There are plenty of simple things we can do every day to make ourselves feel healthier and happier. Drinking enough water, for instance. Having a good night's sleep. Stretching before bed and when you wake up. And, of course, baring your asshole to the great god Helios.

What do you mean, you don't do that? It's the latest wellness trend: sun salutations, for your butt. According to Instagrammer and "healer" Metaphysical Meagan, just 30 seconds of sunshine on your sphincter each day gives the human body “the equivalent of a full day of sunlight with your clothes on," and imparts all kinds of benefits to your health, wellbeing, and even sex drive.

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"Perineum sunning" is an ancient Taoist practice, says Meagan, which draws in prana, or solar energy, to replenish life force.The tradition stems from a belief the the perineum is seen as the "Gate of Life and Death". (I mean, it sure can feel that way if you've ever had food poisoning.) The advantages of sun on your bum reportedly include:

Increased creativity

Strengthened organs

Healthy libido

It regulates circadian rhythms, promoting deeper sleep

Improves focus and concentration

Stabilizes hormone function in the sex organs

If perineum sunning really can achieve all of that, it might well be worth feeling truly, deeply weird for half a minute every day. But medical professionals aren't so sure, advising that sustained exposure could cause skin damage in the last area you'd ever want.

"There is no evidence that sunbathing in this way has any effect on physical wellbeing," Dr Diana Gall told Insider. "Yes, practicing mindfulness and meditation, and getting your dose of Vitamin D, is beneficial for mental and physical health, but you don't need to damage your skin in the process from sun exposure... Practicing mindfulness comes in many different and safer forms, and there are no extra benefits of doing this naked in the sun."

Philip Ellis Philip Ellis is a freelance writer and journalist from the United Kingdom covering pop culture, relationships and LGBTQ+ issues.

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