Testimonials on the health risks of sitting toilets and benefits of squatting by doctors, health experts and ordinary people

[Premi5]

 

 

https://www.toilet-related-ailments.com/testimonials-about-squatting.html

Testimonials on the health risks of sitting toilets and benefits of squatting by doctors, health experts and ordinary people

The best posture for passing stools is squatting. In this position, waste elimination is easier, faster and complete.

 

Sitting, on the other hand, obstructs the passage of waste through the colon. Elimination is difficult, requires straining and can never be complete.

Many people today remain unaware that sitting toilets pose a danger to their health and well-being.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Denis Burkitt was the celebrated medical researcher who discovered the power of fiber when he studied traditional African societies 60 years ago. (Read about the life, work and legacy of Dr Denis Burkitt.) He made the observation that the squatting posture was at least as important as eating fiber for preventing [intestinal] diseases. The squatting posture keeps the bowel naturally clean, preventing the fecal stagnation that creates a breeding ground for infection and inflammation. Dr Jerry E Block, MD, FACP Board Certified Internist Founder, Southeast Kansas Internal Medicine Associates Author, A Horse and Buggy Doctor Caught in the 21st Century

 

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Having reviewed all the scientific literature available on the squatting posture and having had some personal experience with this ancient, time-tested method for natural evacuation, I have no hesitation in recommending it to my patients. Alejandro Cardona, MD General Practitioner Department of Medicine University of Valencia Spain

 

 

 

---

 

 

Here in America and Europe we are so used to our Western way of using the toilet--sitting and waiting and straining. Well, it just so happens that the ancient method of squatting makes use of gravity to help Nature do Her job. So much of the world, in its apparently primitive style, is really way ahead of us in many ways, including even our elimination. Sitting is not as relaxing and effortless in this process -- squatting is far superior. Strain can lead to many disorders in this area of the physiology. Let us be ready to answer Nature's call in the most natural way.     Donn Wiedershine, MD Staten Island, NY

 

 

 

---

 

 

Twenty-five years ago, when former President Carter had a hemorrhoid problem, Time Magazine called and asked me to explain the cause of hemorrhoids. In the magazine, I was quoted as saying, "Man was not meant to sit on a toilet, but to squat in a field." Michael I. Freilich, MD Retired Surgeon Marina del Rey, CA

 

 

 

---

 

 

Want to see a modern tragedy? Go look at your toilet seat. The worst thing for long-term health happens while sitting instead of squatting in the bathroom. Why do so many of us suffer from constipation, heartburn, low back pain, hernias, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, and overeating due to misabsorption of nutrients? The answer is our ridiculous insistence upon 'civility' on the toilet, which stagnates our natural 'sewer system'. Steve Ilg Author/World-Class Athlete/Yoga Teacher

 

 

 

---

 

I am thankful that there is actually such a simple solution to building health through proper and total elimination of waste. Since my 'sitting toilet' days, I am aware that my waste has not been fully eliminated. Serious hemorrhoids plagued my health after I delivered my eldest son Ryan. I believe if I had used the squatting posture for defecation, I wouldn't have this problem. I would strongly encourage all who do not have squat toilets to seriously consider getting one, or to use a squatting platform. Mrs Rebecca Ngui, Singapore Full-time mom (pictured with second son Regan)

 

 

 

---

 

 

Squatting is the activity of daily life that Westerners (and regrettably, more and more Easterners) have given up at their peril. The use of toilets and chairs lead to myriad problems that plague modern society. Ms Elizabeth Noble, PT Founder, Section on Women's Health American Physical Therapy Association

 

 

 

---

 

 

I will never go back to the "sitting-on-the-throne" routine.   The squatting position is clearly superior. Dr Craig Berg Consultant

 

 

 

---

 

 

