Stomach Ache: Finding a Portable Toilet

When experiencing a stomach ache and looking for a portable toilet, it is advisable to prioritize finding a public restroom. In urgent situations, emergency measures can be taken, and techniques such as adjusting breathing and pressing acupoints can help alleviate the urge to defecate.

Prioritize Finding Public Restrooms

When you urgently need to use the restroom due to a stomach ache, it is best to look for a public restroom first. Shopping malls, subway stations, hospitals, KFC and McDonald's, convenience stores, and other places usually have public restrooms. These locations are widely distributed and easy to find, allowing you to quickly address your needs.

Emergency Measures

If you really cannot find a restroom, you need to take emergency measures based on your surroundings. In the wilderness, you can choose a secluded bush, but be sure to protect your privacy and maintain environmental hygiene. In urban areas, look for public places such as gas stations and fast-food restaurants. Always confirm safety before use and, if necessary, use clothing for遮挡 (coverage/concealment). In case of severe diarrhea, you can temporarily use a plastic bag for emergency disposal, but be sure to clean it up promptly to avoid pollution.

Techniques to Alleviate the Urge to Defecate

• Adjust Breathing: Practice deep abdominal breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds, allowing your abdomen to rise, hold your breath for 2 seconds, and then exhale through your mouth for 6 seconds. Repeat this process. This method can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, suppress intestinal spasms, and thus alleviate the urge to defecate.
• Press Acupoints: Use your thumb to press vertically on the Zusanli acupoint (3 inches below the knee) or the Hegu acupoint (between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand). Apply continuous pressure for 3-5 minutes until you feel a sore and swollen sensation. These two acupoints can regulate autonomic nervous function and temporarily suppress the defecation reflex.
• Change Posture: Adopt a kneeling or lying position with your knees close to your chest, or lean forward in a sitting position to press on your abdomen, increasing intra-abdominal pressure and slowing down the movement of intestinal contents to reduce the urge to defecate.
• Distract Yourself: Shift your attention by silently counting numbers, recalling event details, or thinking about complex problems. The inhibitory effect of the cerebral cortex on the defecation reflex can last for 15-30 minutes, providing some relief in emergency situations.

Special Scenario Considerations

In special scenarios such as marathons, for example, at the Hangzhou Marathon, some runners may suddenly experience a stomach ache around the 30-kilometer mark and look for a portable toilet while running. However, the body is prone to problems during a marathon. When running, blood flows to the legs, reducing blood supply to the intestines. Combined with pre-race tension or improper diet, this can easily lead to diarrhea. If you feel unwell and continue running, it may not be worth it. The key to running a marathon is to return home safely.