WASTE ELIMINATION AND THE WELLES STEP

Some raw fooders have an unusual, excessive preoccupation with the bodily
waste disposal functions, particularly defecation. The purpose of this note
is to provide information on the subject that may be helpful to consumers,
not to promote "fecal-obsession".

The most natural position for defecation is probably squatting. Squatting
is the standard practice in countries where the toilets are in-floor (or in
any location that lacks toilets). However, the Western toilet is designed for
sitting, rather than squatting. This may reduce the efficiency of defecation,
and promote hemorrhoids.

Some raw fooders suggest that you elevate the feet on a footstool (or similar
device), while using the toilet, to thereby transform the usual sitting
position into a squatting position. Some equipment sellers market devices
for this purpose; the 'Welles Step' is one such device.

However, if you have ever used a Welles Step, you know that it does not
put you into a 'real' squatting position. In a real squatting position,
the body weight is placed entirely on the feet; with a Welles Step only
a small portion of the body weight is on the feet.

In a recent article in "Yoga International" magazine ("Way to Go!", March
1997 issue (#34), pgs. 59-61), Richard Ravizza reports that use of a footstool
is not as effective as actual squatting. Instead of using a footstool (or
Welles Step), Ravizza recommends that one should actually squat (and balance!)
on the toilet bowl rim. The advantages of this method are that it is fully
portable, and costs nothing. The disadvantage is that it requires some
flexibility and balance (hence, those who cannot squat on the rim might want
to use a footstool/Welles Step or similar device).

I would recommend that anyone interested in the topic, read the article in
"Yoga International:" magazine. The article suggests was for people to learn
how to balance while squatting.

P.S. to Sheila (on raw-food list): you can cross-post this to your intestinal
health list, if you wish.

Tom Billings