When I was helping out my father in the family construction business many years ago, I always advocated squatting toilets to our clients. The reason was purely practical - squatting toilets took up less space, and in those days, bathrooms were much smaller. Later, when I became a journalist, I once wrote an article on why people should take a stand to preserve our squatting toilets, and not simply adopt the Western habit (of sitting). After all, our ancestors in their wisdom have been using squatting toilets for centuries... We should too! Lee Chiu San Singapore

 

 

 

---

 

I have written the book, Put Hemorrhoids And Constipation Behind You, which had a chapter describing our biological similarities to our ancestors of 3 million years ago. As such, we were designed to squat to eliminate.   Kenneth Yasny, PhD President, Society for the Prevention of Colon Disease

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

The health benefits of this (squatting) position cannot be overstated. As a side benefit, the squatting position provides an excellent stretch for the low back and helps to stretch the ligaments and tendons of the ankles.   Richard Grossman, LAc, OMD, PhD Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Oriental Medicine Santa Monica, CA

 

 

 

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I have always been told that the proper way to eliminate is by squatting. This is the reason why our ancestors did not develop the numerous diseases that plague our body (via the colon) today. Dr Akilah El, ND PhD Naturopathic Doctor

 

 

 

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The worst threat to our health is our culture and the damaging behaviors and attitudes it teaches us. Fortunately, our bodies have the wisdom to know what is good for our health and what is bad. When you try squatting….you know it’s the right thing for your health.   Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer Medical Anthropologists Authors of 5 books, including Get It Out! (On the vital importance of elimination) and Dressed To Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras Director of the Institute for the Study of Culturogenic Disease Hilo, Hawaii

 

 

 

---

 

 

For years I have been teaching that structure affects function, in terms of the spine and the nervous system. The same rules apply to the colon. Sitting puts the colon in an unnatural position and causes unnecessary stress on the whole digestive system. Dr Joe Esposito, LD, DC Diplomat American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists Diplomat American Academy of Pain Management Author of "Eating Right...For the Health Of It!" Director, Health Plus Chiropractic Center Marietta, Georgia

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We have been using that method (squatting) for expectant mothers for many years as yogis. Squatting for expectant mothers keeps the spine aligned and strong and the hips and pelvis balanced, as they open to prepare for birth. Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa Internationally Renowned Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Care Teacher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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It is my sincere belief that one of the bowel's greatest enemies in civilized society is the ergonomic nightmare known as the toilet or john.     Dr Bernard Jensen Chiropractic Physician Nutritionist Author, Dr Jensen's Guide to Better Bowel Care: A Complete Program for Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management

[GurjantGnostic]

1 hour ago, Premi5 said:

 

 

https://www.toilet-related-ailments.com/testimonials-about-squatting.html

Testimonials on the health risks of sitting toilets and benefits of squatting by doctors, health experts and ordinary people

The best posture for passing stools is squatting. In this position, waste elimination is easier, faster and complete.

 

Sitting, on the other hand, obstructs the passage of waste through the colon. Elimination is difficult, requires straining and can never be complete.

Many people today remain unaware that sitting toilets pose a danger to their health and well-being.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Denis Burkitt was the celebrated medical researcher who discovered the power of fiber when he studied traditional African societies 60 years ago. (Read about the life, work and legacy of Dr Denis Burkitt.) He made the observation that the squatting posture was at least as important as eating fiber for preventing [intestinal] diseases. The squatting posture keeps the bowel naturally clean, preventing the fecal stagnation that creates a breeding ground for infection and inflammation. Dr Jerry E Block, MD, FACP Board Certified Internist Founder, Southeast Kansas Internal Medicine Associates Author, A Horse and Buggy Doctor Caught in the 21st Century

 

---

 

 

Having reviewed all the scientific literature available on the squatting posture and having had some personal experience with this ancient, time-tested method for natural evacuation, I have no hesitation in recommending it to my patients. Alejandro Cardona, MD General Practitioner Department of Medicine University of Valencia Spain

 

 

 

---

 

 

