A health faucet or a bidet shower (or colloquially as a "bum gun") is a hand-held triggered nozzle, similar to that on a sink sprayer, that delivers a spray of water to assist in cleansing the user's anus or genitals after defecation or urination. It is usually placed in a small holder attached to the wall, on the right hand side of a flush toilet and connected via a short hose to the plumbing and faucet that feeds the flush cistern.
In some countries, is culturally strongly associated with the religion of Islam and Islamic toilet etiquette, so much so that it is often sold as a Muslim or Islamic bidet, often described by the Arabic word "shattaf" or "shataf"[1]. It is also common in Thailand, on both western and squat toilet installations, and is similar in intent (if not method of use) to the Japanese washlet-style toilet seats.
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The health faucet is a convenient source of water for people who prefer using water to other methods of anal cleansing. It replaces traditional sources of water for this action, such as the bidet, a copper pot, a bucket and mug, etc. being more hygienic and compact.
The user grasps the health faucet in the right hand and uses the thumb or forefinger (depending on the trigger location) to aim a spray of water at the anus or genitals, sometimes using the left (never right in some societies) hand or toilet paper to assist cleansing. Use of the left hand only for cleansing, and considering it unclean in many circumstances in everyday life, is a significant custom among Arabs[2], in the Muslim world in general, and in the Indian subcontinent, where water is commonly used.