Fueling From Behind: The History And Technique Of The Coffee Enema

Discover the possible benefits of a coffee enema. A type of colon cleanse used in alternative medicine. Learn the history and amazing wellness tips here.

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coffee enema

A coffee enema is a type of colon cleanse used in alternative medicine. Image via Shutterstock

The Coffee Enema

The term enema is synonymous with stool evacuation. Most people realize that the process assists in moving waste through your large intestine directly out your bum.

What most folks do not realize is that the coffee enema is substantially more than a tool to release constipation (although it does indeed accomplish evacuation), cleaning out the colon.

A coffee enema works as a detoxification regime. It encourages the release of built-up toxins from deep inside of your liver.

This protocol assists your body to free this formidable organ to do the hard work of revitalizing, instead of fighting off and trying to release the toxins itself. Implementing a coffee enema lifts this burden from your liver.

The Benefit

Coffee enemas are an alternative medicine technique known as a powerful ‘ninja kick’ supporting your immune system.

Upon execution, the practice stimulates your liver increasing detoxification. Participation encourages bile flow and your production of glutathione, known as, the mother of all antioxidants.

It’s been said, that the coffee enema is used to activate your body’s ability to repair itself via the hemorrhoidal vein directly into your liver. Glutathione champions your DNA and is an amazing natural toxin eliminator.

Doctors at the University of Minnesota found that cafestol palmitate (found in brewed, unfiltered coffee) stimulates the activity of the glutathione S-transferase enzyme, and opens up the bile duct in the liver.

Executing the warm enema rids your bloodstream of toxins and free radicals.

Other perks include:

  • Improved blood circulation
  • Increased cell energy
  • Better immunity
  • Tissue repair
  • Cellular regeneration
  • Improved mood
  • Repairing gut health

Time Gone By

Meander back in history – all the way to the dusty roads of ancient Egypt. Here you’ll find that the coffee enema was used for relieving constipation along with benefiting overall sustained wellness.

These time-honored records describe the use of the coffee enema to continually improve the health of our ancient ancestors.

The Dead Sea Scrolls (said to be written during Jesus’ day) go into detail about how regular enemas promoted good health. Various scholars estimate that the texts were upwards of 2,000 years old[1].

It’s fascinating to note that in 1896, Dr. W.J. Mayo, one of the founders of the Mayo Clinic, noted that coffee enemas were a routine part of a patient’s protocol after abdominal surgery.

During that period, they were also used to treat post-operative shock, combat poisonings, and were common during post-operative care.

The use of colonic irrigation was used for mental conditions. You can find this discussed in the New England Journal of Medicine (1932).

In an article dating back to 1941, a surgeon described immediate improvement in near-terminal patients after coffee enemas. This included a patient with cocaine intoxication and a patient with post-operative shock.

And interestingly, The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, a compendium of orthodox medical treatment, included coffee enemas, without reservation, through the Twelfth Edition, published in 1972.

The Gerson Therapy

Today, coffee enemas are the essence of the Gerson Therapy protocol developed by Dr. Max Gerson.

This therapy uses a whole-body approach to wellness. Its all-encompassing nature sets it apart from most other treatment methods. Gerson Therapy is recognized in functional, integrative, and holistic medicine circles.

The therapy is an intensive detoxification regimen focusing on eliminating burdensome toxins from the body, while at the same time flooding the body with vital nutrients. Naturally, true wellness can forge ahead.

Gerson therapy has been used to treat cancer and another disease. It is based on encouraging the role of minerals, enzymes, and other dietary factors.

There are 3 key parts to the therapy including:

The Toxic Burden

Your liver is a powerful workhorse. This mighty half-moon-shaped organ does its best to strong-arm toxins, making them less harmful to your body.

Unfortunately, today’s world is an extremely toxic place. We are bombarded with injurious chemicals found in food, air, and water. These foreign substances hinder your body from optimal function.

More specifically, these nasty invaders directly enter your body in the form of pollution, medication, toxic processed food additives[1], chemicals, environmental toxins, pesticides, phthalates, and heavy metals. All of which over-burden your liver.

“Earth, and all life on it, are being saturated with man-made chemicals in an event unlike anything in the planet’s entire history,” says Julian Cribb, author of Surviving the 21st Century.

And it’s increasing.