Here in America and Europe we are so used to our Western way of using the toilet--sitting and waiting and straining. Well, it just so happens that the ancient method of squatting makes use of gravity to help Nature do Her job. So much of the world, in its apparently primitive style, is really way ahead of us in many ways, including even our elimination. Sitting is not as relaxing and effortless in this process -- squatting is far superior. Strain can lead to many disorders in this area of the physiology. Let us be ready to answer Nature's call in the most natural way.     Donn Wiedershine, MD Staten Island, NY

 

 

 

---

 

 

Twenty-five years ago, when former President Carter had a hemorrhoid problem, Time Magazine called and asked me to explain the cause of hemorrhoids. In the magazine, I was quoted as saying, "Man was not meant to sit on a toilet, but to squat in a field." Michael I. Freilich, MD Retired Surgeon Marina del Rey, CA

 

 

 

---

 

 

Want to see a modern tragedy? Go look at your toilet seat. The worst thing for long-term health happens while sitting instead of squatting in the bathroom. Why do so many of us suffer from constipation, heartburn, low back pain, hernias, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, and overeating due to misabsorption of nutrients? The answer is our ridiculous insistence upon 'civility' on the toilet, which stagnates our natural 'sewer system'. Steve Ilg Author/World-Class Athlete/Yoga Teacher

 

 

 

---

 

I am thankful that there is actually such a simple solution to building health through proper and total elimination of waste. Since my 'sitting toilet' days, I am aware that my waste has not been fully eliminated. Serious hemorrhoids plagued my health after I delivered my eldest son Ryan. I believe if I had used the squatting posture for defecation, I wouldn't have this problem. I would strongly encourage all who do not have squat toilets to seriously consider getting one, or to use a squatting platform. Mrs Rebecca Ngui, Singapore Full-time mom (pictured with second son Regan)

 

 

 

---

 

 

Squatting is the activity of daily life that Westerners (and regrettably, more and more Easterners) have given up at their peril. The use of toilets and chairs lead to myriad problems that plague modern society. Ms Elizabeth Noble, PT Founder, Section on Women's Health American Physical Therapy Association

 

 

 

---

 

 

I will never go back to the "sitting-on-the-throne" routine.   The squatting position is clearly superior. Dr Craig Berg Consultant

 

 

 

---

 

 

When I was helping out my father in the family construction business many years ago, I always advocated squatting toilets to our clients. The reason was purely practical - squatting toilets took up less space, and in those days, bathrooms were much smaller. Later, when I became a journalist, I once wrote an article on why people should take a stand to preserve our squatting toilets, and not simply adopt the Western habit (of sitting). After all, our ancestors in their wisdom have been using squatting toilets for centuries... We should too! Lee Chiu San Singapore

 

 

 

---

 

I have written the book, Put Hemorrhoids And Constipation Behind You, which had a chapter describing our biological similarities to our ancestors of 3 million years ago. As such, we were designed to squat to eliminate.   Kenneth Yasny, PhD President, Society for the Prevention of Colon Disease

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

The health benefits of this (squatting) position cannot be overstated. As a side benefit, the squatting position provides an excellent stretch for the low back and helps to stretch the ligaments and tendons of the ankles.   Richard Grossman, LAc, OMD, PhD Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Oriental Medicine Santa Monica, CA

 

 

 

---

 

 

I have always been told that the proper way to eliminate is by squatting. This is the reason why our ancestors did not develop the numerous diseases that plague our body (via the colon) today. Dr Akilah El, ND PhD Naturopathic Doctor

 

 

 

---

 

 

The worst threat to our health is our culture and the damaging behaviors and attitudes it teaches us. Fortunately, our bodies have the wisdom to know what is good for our health and what is bad. When you try squatting….you know it’s the right thing for your health.   Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer Medical Anthropologists Authors of 5 books, including Get It Out! (On the vital importance of elimination) and Dressed To Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras Director of the Institute for the Study of Culturogenic Disease Hilo, Hawaii

 

 

 

---

 

 

