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Squat toilet
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A squat toilet (also known as an Eastern or Natural-Position toilet) is a toilet used by squatting, rather than sitting. There are several types of squat toilets, but they all consist essentially of a hole in the ground. The only exception is a "pedestal" squat toilet, which is the same height as a standard western toilet.
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A squat toilet (also known as an Eastern or Natural-Position toilet) is a toilet used by squatting, rather than sitting. There are several types of squat toilets, but they all consist essentially of a hole in the ground. The only exception is a "pedestal" squat toilet, which is the same height as a standard western toilet. It is also possible to squat over standard western pedestal toilets, but this requires extra care as they are not specifically designed for squatting.
Types of squat toilets
- The squat toilets (known as alaturka (from Italian alla turca) in Turkey or Iranian Toilet in Iran or paati in malayalam. In contrast to alafranga (alla franca) flush toilets) where the user puts his feet on foot rests; the user faces the entrance to the cubicle; it is prevalent in Turkey where flush toilets are now getting more in use for households and can still be found in some public buildings and at motorway services in France, Italy, Uruguay, Balkans and, more often, in the former USSR. It is also used in the Middle East and can be found in rural areas of Greece and Italy. It is also very common in Iran and prevalent throughout most of China and South East Asia.
- The Japanese toilet, which is also found in Korea, is shaped differently with a rectangular or oval shape and a lip at the flushing end to guard against urine. The user squats facing the flushing apparatus with his stool being deposited on the dry section opposite the flushing end, eliminating splashing but allowing some odor. When flushed, the higher, dry section of the toilet is washed towards the pool of water at the flushing end.
Arguments in favour of squat toilets
- It is less expensive and easier to clean and maintain.
- It does not involve any contact between the buttocks and a potentially unsanitary surface.
- The lack of water in the bowl avoids the problem of splashing.
- Squatting might help to build the required exhaust pressure more comfortably and quickly.
- Squatting makes elimination faster, easier and more complete.
- Elimination in squatting posture protects the nerves that control the prostate, bladder and uterus from becoming stretched and damaged.
- Squatting relaxes the puborectalis muscle which normally chokes the rectum in order to maintain continence.
- Squatting securely seals the ileocecal valve, between the colon and the small intestine. In the conventional sitting position, this valve is unsupported and often leaks during evacuation.
- For pregnant women, squatting avoids pressure on the uterus when using the toilet. Daily squatting helps prepare the mother-to-be for a more natural delivery.
- Squatting may reduce the occurrence or severity of hemorrhoids and possibly other colorectal disorders such as diverticulosis and appendicitis.
Arguments against squat toilets
- Squat toilets are more difficult to use, requiring careful balancing skills. This is particularly important for people with joint troubles, limited mobility or recovering from leg injuries. In particular, it becomes very hard for the elderly to defecate in such a manner.
- The washdown seated toilet (Referred to as a "Flush Toilet" or "Western Toilet" in most media) retains fewer odors, due to its bowl being completely flushed at each use. The waste drops into a pool of water, trapping much of the odor under water.
- Squat toilets often smell of urine, as their traps do not empty as completely when flushed.
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