Dr. Vishal Gupta, a general practitioner at Fortis Hospital Noida (India), points out the differences that will help you decide whether to sit on the floor or use a dining table when eating:
Sit on the floor while eating
Sitting on the floor while eating is a traditional custom of many families in Asia, helping to create a comfortable and intimate atmosphere. This is also a popular choice for family meals, bringing togetherness.
Sitting on the floor can help relax the body, but sitting for a long time without proper posture adjustment can easily cause back pain or muscle tension.
However, it is beneficial for people with digestive problems, as this pose makes it easier for the stomach to digest food.
Dr. Vishal Gupta further explains that sitting on the floor while eating helps tighten the muscles in the stomach, liver, and gallbladder to secrete necessary digestive juices and strengthen the pelvic area.
This way of sitting is suitable for small spaces, easy to move and saves space. However, if there are many people or the meal is long, sitting on the floor can be tiring and uncomfortable.
Sit at the table while eating
In many Western countries, it is traditional to use a dining table when eating. It is not only convenient but also helps keep the dining space clean and tidy, says Dr. Vishal Gupta.
When eating at the dining table, you can sit in the correct posture such as keeping your back straight and your feet in the correct position… to help reduce the risk of back and neck pain.
The dining table also helps users maintain a comfortable eating posture, making it easier to use knives, forks, and other eating utensils. However, if the chair or dining table is not properly designed, the person sitting may experience back pain, neck pain, or discomfort during the meal. Sitting for long periods of time can also cause discomfort.
The dining table provides more space to serve dishes and creates a comfortable feeling when dining. It is suitable for large family meals or parties.
Dr. Vishal Gupta notes that if you regularly experience digestive problems, or simply want to experience comfort and relaxation in your home space, floor sitting is an interesting option.
But if you prioritize comfort and sit properly while eating, using a dining table will bring more health and neatness benefits.