For years I have been teaching that structure affects function, in terms of the spine and the nervous system. The same rules apply to the colon. Sitting puts the colon in an unnatural position and causes unnecessary stress on the whole digestive system. Dr Joe Esposito, LD, DC Diplomat American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists Diplomat American Academy of Pain Management Author of "Eating Right...For the Health Of It!" Director, Health Plus Chiropractic Center Marietta, Georgia

 

---

 

 

We have been using that method (squatting) for expectant mothers for many years as yogis. Squatting for expectant mothers keeps the spine aligned and strong and the hips and pelvis balanced, as they open to prepare for birth. Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa Internationally Renowned Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Care Teacher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

It is my sincere belief that one of the bowel's greatest enemies in civilized society is the ergonomic nightmare known as the toilet or john.     Dr Bernard Jensen Chiropractic Physician Nutritionist Author, Dr Jensen's Guide to Better Bowel Care: A Complete Program for Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management

Amen to all that. I cop a lot of squats and sit that way to compensate for not having to do that when leaving a mess. 

Do yourself a favor. Hold onto something and just squat. Support yourself all squatted down. Then take a moment to release your head entirely to Guru Ji. Relax everything. You might adjust your neck doing this but don't worry pop or not. And just relax a while. Then when you stand up do so smoothly, slowish, and don't get up all the way. While the blood is finding new places to go while in this alien posture you don't want to stand up all the way too fast. 

Do this a few times a day. And in no time you're going to enjoy some serious health benefits. Increased flexibility, blood flow to your pelvic floor and postural muscles, your reproductive areas. 

And stay out of chairs. 

Sit good lotus, which we call Agura in japanese, which makes me wonder, or good seiza. Lined up well, and releasing, breathing, head all ready to get cut off. 

Those of us that do this already know there is no going back to the western patterns of dysfunction. 

Oh and all their shoes are high heeled <banned word filter activated>. Don't wear them. 

Oh and all their beds are too soft. Plywood is more like it. Or like firm office carpet. Your skeletal structure cannot support itself on fluffy <banned word filter activated>. 

And matresses are filthy. Hotel trips?

Yes. I'm sure I won't use the bed. Yes I'm going to move it and sleep on the carpet that nobody has copilated all over where my spine can decompress. 

Pillows? Wrong size. Too soft. I'll just custom shape this towel here for the head and pop this giant cotton ball under my knees. 

I'm just broken at this point. I feel amazing. But I go everywhere eating, sleeping, and sitting on the floor and wearing the most comfortable shoes possible. 

The disgusting chairs at work that see 24 hours of <banned word filter activated>? No thank you. I'll stand. Thank you. No. You can take the chair. All yours buddy. 

Do the supervisors look at me weird and have no idea what planet I'm from? Yep. But I work twice as many stations, and do the cleaning of four people while Japping Naam and not breaking a sweat. So what's there really to say?

Oh last way to improve your health, release pain and dysfunction and wreck your life at the same time. Try wearing Tabi boots. In secret there ninja turtle. Then once they adjust your jammed up toes and correct your foot alignment and reduce your pain you can have a deep seated debate with yourself how you're going to wear ninja shoes everywhere or what the best way to cover the toe is so they look normal. Then you realize. It's over for you. As you eat your lunch on the floor in japanese construction boots while everyone else walks around crippled wondering what's wrong with you. 

So you buy flip flops at least so you can go to the store without looking like you just smoke bomb changed out of your ninja outfit and forgot to do your shoes. Sigh. 

What's up with these curved punjabi shoes I saw?

What did the Purtan Gursikhs wear on their feet?

Do Bana and Chola hang from the shoulders like a jumpsuit?

That's the best. 

Last health tip. Throw your belt away and get suspenders or wear overalls and jumpsuits. If you want to cut your body concept, your muscle firing, your circulation, your range of motion in half. Hold your pants up with a belt.  Belts should attach to a garment suspended from the shoulders. It should hold your weapons etc. Your clothes hold up your belt your belt should not hold up your clothes.  

I'm a fashion nightmare at this point. This phase really has to progress just a bit further.

