The new concept of "elimination benches"
Old post from the forum. I wanted to save it so I moved it here.
In a few books I've read about elimination benches being built around toilets so that people can get into a squatting position. This is said to line up the bowels, straighten them to make a simple, direct passage for the waste to come out.
Jordan S. Rubin even lists places to buy these benches at the back of his books. He makes an interesting point by reminding us to think of toddlers when they are having a bowel movement; they automatically get into a squat position.
At first I was thinking it was weird, but I thought back to when I was 4 and I used to do the same thing in the bathroom (I was more nimble then) and how I would instinctively bring my legs up to my chest while I was on the toilet to try and help me go.
So ok...fine. I didn't want to buy this bench he talks about. But we have a magazine stand in the bathroom that is about a foot tall. I decided to try out this theory by pulling it over and resting my feet on it. And it helps. It makes it easier to go (especially when my body is being uncooperative).
Anyone else tried this or have thoughts on it?
Yes, I've read about that before though I've never tried it out. I remeber also reading that it would also be good to have you arms up in the air! I think that's going a bit far though (unless you have a rope hanging down from the ceiling so that you can hang on.
Can you imagine struggling (well, I struggle sometimes) to have a b/m while doing what seems like circus tricks. I am underweight so if I lost my balance I could fall in!!
Actually I think that it could be helpful but I doubt it would be a cure all but it does leave one thinking.
Here's a site that is all about this subject and they also have a very pricey stool for sale.
http://www.naturesplatform.com/
Like you, I can't imagine trying all this AND raising my arms. I suppose it's to help straighten the passage even more.
How would you explain the hanging rope to guests? ;)
Danielle
Native tribes are known to practise this as well. Anything you can do to make an elimination more complete is going to be good for you. The bench sounds like a good idea but I don't know if I would want to explain that one to company:-))
It goes along the same line of thinking as squat toilets. When I was in India, many places outside of hotels had only squat toilets (a hole in the floor). It's just a weird concept for westerners in general. At the time of using them, I was so worried about keeping my balance and my clothes from touching the floor that I didn't notice if it was easier to go. It was a bit stressful just getting set up to go! Thank god I was wearing a dress each time I used one.
I also remember seeing people squating in the fields as we went by in the car...which is a weird thing to see, needless to say, but just another day in the country in India. Not saying I plan on trying that any time soon either ;). Just perhaps westerners need to rethink "what the proper way" is when going to the bathroom.
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