I first was led to squatting 25 yrs ago when i had my first colonic, I had a wonderful therapist who after the colonic guided me to the loo and showed me how to squat up on the porcelain rim of the toilet…I enthusiastically propped myself up and found it really comfortable…and to this day its the only way for me. You will never look back, keep reading and there are instructions on exactly how to do this.
Squatting feels so natural because it is the natural way to have easy and complete bowel movements.
Our bodies are anatomically designed to eliminate in the squatting position. Two-thirds of the world’s population do it. When you look at nature, so do all the animals (it’s instinctive). It is we westerners who make up the last third and we are the ones who have created amazing diseases, degenerative conditions and extremely congested systems. By having bowel movements in the seated position, we have also contributed to our chronic constipation, bladder weakness, prolapses, prostatic swelling and inflammation, and painful, bleeding haemorrhoids.
Have you ever had that feeling of ‘unfinished business’? Its really common and the dialogue I hear the most in my clinic. Squatting really does help alleviate this feeling. It can take a little time to get used to squatting but once mastered, mission accomplished.
When we sit on the toilet to have a bowel movement, the last part of the colon is kinked (see diagram 1 ). The reason for the kink is to prevent us from leaking while we are upright. We find ourselves ‘bearing down’ and pushing, causing enormous internal strain. In fact, you could call it a repetitive strain injury (RSI) of a lifetime. The effort required to force open the anal canal bursts sensitive capillaries causing haemorrhoids, weakening, yet at the same time stressing, the poor little bowel.
When squatting, the bowel aligns itself naturally and the kink is straightened due to the pelvic tilt, thus allowing the rectum to open completely and effortlessly; no strain occurs. You will notice a greater sense of ease and will also pass much more.
Bowel movements are incomplete when we sit; a certain amount stays behind every time, hence ‘unfinished business’. So, if you added up an average of one bowel movement each day, multiply that by 365 days each year for every year you’ve been alive, that amounts to an enormous build-up. Imagine that!
To squat on an average western toilet, simply raise the seat and stand upon the rim, slowly squat down until your knees and thighs are pressing against your chest (see diagram 2).
Now relax and allow all your body weight to be taken by your feet, especially your heels. A hand or towel rail, wall or chair can give you added support if needed. This position may for some of you, feel extremely uncomfortable, unsteady or really, really silly. Persevere and practise each day until you feel completely at ease. It is so worthwhile! Knowing what I know and feeling the obvious benefits, I wouldn’t do it any other way. If you do struggle to squat on the toilet rim try at first placing a steady stool in front of the toilet so your knees are higher than your hips. Also you open your mouth wide on the out breath and make an AAH sound this helps open up the canal as well..truly !!!
So for speedy, efficient, effortless and enormous bowel movements, try squatting because ‘squatters do it better’!
Last but not least. When you feel the urge to move your bowel, don’t ignore it, take the time to honour this feeling, because your body is talking to you. Its so worth the results.