 

[Ranjeet01]

I normally do a full flat squat. Good for the hips, ankles, knees and lower back.

[GurjantGnostic]

3 minutes ago, Ranjeet01 said:

I normally do a full flat squat. Good for the hips, ankles, knees and lower back.

Amen bro. 

[Premi5]

7 hours ago, GurjantGnostic said:

Amen to all that. I cop a lot of squats and sit that way to compensate for not having to do that when leaving a mess. 

Do yourself a favor. Hold onto something and just squat. Support yourself all squatted down. Then take a moment to release your head entirely to Guru Ji. Relax everything. You might adjust your neck doing this but don't worry pop or not. And just relax a while. Then when you stand up do so smoothly, slowish, and don't get up all the way. While the blood is finding new places to go while in this alien posture you don't want to stand up all the way too fast. 

Do this a few times a day. And in no time you're going to enjoy some serious health benefits. Increased flexibility, blood flow to your pelvic floor and postural muscles, your reproductive areas. 

And stay out of chairs. 

Sit good lotus, which we call Agura in japanese, which makes me wonder, or good seiza. Lined up well, and releasing, breathing, head all ready to get cut off. 

Those of us that do this already know there is no going back to the western patterns of dysfunction. 

Oh and all their shoes are high heeled <banned word filter activated>. Don't wear them. 

Oh and all their beds are too soft. Plywood is more like it. Or like firm office carpet. Your skeletal structure cannot support itself on fluffy <banned word filter activated>. 

And matresses are filthy. Hotel trips?

 

 

@GurjantGnosticwhat do you think about sitting on 'medicine ball' compared to chairs?

https://longevitylive.com/anti-aging/sleeping-floor-japanese/

Most people these days invest in finding the best, most comfortable mattress ever. Yet, simultaneously, a growing number of people are deciding to ditch the bed as we know it. In fact, they’re choosing to sleep on the floor. A glance at the Japanese will show you that the practice of sleeping on the floor is deeply rooted in ancestry. Furthermore, it also possesses quite a few  health benefits. 

So, who’s in the right here? 

Should we all wave goodbye to beds as we know them, box springs, frames, and all? 

Let’s find out together!

Tatami: A Word about Traditional Japanese Flooring 

You can’t have traditional Japanese-style sleeping arrangements without the signature tatami flooring, so let’s start at the beginning. 

Tatami is a floor mat made out of dried woven rush grass wrapped around and sewn into a rice straw core. Gentle, yet firm, they’ve been a part of the traditional Japanese homes for centuries now. 

However, for the last 150 years or so, there’s been a steady decline in using traditional Japanese interiors. As you can imagine, tatami has given way to relatively “westernized” home designs. One of the main reasons being that tatami is far more challenging to clean than standard flooring.

That doesn’t mean that tatami is being forgotten, though. 

It’s still an important part of heritage, culture and Japanese national identity. Moreover, it’s not uncommon to find one tatami-matted room in many homes. This is often done in an effort to not lose touch with their roots. Thus, a lot of families decided to keep this one Japanese-style room in their otherwise “westernized” homes. 

And yes, you’ll find some Japanese people who still opt for sleeping on a futon placed on top of tatami mats. More on that later.

For now, I’d like you to remember that, unlike hardwood floors, tatami has a more natural give. This then makes sleeping on it very comfortable. Also, the futons we’re talking about here are nothing like those you may have had in your dorm room. Rather, they resemble thin mattresses that can be easily rolled up and stored in the closet when not in use. 

Did you know that authentic tatami mats can have a soothing effect on you? 

The grass used to make them lets out a natural fragrance that essentially works like aromatherapy. It’s particularly potent during rainy and humid days and it promotes relaxation and helps you sleep better. The mere smell of tatami can have nearly the same calming effect on you as taking a walk in the forest!

