Node Smith, ND
Have you Heard of Coffee Enemas?
I received a specific request to give some commentary and explanation on coffee enemas last week. Many people who have been involved with the holistic health movement for any length of time will have at least heard of enemas – in terms of being used for health promotion. Enemas have been used therapeutically for thousands of years. While most people have heard of them, and many of you know that they can, or have been used therapeutically, enemas are shrouded in a lot of mystery, and confusion. This is mostly due to the fact that the process of performing an enema involves inserting a tube up your -Yep! – and filling your colon with liquid. Okay, now that you have that image in your mind – you just need to get over it, if you’re actually interested in using therapeutic enemas for your health. If you suffer from constipation, especially, your first enema is likely to be a life changing experience.
Enemas Promote Peristalsis and the Full Evacuation of the Colon
Because an enema mechanically expands the colon, it promotes peristalsis and the full evacuation of the colon. For constipated individuals, an enema will likely be a much-needed purging of waste material which has been sitting in the lower digestive tract for quite a while. It is estimated that as much as 10 lbs of fecal material is commonly stuck to the colon, adding to constipation, and also limiting the amount of water that is absorbed from the colon, and waste and toxins that are flushed from the colon. The “waste factor” is the primary consideration when talking about the health benefits of an enema.
Enemas + Fasting
Enemas go hand in hand with fasting in terms of their power and effect on cleansing the body of toxic waste products. Because the colon’s primary purpose is to rid the body of indigestible material, toxins, and toxic metabolic byproducts, it is crucial that it is working efficiently. The problem is that in most people it is NOT. Most of us don’t eat enough fiber, eat a little too much meat, too much grain or sugar, and have stress that inhibits the “flow” of our digestion. All of these factors make it likely that the colon is overtaxed, or dysfunctional, leading to an over-accumulation of these toxic elements in the colon. So, what an enema does is flush it all out, as well as mechanically reset the peristalsis of the colon.
Many Types of Enemas
There are many types of enemas, and many instances during which an enema may be beneficial. Generally, whenever toxicity is suspected, an enema will be of benefit – and functionally speaking, this is basically all the time.
Some specific examples that routinely come about from an over-accumulation of toxins and may benefit from enemas are:
Allergies
Depression
Headache
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Inability to concentrate
Indigestion
Irritability
Stomach pains
Coffee Enemas
Coffee enemas are a specific type of enema that was popularized by Max Gerson in the 1950’s as part of a holistic cancer treatment protocol that has been popularized as “The Gerson Therapy.” Like other enemas, its aim is to flush out bacteria, heavy metals, fungus and yeast, and restore bowel function. The coffee enema has some added benefits arising from the antioxidants, and alkaloids in coffee; including caffeine. It is thought that the caffeine in a coffee enema actually helps cleanse the liver as well as the colon, by opening up the bile duct and allowing more bile to be cleanse from the gallbladder. The antioxidants in the coffee are thought to lower inflammation within the digestive system.
The coffee enema is used in nature cure circles as a part of the natural treatment of cancer treatments, parasites, overdoses, constipation, liver dysfunction, candida, and many other gastrointestinal complaints – as well as general fasting and cleansing protocols. Compounds in coffee open up blood vessels, relaxes smooth muscle and increase peristalsis (beyond the mechanical effect of colon expansion due to the added liquid) which all aid in the elimination of colonic contents and improvement of overall bowel function.
Coffee enemas have the effect of cleansing the liver, and improving blood circulation, increasing immune function by lowering toxic load, helping restore bowel function, and relieving many digestive complaints such as constipation, bloating, cramping and nausea. Also, headaches are a frequent symptom which will abate with an enema.
How To Perform a Coffee Enema
Performing enemas is something that should be done after consulting with a trained naturopathic physician. There are considerations which may make an enema unsafe, including but not limited to dehydration status, electrolyte balance, anorexia/bulimia, and obsessive compulsive disorders of any kind. Enemas are not typically advisable to administer to children outside of acute situations.
- In a French press, or on the stove, make a quart of coffee using 2-3 tablespoons organic grounds to 1 quart filtered water – strain all the grounds.
- Let the coffee cool to a little warmer than room temperature. #1 argument against performing coffee enemas are internal burns.
- Add the coffee to the enema bag/bucket and close the valve for the catheter. Elevate the bag about 3-4 feet above the ground (probably in the bathroom – I hang mine in the shower)
- Now take a little coconut oil and lubricate the catheter nozzle.
- Assume a fetal position, lying on your left side (can also administer in child’s pose)
- Insert nozzle into rectum about 1 inch
- Use the valve to control the flow of liquid into the colon at a comfortable pace.
- Once all the liquid is inside the colon, remove nozzle.
- Keep contents of enema inside colon for 12-15 minutes (this can be challenging at first, I recommend staying in the shower, or on the toilet during this time)
Image Copyright: <a href=’https://www.123rf.com/profile_haveseen’>haveseen / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
Node Smith, ND, is a naturopathic physician in Portland, OR and associate editor for NDNR. He has been instrumental in maintaining a firm connection to the philosophy and heritage of naturopathic medicine among the next generation of docs. He helped found the first multi-generational experiential retreat, which brings elders, alumni, and students together for a weekend camp-out where naturopathic medicine and medical philosophy are experienced in nature. Four years ago he helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic ReVitalization (ANR), for which he serves as the board chairman. ANR has a mission to inspire health practitioners to embody the naturopathic principles through experiential education. Node also has a firm belief that the next era of naturopathic medicine will see a resurgence of in-patient facilities which use fasting, earthing, hydrotherapy and homeopathy to bring people back from chronic diseases of modern living; he is involved in numerous conversations and projects to bring about this vision.