We've all be there. Where? Sitting on the toilet, straining – weird noises and all – to complete a bowel movement. But what if I told you there was a simple button you could press that would drop that stool right outta you?
Well guess what? That's what I'm tellin' ya!
No, the button is not in an app – put your smartphone away. It's built right into your body. You can find the button, which acupressure experts call the 'sea of energy,' and use it quite easily.
Just measure three finger widths below your belly button.
Right... about... there!
Ready to use the button? First of all, make sure you're close to a bathroom – for obvious reasons. Then, take your first three fingers and press the poop button. Take deep breaths as you do. Continue pressing until you feel the urge to go. It can take as little as 10 seconds or as long as 3 minutes.
I get it – when you've been on the toilet for more than a few minutes, it feels like the only appropriate thing to do is to push really hard.
Try not to do that.
Why? Well, it places undue stress on your body. In some cases, it can lead to fatal heart arrhythmia or bowel bursting. Neither are fun. Just be patient and use your poop button.
If you find yourself plagued by constant constipation, make sure you're eating plenty of fiber. You've got plenty of options for sources – from berries to beans, prunes and, my personal favorite, flax seeds.
Fiber works by helping your stool retain water, making it much softer.
Right... about... there!How Does It Work?
According to Dr. Michael Reed Gach, an acupressure therapist, the poop button works by reviving your body's healing processes. A major part of healing is getting rid of waste. Past research has also shown that abdominal massaging (like pressing the poop button) causes a stir in your body, getting those bowels moving and clearing house. Dr. Gach also says that, in addition to causing bowel movements, the poop button relieves gas, menstrual cramps, digestive problems and rectal pains.More Pooping Tips!
#1 – Squat
North American toilets have one major design flaw – they require you to sit. That places your body in the wrong position for optimal pooping. We wrote all about the specifics of that here but for the purpose of this post, all you need to know is that the human body was designed to squat when pooping. You can easily accomplish that with the help of the Squatty Potty.#2 – Take It Easy
I get it – when you've been on the toilet for more than a few minutes, it feels like the only appropriate thing to do is to push really hard.
Try not to do that.
Why? Well, it places undue stress on your body. In some cases, it can lead to fatal heart arrhythmia or bowel bursting. Neither are fun. Just be patient and use your poop button.
#3 – Stay Active
Adults should be getting at least 75 minutes per week of aerobic activity. According to Web MD, getting enough exercise will stimulate the contraction of your intestinal muscles. That's crucial to getting rid of waste efficiently.#4 – Eat Fiber
If you find yourself plagued by constant constipation, make sure you're eating plenty of fiber. You've got plenty of options for sources – from berries to beans, prunes and, my personal favorite, flax seeds.
Fiber works by helping your stool retain water, making it much softer.