If you’re thinking of going fully Japanese-style and thinking of installing tatami mats, I figured I’d give you one more reason why that might be the best decision of your life. Everything from the look and feel to the actual smell of tatami makes it a welcome addition to any home, Japanese or otherwise.

Practicality or More: What Makes Sleeping Japanese-Style Awesome? 

Unless you’ve visited Japan before, the idea of sleeping on the floor may sound strange. That said, it does have its perks. 

Here are a few examples!

It’s Easier on the Wallet 

There’s no arguing that beds can get pretty expensive. Regardless of whether or not you’re counting the basic stuff, like the pillows, bedding and blankets. Furthermore, the costs of buying a mattress, a frame, a headboard, and a box spring all add up. 

Sleeping on the floor, however, requires a minimal initial investment – all you truly need is a quality futon, pillows, and a bedding set. That’s it – that’s all it takes to get your sleeping area ready for use. 

It Promotes Space-Saving Living Arrangements 

Sleeping Japanese-style can be the best decision you ever make because it saves a lot of space. Once the futon is folded up and stored away, your bedroom is no longer a bedroom. The area can then be utilized in plenty of different ways. 

You see, Japanese houses are typically smaller than those you may see in Europe, let alone the United States. Rather than setting up a bedroom where the actual bed takes up the entire room, they opt to sleep on the floor. The “bed” is only there when you need it. Once the futon is put away during the day, they can use the room for other things. 

It’s Easy To Create More Sleeping Space 

Unless you happen to have a guest bedroom or two to spare, whenever you have friends sleeping over at your place, they’re doomed to sleep on the couch. 

Well, not in Japan. Since a portion of available floor space and an extra futon (which, by the way, are relatively cheap and easy to store when folded) is all you need, it’s easy to create a sleeping space for any number of guests. 

It Creates a Safer Environment 

Although not all countries are affected by earthquakes to the same, often devastating degree, for Japanese people, earthquakes happen so often, that they’re pretty much regarded as a part of their daily life.The lack of bed frames, chairs, and tables do bring about a certain level of safety when it comes to sudden earthquakes. Why? There’s less furniture to block your way or get you in a possibly life-threatening situation. It may not be as apparent at first glance; however, sleeping directly on the floor can be a matter of safety, too. 

Going Beyond Practicality: Are There Health Benefits of Sleeping on the Floor? 

If you went on a camping trip before, you’re familiar with the idea of sleeping on the floor. The surroundings may be different, but the concept stays the same. No box springs, no bed frames, it’s just you, your sleeping bag, and the ground beneath you. 

It wasn’t that bad, now, was it? 

Plus, mattresses are relatively new concepts, anyway – our ancestors didn’t have them, and they still managed to sleep just fine. Nature had given us a way to rest well before comfy memory foam mattresses were ever a thing, and it’s called instinctive sleeping(1). 

Say Goodbye to Back Pain

When it comes to the health benefits of sleeping on the floor, you’re certainly going to feel most of them in your back. Everything from pain to posture will start to improve slowly but surely. It’s one of the first effects most people will experience when they make the switch. 

Eliminating back pain seems like a bold claim. After all, most mattresses available on the market promise to do the same. However, a lot of people do experience profound improvements in that aspect. This is because, without the “sinking” feel some beds provide, the relatively hard surface forces the body – back, neck, shoulders, and hips – in a straight line. As I’m sure you already know, proper spinal alignment is everything when it comes to treating (and preventing) aches and pains.

Natural Sleeping Posture 

As a species, humans have been sleeping on the ground since day one. However, we’ve abandoned the concept in favor of plush, soft mattresses. We’ve forgotten that sleeping on the ground is the natural order of things. 

We don’t give our bodies enough credit – they’re perfectly capable of handling sleeping on something other than a soft bed. And as many people who sleep on the floor will tell you, once all the extra cushioning is gone, the body has a chance to find its natural posture and alignment. 

Again, our bodies adapt much faster than we think and will distribute the pressure in the best possible way, to ensure alignment and unobstructed blood flow throughout the body.

