Everybody wants to improve their posture and health. Unfortunately, trying to remember to stand up straight won’t cut it for a lot of us. I personally have been on a postural restoration journey for quite some time. While I’ve definitely shown great improvement, it’s been a slow process. I was hoping to speed things up a bit by testing out inventive products to restore correct posture while driving, pooping and sleeping. Here’s what I tried and how it’s worked so far.
Driving
The Stretchsit cushion is an idea that came from Esther Gokhale, author of 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back: Natural Posture Solutions for Pain in the Back, Neck, Shoulder, Hip, Knee, and Foot (Remember When It Didn’t Hurt).
The stretch-sit cushion is a backrest Gokhale designed specifically for stretchsitting. I bought one for my car, because I’ve noticed my shoulders hunching forward. The cushion has a strap that attaches around the headrest. You are supposed to lengthen your back, roll your shoulders, adjust your distance to the steering wheel, lengthen your neck and then check your position. I have to admit, though, that I am always on the go and usually running a few minutes late. I haven’t been able to really find the time to go through all of the pre-driving steps. In fact sometimes I am so focused on where I’m going and when I need to be there that I forget the cushion is there altogether. When I do have time, I’m still not certain that I’m doing it correctly because I’m not entirely certain what stretchsitting is supposed to feel like. I’d like to think that this cushion is helping in some way, but it is really hard to say.
The Stretchsit Cushion will set you back $50 plus shipping.
Pooping
The Nature’s Platform Toilet Converter is a steel-reinforced contraption that converts the regular toilet into a squat toilet. This device, therefore, allows you to squat when you’re doing your business. It is strong and sturdy, supporting up to 300 lbs. yet putting no stress on the toilet, with its angled non-slip surface. The device is easy to put together (I did it myself!) and can be folded up to a width of 3”.
The Nature’s Platform even comes with Nature Knows Best, a book detailing the health benefits of the squatting position, complete with numerous footnotes and photographs of fully-clothed individuals assuming the position. The theory is that sitting makes elimination difficult and causes one to strain, which is why most primates (including humans, until the mid-19th century), would squat and not sit while eliminating. This relaxes the puborectalis muscle and opens the rectum, they say, and prevents many diseases which are virtually non-existent outside of the Western world. The book blames conventional toilets for all kinds of intestinal and urological disorders, including appendicitis, bladder incontinence, colitis, Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, prostate disorders, and more. Apparently, the appendix can’t be squeezed empty while sitting, leading to fecal stagnation.
Colonic irrigation grosses me out to no end, so this seemed like a good alternative. And while it has certainly speeded up the #2 process for me, there is definitely a learning curve involved in figuring out how to wipe effectively. The other thing I’ve noticed is that if I did too many heavy squats or lunges, I can definitely feel it! I’m not sure this is a bad thing, though–I suppose I could classify it as active recovery.
In any case, I haven’t really suffered from any bowel disorders so certainly can’t comment on any changes, but the science looks pretty sound to me. If you have IBS or colitis or any of the many bowel disorders listed and try this thang out I’d be interested in hearing about your experience.
A Nature’s Platform toilet converter (including a free copy of the book Nature Knows Best) will run you $144 plus shipping for a regular size platform. Large platforms, for those who prefer a wider stance or “a greater feeling of luxury” cost $14 more.However, if you have an extra-wide or extra-tall toilet, Nature’s Platform will modify the product at no extra charge to fit your toilet.
Sleeping
Therapeutica Sleeping Pillows are designed to allow customers to sleep on their back or on their side in the correct spinal alignment. The contoured head rest allows you to lay on your back quite comfortably. This isn’t exactly helpful for those of us who don’t like to sleep on our back! Fear not, because this pillow also allows you to lay on your side with your shoulder pressed against its raised edge. I found this position a bit more comfortable.
Although this may not be a required feature for everyone, I’ve noticed that the Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow does make cuddling in bed a bit more difficult–though certainly not impossible. If you’re okay with being the inside spoon, it works well… but because the pillow has you lean your head towards the middle, being the outside spoon is virtually impossible.
I must also admit that the pillow is not a cure-all and I still have difficulty not sleeping on my stomach. My
boyfriend wakes up earlier than I do, which gives me the perfect opportunity to steal his pillow after a night of attempting to sleep with correct spinal alignment. Maybe one day I’ll get used to it.
An average-sized pillow runs about $89 plus shipping, though prices range from $78 (for a kid’s size) all the way up to $110 for extra large. The pillows come with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.
