When researching constipation on google I came across this article about the benefits of "squating" versus regular toilet useage. It claims "The anal canal is UNSTRAIGHTENED when seated. Bowel evacuation when seated results frequently in OBSTRUCTIVE CONSTIPATION. Adopt a relaxed, FULL SQUAT POSTURE and the anal canal STRAIGHTENS.1 " Anyhow, don't know if there is anything to this theory, but I thought it was at the very least kindof interesting:http://www.relfe.com/toilet_seat_constipation.html