Rest and Energy Levels 

Although most people pay very little attention to how they feel when they wake up, other than the occasional mental assessment of whether or not they’ll need an extra cup of coffee that day, and the reason behind it is that we’re taught to make the connection between how we feel after sleep and how much we sleep. 

Well, sleeping on the floor may help you change that – by experience sleep quality at its best, and not having an overly comfortable bed to cloud your judgment, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your morning energy levels. You’ll feel more rested, and you’ll be ready to get up and start your day – simply because you won’t feel tempted to stay in bed for a little while longer. 

What about Downsides? 

There aren’t that many notable downsides to getting rid of bed frames and opting to sleep on the floor – if you’re a healthy individual, that is. 

Although I consider this to be common sense, and I’m not sure it even counts as a legitimate downside, I’ll point it out anyway: 

If there are medical reasons that require you to use a specialized mattress, let alone a hospital bed, sleeping on the floor should be the last thing on your mind. You need a specific mattress for a reason – don’t let that slip your mind. 

Since that’s out of the way, let’s talk about the one actual downside that counts here – potential temperature-related issues. You’ve probably walked around your home barefoot, so you know how chilly areas without carpeting can get. Granted, it all depends on the type of flooring you have in your home – tile and concrete floors will be much colder than wood floors, for example, and not at all comfortable – so, that’s something you should factor in before you throw out your bed frame. Tatami is the ideal flooring option, but unless you live in a traditional Japanese home, chances are your house doesn’t have it installed. 

Oh, and one more thing: 

With nothing more than a futon as a buffer between you and the floor, you’re going to be much closer to all the dust and allergens that are hiding there, too. In short, if you fail to keep the area clean, you’ll create an unsanitary sleeping environment for yourself. There will be one that won’t look nearly as inviting and comfortable either. And although sleeping on the floor isn’t necessarily harmful, without regular cleaning and if there is poor indoor air quality, respiratory issues and allergies are a real possibility.

Final Thoughts 

I don’t expect you to throw out your entire bed as soon as you’re done reading this. That wasn’t the point of this article, anyway. 

Listen, sleeping on the floor might be something worth considering, whether right now or sometime in the future. If you do decide to make the transition, be sure to do it gradually. 

Are you thinking of adding some tatami mats in your home? Did you get a chance to sleep on one, futon and all? Let us hear your experiences in the comments below!

[Premi5]

 

https://www.businessinsider.com/bidets-better-than-using-just-toilet-paper-2019-9?r=US&IR=T

 

Toilet paper shortages keep happening. Here's why you should use a bidet instead.

Michelle Yan Huang 

Updated

 

Mar 29, 2021, 8:10 PM

 

• Bidets have been around for over 300 years — the first known bidet appeared in France in the 1700s. 
• People all over the world use it as a standard in their bathrooms, but Americans haven't caught on. 
• Investing in a bidet can significantly lower your spending on toilet paper.
• Using a bidet is cleaner than just using toilet paper and can lead to fewer instances of rashes, hemorrhoids, and UTIs. 

Following is a transcript of the video.

Michelle Yan: If you were walking barefoot in a park or yard and stepped in dog poop, would you only use a couple of napkins to wipe it off? No. You'd probably wash it off with water. And it's for similar reasons that people worldwide use bidets to clean themselves after using the bathroom. In western Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Asia. They're cleaner and more environmentally friendly than just plain old toilet paper. But there's one place where bidets are not so welcome, which made us wonder: Why haven't they caught on in the US?

The word bidet actually means "pony" or "small horse" in French, since using a bidet is similar to straddling a pony. And it's in France that the first known bidet appeared, in the 1700s. But using water for cleansing had been around long before that. The Middle East, South Asia, and other regions had been using small vessels of water — called lotas or tabo —  for cleansing for centuries before bidets appeared.

People would scoop the water with their hands to wash themselves off. At first, it was mostly for the upper class, but by the 19th century, indoor plumbing led to the bidets we have today. You might describe it as a really low sink next to the toilet. Its popularity spread from France to all across Europe and other parts of the world, except for America.

