Imagine you’re out in the wilderness and nature calls. Without a modern restroom in sight, what do you do? You find a bush and pop into a deep squat.
In that exact moment, you are doing something your body was perfectly designed to do. Squatting naturally balances your hips and gives your lower back a great, deep stretch. Now, imagine if you gave your body that exact same stretch multiple times a day, every single day. It would act like a daily “reset button” for your joints.
Unfortunately, modern “throne” toilets have completely robbed us of this natural movement. Because we sit instead of squat, our bodies rarely get this vital daily reset. This simple lack of movement is a major reason so many of us suffer from constant back pain and poor posture.
The Hidden Benefit to Your Digestion
It’s not just your back that’s suffering—it’s your gut, too. Sitting on a standard toilet actually creates a physical roadblock in your digestive tract, pinching the end of your bowel and making it incredibly hard to empty completely. This hidden strain is a massive, overlooked cause of chronic constipation.
Squatting, on the other hand, straightens out the pathway, allowing everything to move quickly and efficiently.
How to Fix It (Without Giving Up Your Toilet)
You don’t have to remodel your entire bathroom to fix this. To give your spine and gut the daily reset they crave, try these two steps:
1. Take a Squat Break: Drop into a deep squat for a minute or two, twice a day, just to stretch out your back and hips.
2. Elevate Your Feet: Place a small stool (like a Squatty Potty) in front of your toilet. Raising your knees while you sit mimics the natural squatting position, unpinching your bowel and saving your back.
Small changes in your daily life can make a big impact. I incorporate “homework” into your treatment plan and also provide lifestyle guidance. Feeling out of sorts? Get in touch and let’s see what we can do together.
Clare