On a recent trip to Japan I was struck by the contrast between old and new:
When I was a child growing up in southeast Asia I used to dread using the “squatty potty” at local supermarkets or shopping malls. But now, as a health-conscious adult, who has been constantly searching for cures to irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive difficulties I think that most of the non-western world really has the answer ~ SQUAT
According to Jonathan Isbit’s findings in Doctors Don’t Know Squat:
The term “appendicitis” was coined in 1886 by a Harvard anatomy professor named Reginald Heber Fitz. Most people assume that the disease has always afflicted humanity. But actually, it’s only been around for about 150 years – and only in the western world.
Funny, Jonathan talks about the fact that the porcelain throne was an invention introduced in the west about 150 years ago. And the reason sitting up on a toilet is much worse than squatting:
There are two basic kinds of damage. The first comes from pressure on the pelvic floor from chronic straining in the sitting position. Over time, the pelvic floor “descends,” stretching and injuring the nerves that supply the bladder, the prostate and the uterus. The result is that these organs become dysfunctional and prone to disease.
The second type of damage is caused by fecal stagnation, from incomplete evacuation. A polluted colon is prone to cancer, diverticulosis, appendicitis, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
My teachers at the Ann Wigmore Natural Health Institute told us that to facilitate the digestion and elimination process we should place a stool under our feet while sitting on the toilet. This would have the effect of compressing the abdomen (and lower organs). I guess this is one way around modern invention. But maybe we should just install old-school squatty potties instead.
Related Articles:
Doctor’s Don’t Know Squat from ChetDay
A Squat a Day from GlamSpirit
Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamSpirit, Wellness, Health, GlamNetwork, Appendicitis, Yoga Posture, Squat, Japanese Toilet, IBS, Bowel Movement Problem, Colon Cancer, Diverticulosis, Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Nadine Fawell | 16-Oct-07 at 6:18 am | Permalink
Ahh, the toilets!
You know I also have a fixation with them.When I was in India in August, I was forced to use the squatty potty on a very iffy ferry ride. Let me tell you, it was infinitely more hygienic to be squatting over that hole than an actual toilet would have been…
I kept thinking, TG for Indian toilets!
Rebecca | 18-Oct-07 at 9:51 pm | Permalink
I know, it’s definitely much better than sitting down on a public toilet. Waaaay more hygienic. Thanks for stoppin’ by Nadine!