Part of the reason is that bidets got a bad reputation. Americans first saw them in World War II in European brothels, so, many associated them with sex work. By the time Arnold Cohen tried to introduce them to America in the 1960s, it was too late. He couldn't seem to defeat the stigma, and he quickly discovered that no one really wanted "to hear about Tushy Washing 101."

In the meantime, Japan was taking bidets to the next level. Toto, a Japanese company, made some of its bidets electric. So, why hasn't America embraced the bidet? Well, bathrooms in the US aren't really built for bidets. There's no space or additional plumbing setup for bidet fixtures. But the biggest reason it hasn't caught on comes down to habit. Most Americans grew up using toilet paper. And many might not even know there's an alternative way to stay clean.

But using a bidet actually makes a huge difference. For one, it's more environmentally friendly. The bidet uses only one-eighth of a gallon of water, while it takes about 37 gallons of water to make a single roll of toilet paper. Americans spend $40 to $70 a year on average for toilet paper and use approximately 34 million rolls of toilet paper a day. Investing in a bidet seat or bidet attachment can lower your spending on toilet paper by 75% or more. You'll also be saving some of the 384 trees that are cut down to make a single person's lifetime toilet-paper supply.

By now, you might be wondering about wet wipes. Don't they do pretty much the same thing? Well, no. Constantly wiping can irritate the skin and give you rashes. And it can still leave residue, because you're really just smearing with paper. Not only that, but wet wipes are actually harmful to the ocean and can cause sewer damage.

But washing yourself with a bidet can help with cleanliness, which may lead to fewer instances of rashes, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, and other medical issues. And if you're worried about using toilet water to clean your back end, you shouldn't be. It's tap water. Just like the water from your sink.

So give the bidet a try. Maybe start off with a toilet-seat attachment. Because, in the end, it's just washing yourself without hopping into the shower!

[Premi5]

On 12/30/2021 at 4:24 PM, Premi5 said:

@GurjantGnosticwhat do you think about sitting on 'medicine ball' compared to chairs?

https://longevitylive.com/anti-aging/sleeping-floor-japanese/

 

@GurjantGnostic

[GurjantGnostic]

4 minutes ago, Premi5 said:

@GurjantGnostic

Way better. Totally different posture. Different proprioception. Can roll a bit forward or back to change angle. Only doesn't change height. And they're far more normal than sitting seiza and lotus everywhere. 

In the Dojo office we'd swap between a yoga ball, an adjustable office chair and a stool. So your could sit how you want and rotate them. At least in a Dojo nobody looks at you weird for sitting seiza on chairs and yoga balls. 

If you sit western style just be all the way forward on the seat or all the way back and nowehere in the middle. 

Like so far forward you're barely touching the thing. 

[GurjantGnostic]

@Premi5 

Oh and bro. Sleeping on floor? 100. 

I grew up in a chirporactic office. Sleeping on the floor. I've never gone back. I regret the brief moments I have had to endure in a bed. They're filthy. They destory your posture. You can't rest right. You're out of alignment. You can't breath right. This whole soft life is a lie. You need firm foorting to have good mechanics. You need a firm, hard, flat sleeping surface. Pillows are for under your legs, or between your knees when on your side and you have to use a blanket etc for a pillow because it changes size. Your pillow size for on your back is like almost zero, and on your side is equal to the distance from your ear to the floor. 

[GurjantGnostic]

Plywood with a blanket on it is what you're looking for.  Not literally just in terms of how hard it should be.  Beds are redicilous.  Japanese futon and rice bean bag pillows are a light-years ahead of beds.  And that's more than you need. Bed roll. Some blankets for under the legs, some for on top and under and a small one for the pillow. All small enough you can launder them. You can actually wash your bed that way unlike western people who sleep on secretions to the extent is multiplies the weight of the mattress. Disgusting. Dysfunctional. I'd rather sleep on concrete.