Let’s talk about poop 🙂
How exactly does it all “work”? And what’s better? Squatting or sitting?
Here’s the science part:
The puborectalis muscle is a band of skeletal muscles that helps to maintain faecal continence. This muscle contracts and relaxes to control the defecation (pooping!) process. Our puborectalis muscle is controlled by our conscious thought and our pelvic posture. It creates a loop around the muscle which pulls it forward forming an acute angle between the anus and the rectum.
Here’s the functional part:
When we sit on a toilet our hips are only at a 90 degrees angle which only partially opens up the anal sphincter not allowing for complete emptying. However, in a squatting position, the muscle releases allowing free passage for stool without any strain or discomfort. Squatting wins!
How can Osteopathy help with bowel movements?
If the pelvis position is structurally changed it will affect the position of the puborectalis muscle. With osteopathic treatment, the pelvis can be adjusted back to an ideal or normal position, returning proper function to the puborectalis muscle and allowing you to more easily empty your bowels!
How to achieve great poops???
Use a stool under your feet to decrease the hip angle (creating a “squat” v/s just a sitting position) and seek out Osteopathic treatment for pelvic misalignment or digestive concerns.
Reach out to BARBARA LUKAC, M.OMSC!