, the very high cost of
treatment for colon, bladder, prostate and pelvic problems can be devastating to
those who suffer from them and their loved ones.
If the risk of financial ruin stemming from these health conditions does cause a
person to stop and think and then change his or her toileting posture (from sitting to
squatting), probably nothing would.
Let’s take a look at several toilet-related ailments and diseases, and the estimated
costs of treatment (figures shown are based on US data):
Appendicitis
Once the diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan and pathology are done, a simple
appendectomy can cost upwards of $20,000. This includes anesthesiology and a
hospital stay of approximately 24 hours. In the US, overall costs associated with
appendicitis are in the billions per year.
Urinary Incontinence
In 1995, the direct cost of treating urinary incontinence was an estimated $26.3
billion. This includes both men and women of all ages. This applies to surgical
procedures, medications and devices.
Crohn’s Disease and Colitis
The average estimated medical cost for a person with Crohn’s disease is $10,764.
The total annual medical cost for Crohn’s disease patients is well into the $5 billion
range. Colitis has quite similar, staggering figures.
Colon Cancer
The costs of treating colon cancer can be astronomical. For individual patients with
no insurance, this can be a crippling financial burden costing upwards of $28,000 per
year. Overall annual costs are estimated to be around $8.4 billion.
Constipation
The figures for constipation-related medical procedures and medications can go up
to $5,098 per year or higher. The annual estimated cost is estimated at $15.4 billion.
(More on the link between sitting toilets and constipation.)
Contamination of Small Intestine
With diagnostic procedures and treatments, the individual costs of contamination of
the small intestine can be as much as $5,674 or more per year. Overall annual costs
run in the billions.
Diverticulosis and Hernias
In the case of diverticulosis and related hernias, the average health care cost is
$18,974 per year. With the high incidence of diverticulosis in the West, the overall
annual cost of this toilet-related health problem runs into billions of dollars.
Toilet-Related Heart Attacks
The overall cost for heart disease is more than $258 billion per year, and more than
$36,476 per person. This involves treatments, diagnostic procedures and surgical
corrections. Thanks to the research work by Israeli doctor Dr B.A. Sikirov, it is now
known that heart attacks can be triggered as a result of straining when emptying the
colon.
(Read how the use of sitting toilets can be dangerous for those with a heart
condition…)
Hemorrhoids
This seemingly innocuous malady can cost patients $6,754 per year. The overall
estimated cost for hemorrhoids treatment is $1.5 billion a year.
Prostate Problems
The figure for prostate cancer alone is about $3.7 billion a year. On an individual
basis, that works out to $14,865 or more annually. The figure does not include other
forms of prostate problems. (More information on the underlying cause of prostate
problems.)
Sexual Dysfunction
The waters here are murky because it is estimated that roughly 50% of sexual
dysfunction cases are merely an indication of a larger, underlying problem. However,
treatment for sexual problems is big business, costing in the neighborhood of $6.7
billion a year overall. Just the cost of medications for an uninsured patient, including
diagnosis, can run $5,434 per year.
Posture-Related Health Problems During Pregnancy and Childbirth
The use of sitting toilets is detrimental to all women. In the case of pregnant, using
the seated posture for waste elimination can increase the risk of bladder and pelvic
problems.
SIDENOTE
=================================
Squatting is not only the best posture for emptying the colon. It is also an ideal natural
posture for childbirth.
=================================
Having babies is big business; the average costs of pregnancy and child birth can
easily reach $22,438 for single, uncomplicated births. If the pregnancy and delivery
come with complications, the costs go up. The need for a caesarean section due to
difficulty in delivery can significantly raise the costs as well.
(For an insight into the importance of squatting posture during pregnancy, click here.
And why squatting is the ideal posture for childbirth, click here.)
Gynecological Disorders
1) Endometriosis
Because endometriosis can be an extensive, ongoing disease, plaguing its victims
for as many as ten years and even more, the costs at upwards of $7,450 per year
can be crippling. Overall, the annual cost is approximately $4.5 billion.
2) Hysterectomy
With two types of hysterectomy, the invasive abdominal hysterectomy and the less
invasive vaginal hysterectomy, the costs can fluctuate. However, the costs that
surround actual hysterectomies and any complications that result from
hysterectomies (more common in abdominal hysterectomies) can drive the costs as
well into a $5 billion industry.
3) Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Pelvic Floor Prolapse)
Overall costs of this condition are upwards of $1,012 million. Individual costs vary
with the treatment, but pelvic organ prolapse patients can expect to fork out more
than $10,324 per year.
4) Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids have an overall cost of more than $3 billion annually. Individually,
patients can pay $5,465 per year or more for treatment.
Conclusion
For patients and their families, the astronomical cost of toilet-related health problems
can quickly undermine their financial health. There are also other costs — lost wages
due to pain and discomfort, the decline in the quality of life and subsequent
increased insurance and health care costs.
This alone should compel one to seriously think about his or her current toileting
posture, and provide the impetus to do whatever is necessary to adopt the correct
posture for waste elimination: squatting.
Where in The World Can Squat Toilets Be Found?
Squat toilets are relatively unknown in the Western world.
But they are commonplace in many other parts of the world.
There is a surprisingly a large number of countries and
cultures in Asia, the Middle East and Africa where squatting
toilets have always been a part and parcel of daily life.
The locations where squat toilets easily outnumber sitting toilets include the two
most populous countries in the world today: China with a population of 1.3 billion and
India, with a population of 1.1 billion.
In fact, about two thirds of humanity (about 4 billion) still uses the squatting position
for bodily functions. The rest – mostly people in the Westernised countries – uses the
seated posture.
In addition to Asia, Middle East and Africa, there are many regions in the world
where squatting toilets can still be found. These include a number of European and
Mediterranean countries, such as France, Germany, Italy, the Balkans and Greece.
They can also be found in Russia and many countries in South America.
They may not be exactly prevalent in some of the countries mentioned, but squat
toilets do exist in many public areas, buildings and homes. Visitors may or may not
encounter them in the newer or more developed areas of these countries. But you
move away and go out to the more rural areas, you would find that squat toilets are
quite common and widely used.
Most of the world’s toilets, however, are largely concentrated in Asia. Countries like
China, India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos,
Cambodia, Burma, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore.
Of course, we must not forget countries in the Middle East and Africa. The peoples
of these countries and continent have traditionally been using squat toilets since the
beginning of time. Countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait,
Mauritius, Sudan, Turkey, Uganda, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
SIDENOTE
========================
As a result of increased Western influence, sitting toilets are now making huge inroads even
in countries which have a cultural tradition of squat toilets. Nowadays, too many people are
giving up – by choice or circumstances beyond their control – squatting toilets for sitting ones.
Few, if any, would switch from sitting to squatting types.
========================
If you think about it, a squatting toilet is nothing more than a hole in the ground. But
different races and cultures have their own ideas and interpretations. Many of them
have created their own designs and versions to suit their needs and lifestyles.
For example, Turkey has two kinds of squat toilets – ground
level squat toilets known as alaturka.
They also have pedestal squat toilets called alafranga (left)
that has specially-designed foot rests that allows the user to
squat on it at the height of a typical sitting toilet.
The Japanese have a squatting toilet that has a unique shape with the user facing
the toilet and flush device while his or her back is to the door of the stall.
There is a Thai version which is somewhat of a different design in that it is a squat
toilet, but has a bowl that is spiral shaped.
While we have covered squatting toilets used in the “developed” areas of the world,
there are specific locations where indigenous tribes or native peoples use some
rudimentary version of ‘squat toilets’. The toilets are often in the form of a squat style
outhouse which does not come with running water or modern plumbing.
Squat or Sit – A Question of Cultural Conditioning
Whether a person uses a squatting toilet or a sitting toilet is not always be a matter
of choice or based on health considerations. In reality, for many, toileting posture is a
culturally ingrained practice decided at birth.
This explains why Westerners would experience quite a culture shock when coming
face to face with a squatting toilet for the very first time. (It doesn’t help that most
Westerners have lost the capability to squat easily and comfortably.)
It also explains why some people who love squatting court danger by balancing and
squatting precariously on top of a sitting toilet…
Or why some would do whatever necessary in order to squat – even to
the extent (!!!) of constructing a metal platform over their sitting toilet,
like the one shown on the right.
If you have found this article informative and useful, and would like to
know more about the benefits of adopting the squatting position for
waste elimination, please visit
http://www.toilet-related-ailments.com
