Testimonials About Squatting ...
From Doctors, Health Experts
and Ordinary People

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

Library of Articles on Squatting


Go from Testimonials About Squatting to Home Page