The Department of Health estimates that nearly 2000 new chemicals are being released every year. The UN Environment Program warns most of these have never been screened for the safety of human health. Truly appalling!

The Technique

First off, you’ll need a coffee enema kit. They are easy to find and purchase. Shop at your favorite online store.

I prefer glass or stainless steel over silicone enema bags. Why? Simply because the silicone bags stain and often need replacing.

The glass or stainless options will last you years, saving you money. My personal favorite is the stainless version.

Do not use coffee from a coffee brewing system like a Keurig. The needed palmitic acid and the coffee oils will be missing. This combination in the enema coffee is necessary and penetrating.

The caffeine stimulates your liver bile ducts to open. Once open, the toxins are released.

Now you know!

Basic tools:

  • 1 quart of filtered or distilled water. Note: Do not use kitchen tap water.
  • A large stainless steel pot to boil the water.
  • A glass 1-quart measuring cup.
  • Organic coffee beans, ground.
  • A fine mesh strainer
  • An enema kit

Directions:

  • Boil 2 cups of your filtered water for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat, and add 3 tablespoons of fresh organic coffee grounds.
  • Simmer 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Strain out the coffee grounds.
  • Pour the coffee concentrate into a glass, 1-quart Pyrex. Add cool filtered water to equal 1 quart. The liquid should be neither too hot nor too cold.
  • Proceed with the enema by pouring 2 cups of your warm coffee into your enema pot.
  • Retain the enema for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, eliminate.

A Few Tips

It is best to do the coffee enema immediately after having a bowel movement. This will make your experience more comfortable. It is common to perform enemas in the morning directly after going to the bathroom.

Be sure to put an old towel on your yoga mat to catch any leaking. Seepage is common, especially for newbies. You’ll become a pro in no time!

A good way to make the process more comfortable is to use a lubricant (like coconut oil) on the applicator tip. Move slowly and follow directions meticulously.

During the enema, relax. Yes, do massage your stomach softly if cramping occurs. Close your eyes and do deep breathing.

You should have an aromatherapy defuser initiated along with a favorite podcast playing in the background. Both of these are beautiful relaxation companions.

During the technique, prayer or meditation can also assist in calming your mind and body to relax.

You need to lay on your right side during the enema. The coffee will travel up the transverse colon (on your left side) and to the portal vein of the liver/gallbladder (on the right side).

If the side position becomes too uncomfortable, it’s alright to move to your back.

Listen for gurgling sounds under your right rib cage. The favorable sound is a signal that your gallbladder is indeed releasing bile – and a sign that the coffee enema has dilated your portal vein. It’s doing its job! You may have the urge to have a bowel movement. Don’t! But continue to breathe deep, steady, and exhale deeply to relax your abdomen. It’s okay to leave the plastic enema tip in your rectum to assist in preventing leaks.

Afterward, be sure to hydrate by drinking a large glass of water. Facilitate further detoxing by adding a pinch of salt and fresh lemon juice to your water glass. The mixture encourages your electrolytes to stay balanced.

The Bathroom Spa

Implementing the technique can surprisingly, be very relaxing. Be sure to make your bathroom into a spa.

Below are a few mood room ideas to create a home spa atmosphere.

  • Soft lighting
  • Spa music
  • Essential oils
  • Aromatherapy – diffuser
  • Soft yoga mat
  • A cotton pillow
  • Book or podcast
  • A locked door

Final Thoughts

As with any other unique protocol, before you begin, inform your Holistic Practitioner or Functional MD. He or she can be a great source of discernment, support, and encouragement. These people are partners in your healing process.

Once you begin doing coffee enemas, you will know when you need to do another based on the way you feel.

I initially did them once a week for several months to clear my body of excess toxins. Now they are part of my regular monthly detoxification routine.

When you begin, you may want to repeat your coffee enema daily. Doing one weekly is common. It’s your call. I have heard that people who are seriously ill do coffee enemas several times a day. Now that’s ambitious!

Give this powerful detox protocol a whirl. The wellness benefits of fueling from behind are enormous. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

Sources

Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

[1] Effects of Food Additives on Immune Cells As Contributors to Body Weight Gain and Immune-Mediated Metabolic Dysregulation

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Laurie Chocholous, NTP

Laurie Chocholous, NTP is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Laurie is a graduate of the Nutritional Therapy Association. She is a con...

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