Bizarre ‘bum sunning’ ritual increases risk of skin cancer on your vulva, top doc warns – The Sun

A TOP doctor is warning people not to try out a bizarre "bum sunning" ritual that has take social media by storm this week.

Dr Jennifer Gunter, a gynaecologist based in the US, said that exposing your nether regions to the sun's harsh rays increases the risk of skin cancer on your vulva.

It comes after a woman went viral after claiming that exposing her perineum – the area between the anus and the vulva – to sunlight for 30 seconds every morning could boost sleep and energy.

Meagan, from California, posted a picture of herself on Instagram practising what she described as "perineum sunning".

She can be seen lying on her back naked while holding her feet with her legs in the air and her butt facing the sun.

'Daily rising routine'

The self-proclaimed healer, who goes by Metaphysical Meagan on social media, said it was part of her "daily rising routine" and that she's even ditched her morning coffee for the practise.

But Dr Gunter warned: "I feel confident when I say the anus and perineum have no special sunlight concentrating abilities.

"You can get melanoma on the vulva and sunburns there are very painful."

You can get melanoma on the vulva and sunburns there are very painful

And she wasn't alone in believing Meagan's claims are unfounded.

Shamir Patel, founder of Chemist 4 U, said: “Vitamin D is essential for our bodies, promoting healthy bones, teeth and muscles.

"But there are far easier ways to get a dose of Vitamin D than exposing your perineum to sunlight.

"While the healer is only promoting 30 seconds of irregular sun exposure, a sustained period of doing so, could lead to long term sun damage.

"There are no studies or research to suggest that it works, so it really has no benefit, either.

“I would suggest that going on a long walk in the sun is much more beneficial, and if you’re in need of a boost, then taking a supplement is much more practical than perineum sunning.”

Dr Diana Gall, from Doctor-4-U, told Insider: "There is no evidence that sunbathing in this way has any effect on physical wellbeing.

"Practising mindfulness comes in many different and safer forms, and there are no extra benefits of doing this naked in the sun."

Bizarre ritual

In her post on October 21, the self-proclaimed healer, who goes by Metaphysical Meagan on social media, explained that it was "an ancient Taoist practice that’s been around for a while".

She said that in the three weeks she had been trying it out she had noticed she had "surges of energy almost immediately".

Meagan also suggested she had better sleep, better connection her "sexual energy" and "control of my life force".

She added that she had more "creativity flowing through my life" and had attracted her "soul tribe" – or people who are on the same wavelength as her.

This is truly more energising than slamming cups of coffee… that can disrupt your adrenal gland health

Meagan added: "This is truly more energising than slamming cups of coffee and is a great alternative to consuming neurotoxic coffee & caffeine that can disrupt your adrenal gland health."

In another post on November 12, she responded to comments she had received about the practise since her initial post.

She wrote: "Perineum sunning is an ancient Taoist practice that originated in the Far East. In Taoism, the perineum or Hui Yin is called the “Gate of Life and Death.” This is a gateway where energy enters & exits the body."

'Boosts libido'

In this caption, she also claimed that it "strengthens the organs", "aids in healthy libido" and "regulates the circadian rhythm and promotes deeper sleep".

She added: "My experience with perineum sunning has been profound.

"I have been practising this for a few months now. I start my day with 5 minutes of perineum sunning & feel energised for hours.

"I no longer rely on coffee for energy to start my day because I am getting my energy from the sun. I also am experiencing better sleep and require less sleep due to boost of overall energy.

"I would highly recommend this to anyone who is seeking optimal health & wellness and to those looking to connect with their sexual energy in a balanced way

"The main advice I have that this practice is meant to be done in the time of 30 seconds to 5 minutes MAX in the sun."

She concluded that the intention is "not to tan your butthole" and worryingly added that "sunscreen is not required".

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