July 07, 2025

Sh*t Talking

Let’s talk about your poop. It’s okay to giggle—but it’s also okay to get curious. Because when it comes to understanding your health, your daily (or not-so-daily) movements are one of the clearest, most consistent indicators your body offers. Stool gives us insight into everything from hydration and nutrient absorption to gut flora, stress, food intolerances, and more. So we definitely encourage not just a peek before you flush, but to analyze. What you find in the bowl is not gross. Not embarrassing. Just good data.

POOP CURIOUS

So… when we get curious about our poop, what are we looking for?

A “Goldilocks” poop is medium-brown, softly formed (not too hard, not too loose), and easy to pass—once or twice a day. Anything outside of that might be your body waving a little flag:

Hard or pellet-like? You may be dehydrated or low in fiber. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this also reflects internal dryness or stagnant Qi—often linked to imbalances in the Lung or Large Intestine.
Loose or unformed? Could signal poor nutrient absorption, food sensitivity, or gut inflammation. From a TCM view, this often points to Spleen Qi deficiency, meaning your digestion isn’t strong enough to transform and transport nutrients properly.
Floating? Often tied to malabsorption, especially of fats. In TCM, this can indicate Dampness or an accumulation of Phlegm in the digestive system—essentially, excess fluids the body isn’t metabolizing well.
Smells foul? Unusually strong-smelling stool may be linked to imbalanced gut bacteria or infections. In TCM terms, it can reflect Heat in the Stomach and Intestines—a kind of internal overactivity that needs clearing.
Infrequent bowel movements?Skipping a day or more? This kind of constipation can signal sluggish digestion, dehydration, or a lack of fiber—but in TCM, it may also point to depleted Qi, dryness in the intestines, or imbalances in the Spleen or Lung meridians.
Sudden urgency, especially in the morning? This can point to imbalanced gut flora or an overactive nervous system. Similarly, in TCM, urgency can be a sign of excess heat or stress in the body.

And yes, color matters too. While beets and blueberries can skew things, very light, grayish, or black stools should be taken seriously.

In Acupuncture, this kind of fecal inquiry isn’t odd, it’s essential. For centuries, stool has been considered a direct expression of internal balance, and to this day, asking about it is a standard part of any intake. If you’re uneasy about this prospect, trust us, it gets easier—and is fascinating! The more seriously you take poop-talk, the less awkward it feels. Soon you’ll be down to sh*t talk with the best of ’em.

THE POOP WHISPERER

When your gut’s talking, it’s worth listening.

Listening, in this case, means paying attention—noticing patterns, textures, timing, and how things feel before, during, and after you go. It’s not about obsessing or self-diagnosing, but about tuning in with curiosity. The body speaks in sensations and symptoms, and when we start to listen closely, we can respond more skillfully.

The best part? Small shifts can make a big difference.

INTAKE Hydration is key—aiming for enough water each day helps keep things moving. So does fiber, but it’s about balance: too little can slow digestion, too much can back things up.
STRESS: At mealtime, sit down, chew your food thoroughly, and (when possible) take more time than you think. Notice how stress shows up in your body—it often lands in the gut.
CONSISTENCY And finally, don’t overlook routine: your body likes rhythm, so keeping consistent mealtimes and sleep can do wonders.

Calming the gastrointestinal and nervous systems through practices like acupuncture, mind-set, and slow movement practices can have a ripple effect. If you’re “poop-curious,” and want to be a “poop whisperer” we invite you to learn more about your body and health, via Acupuncture and Functional Medicine.

POOP ADJACENT PRODUCTS

When your toilet-time check-ins are raising more questions than answers, you can start with the below; ask us what would work best for you. But, we always say: don’t guess—test! And we’re able to offer/interpret Genova fecal biohealth marker testing to help identify root causes. Learn More.

Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics - This pre, post, and probiotic formula combines ancient Japanese fermentation techniques with modern technology.

Longevity Mushrooms - Mushrooms are nutrient-dense foods that contain powerful compounds, including: digestive enzymes, metabolites, and beta-glucans.

Bitter Ally - Digestive-stimulating enzymes, before or after meals, promotes optimal gut health and digestion.

Clean: The New Science of Skin and Beauty and Doing Less - The gut-skin connection reminds us of the intimate link between our internal and external ecosystems.

Oral Microbiome Toothpaste - Impacts whole-body health by removing plaque and supporting oral microbiome balance.

Nootropic Superfood Creamer - Ingredients like MCT oil have antimicrobial properties that may help balance gut bacteria.

Better Broths & Healing Tonics - Leaky gut? Rich in gelatin and amino acids, bone broth supports the integrity of the gut lining.

Apple Cider Vinegar - Among many other benefits, ACV supports healthy bile production, aiding in fat digestion.