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Tabo and Toilet Paper
I was born in the Philippines, but raised in the United States, so this is how I learned to use the toilet. When I was growing up, I was taught to use a tabo (pronoinced: TAH-boh) which is a designated bowl or container, sometimes with or without a handle, for washing the backside after using the toilet. Then, wipe dry with toilet paper. This was normal to me. One can even use the tabo (or 'dipper' as some Americans have called it)
This guy made an excellent video on the tabo and its uses. www.youtube.com/watch
Now, growing up here in the U.S., once I was about middle-school age, I used toilet paper for cleaning my backside, which is typical of Americans. I didn't learn about other Filipinos using the tabo (outside of relatives) at home until I was an adult. A Filipino-American co-worker and I were discussing our house hold differences and general hygiene practices when he mentioned that he can't stand that the toilets at work don't have a tabo. I was very surprised as he was born in the U.S., and his parents seemed very "Americanized" even though they are immigrants. He went on to say how he couldn't understand how anyone can just "wipe" stuff off their backside and expect it to be "clean"? He said that in front of a few other co-workers who were Caucasian, and they looked at one another confused, so he had to explain things. Thankfully, this was after dinner, and his choice of words were very scientific, but I digress.
My friends in London laugh at the notion of a tabo. When asked why, they answer back with how scary it is to touch one's waste. It's fresh from you, it isn't like it's had time to fester with flies. Sadly, now one of them is dealing with their own gut issues and has a more intimate relationship than with topic.
In Japan, they use bidets, and many foreigners have found it surprisingly pleasant to use. I always thought of these devices as an automated version of using a tabo. Plus, you have nice temperature settings, too.
In my research, I remember reading a comment on Youtube about the tabo. They said that a doctor had said how filipino backsides tend to be more clean than his other patients because of their toilet practices. Those who simply "wipe", leave behind a lot of fecal matter and skidmarks that dry on the skin and stain undergarments. I dated guys with similar practices, and seeing those skidmarks or seeing the crack above their pants be filled with encrusted "stuff", was such a huge turn off. I always cringe from the idea. If you think about it, we probably do a better job cleaning our kitchen counters than some people do their backsides. That alone is gross negligence to me. Then you see some men scratch their bottoms, then pick their noses, eat or rub their eyes without washing their hands prior. I'm always mindful of the dirt under their nails and wonder if any of that belongs in the toilet. If I'm ever caught in that mindset and they try to touch me, I immediately pull away, but try not to do so in an offensive manner.
Anyway, I apologize for the babble. Like I said, I use the tabo and dry off with toilet paper. Considering how often I have to use the toilet when on the protocol, cost for the paper would end up being ridiculous. So using the tabo first helps to save some money as well as be more hygienic.
Also, washing your backside is especially helpful if you are prone to hemorrhoids, even painful ones. I have had this years experience before I got on the protocol and found success by using a combination of tabo with hot water and buckeye salve on the inflamed area. I think I tried cold water once as per recommended by a friend and that just made things worst. Hot water washing was the key! Another woman had hemorrhoids the same time I did and she had surgery for it. Mine went away with proper hydration, food, and toilet practices. Yet another way I saved money!
I should add that washing your hands before and after using the toilet , no matter what method of cleaning you use, is a required practice! Please teach your children this and help them understand why. Sometimes just imposing rules without explaining will not instill good habits.
This guy made an excellent video on the tabo and its uses. www.youtube.com/watch
Now, growing up here in the U.S., once I was about middle-school age, I used toilet paper for cleaning my backside, which is typical of Americans. I didn't learn about other Filipinos using the tabo (outside of relatives) at home until I was an adult. A Filipino-American co-worker and I were discussing our house hold differences and general hygiene practices when he mentioned that he can't stand that the toilets at work don't have a tabo. I was very surprised as he was born in the U.S., and his parents seemed very "Americanized" even though they are immigrants. He went on to say how he couldn't understand how anyone can just "wipe" stuff off their backside and expect it to be "clean"? He said that in front of a few other co-workers who were Caucasian, and they looked at one another confused, so he had to explain things. Thankfully, this was after dinner, and his choice of words were very scientific, but I digress.
My friends in London laugh at the notion of a tabo. When asked why, they answer back with how scary it is to touch one's waste. It's fresh from you, it isn't like it's had time to fester with flies. Sadly, now one of them is dealing with their own gut issues and has a more intimate relationship than with topic.
In Japan, they use bidets, and many foreigners have found it surprisingly pleasant to use. I always thought of these devices as an automated version of using a tabo. Plus, you have nice temperature settings, too.
In my research, I remember reading a comment on Youtube about the tabo. They said that a doctor had said how filipino backsides tend to be more clean than his other patients because of their toilet practices. Those who simply "wipe", leave behind a lot of fecal matter and skidmarks that dry on the skin and stain undergarments. I dated guys with similar practices, and seeing those skidmarks or seeing the crack above their pants be filled with encrusted "stuff", was such a huge turn off. I always cringe from the idea. If you think about it, we probably do a better job cleaning our kitchen counters than some people do their backsides. That alone is gross negligence to me. Then you see some men scratch their bottoms, then pick their noses, eat or rub their eyes without washing their hands prior. I'm always mindful of the dirt under their nails and wonder if any of that belongs in the toilet. If I'm ever caught in that mindset and they try to touch me, I immediately pull away, but try not to do so in an offensive manner.
Anyway, I apologize for the babble. Like I said, I use the tabo and dry off with toilet paper. Considering how often I have to use the toilet when on the protocol, cost for the paper would end up being ridiculous. So using the tabo first helps to save some money as well as be more hygienic.
Also, washing your backside is especially helpful if you are prone to hemorrhoids, even painful ones. I have had this years experience before I got on the protocol and found success by using a combination of tabo with hot water and buckeye salve on the inflamed area. I think I tried cold water once as per recommended by a friend and that just made things worst. Hot water washing was the key! Another woman had hemorrhoids the same time I did and she had surgery for it. Mine went away with proper hydration, food, and toilet practices. Yet another way I saved money!
I should add that washing your hands before and after using the toilet , no matter what method of cleaning you use, is a required practice! Please teach your children this and help them understand why. Sometimes just imposing rules without explaining will not instill good habits.