COFFEE ENEMA PROCEDURES
"Coffee enemas are not given for the function of the intestines, but for the stimulation of the liver." - Max Gerson, MD
While enemas may seem messy or uncomfortable, many clients report that the procedure is so helpful to calm them, stop some kinds of pain, release toxins, clear the head, and other things that they soon forget the inconvenience and don’t mind them at all.
WARNING: Do not eat for at least one hour before doing a coffee enema. If you eat before doing an enema, the enema will upset your stomach.
WARNING: A coffee enema may give you a headache. If this occurs, do another enema. This will often take the headache away. The headache is just due to detoxification.
WARNING: A coffee enema may give you a headache. If this occurs, do another enema. This will often take the headache away. The headache is just due to detoxification.
SAFETY FIRST
All procedures recommended on this website begin with a safety section. It is most important.
All procedures recommended on this website begin with a safety section. It is most important.
- Please be careful when starting enemas. If in doubt, begin with only up to 4 tablespoons of coffee daily, even if you do four enemas per day. Then add more coffee as you can.
- Start with only a teaspoon of coffee in case you are sensitive to it.
- Allow the coffee liquid to sit in the strainer for three minutes before lifting the strainer out of the coffee.
- Never force the enema tip into the rectum. Lubricate it and twist it slowly and gently, aiming it correctly.
- Never retain the enema if the pressure to release it is too high. Read about what to do if you cannot retain the enema.
- Never force anything.
- Be sure the temperature of the coffee liquid is comfortable to the touch.
- Coffee enemas take some getting used to. However, with a little practice they get much easier. This chapter will help with this task. In fact, many of our clients look forward to them.
- Do not use more than about 2 to 3 cups of water in the enema.
- Do not retain a coffee enema for more than 15 to 20 minutes. If you retain the enema longer, the coffee picks up many toxins and becomes toxic for the body. If you cannot retain the enema well, start by using 1.5 cups of water.
- Spring water or carbon-only-filtered tap water are generally best for coffee enemas. We formerly recommended distilled water. However, the bodies are all starved for minerals, so distilled or reverse osmosis water is not best.
- Doing two coffee enemas, back to back, is helpful and extremely powerful when going through retracing. Just make enough coffee for two enemas and do one, expel it and do another right afterwards.
- Dr. Gerson and the Gerson Clinic recommend 3 tablespoons of coffee in one enema. I find this is too much for many people. Please start with less!
STEP 1. DECIDE WHERE TO DO YOUR COFFEE CLEANSE AND YOUR BODY POSITION
Here are some guidelines so that you will be warm and comfortable.
1. Body Position. I suggest lying on your back when doing a coffee cleanse. Some people prefer to lie on their side, or they prefer the ‘doggie’ position – on your hands and knees.
The reason for lying on your back are:
2. Elevate the Hips. If possible, position yourself so that your hips are slightly higher than your head. This is easy to accomplish by putting a towel under your hips or lifting up the feet of your massage table an inch or so with blocks.
The reason for this is that it will cause the coffee solution to run into your body, helping to retain the enema. Also, intestinal gas will tend to move upward to the anal area and be released. The presence of gas is the main reason some people have difficulty holding the enema.
3. Location.
A) Many people enjoy just placing a towel or a mat on the floor of the bathroom to lie upon.
B) Some people do their coffee cleanse in the bathtub, especially if you are not too tall.
C) Some people set up a cot or massage table to lie upon.
D) Please do not do enemas in a yoga posture or some other strange position. It is best if you relax, and the best position for this is lying down.
4. For Children. Coffee enemas are excellent for children and even babies, providing you are careful. Be sure to use less coffee and less water for children.
The easiest position, in most cases, is to place the child on his stomach on a bed, with a towel or better, a bed pan underneath the child’s mid-section. The parent can sit next to the bed.
Lubricate the enema tip well and insert it very slowly and gently, going straight upward from the legs. Twist it a little as you insert it to help it go in. You may need to place a small washcloth over the anal opening to help retain the enema. When finished, the child can turn over and expel the coffee into the bedpan, or get up and expel into the toilet.
Here are some guidelines so that you will be warm and comfortable.
1. Body Position. I suggest lying on your back when doing a coffee cleanse. Some people prefer to lie on their side, or they prefer the ‘doggie’ position – on your hands and knees.
The reason for lying on your back are:
- it is relaxing.
2. Elevate the Hips. If possible, position yourself so that your hips are slightly higher than your head. This is easy to accomplish by putting a towel under your hips or lifting up the feet of your massage table an inch or so with blocks.
The reason for this is that it will cause the coffee solution to run into your body, helping to retain the enema. Also, intestinal gas will tend to move upward to the anal area and be released. The presence of gas is the main reason some people have difficulty holding the enema.
3. Location.
A) Many people enjoy just placing a towel or a mat on the floor of the bathroom to lie upon.
B) Some people do their coffee cleanse in the bathtub, especially if you are not too tall.
C) Some people set up a cot or massage table to lie upon.
D) Please do not do enemas in a yoga posture or some other strange position. It is best if you relax, and the best position for this is lying down.
4. For Children. Coffee enemas are excellent for children and even babies, providing you are careful. Be sure to use less coffee and less water for children.
The easiest position, in most cases, is to place the child on his stomach on a bed, with a towel or better, a bed pan underneath the child’s mid-section. The parent can sit next to the bed.
Lubricate the enema tip well and insert it very slowly and gently, going straight upward from the legs. Twist it a little as you insert it to help it go in. You may need to place a small washcloth over the anal opening to help retain the enema. When finished, the child can turn over and expel the coffee into the bedpan, or get up and expel into the toilet.
STEP 2. GATHERING THE MATERIALS
* Buy a standard 2-quart enema bag, or an enema bucket. The bag should come with a hook or handle to hang up the bag. The bag or the bucket must also have a plastic hose, an enema tip, and a clamp on the hose.
Enema bags are sold at Target, Wal-Mart or many drug stores. If you cannot find one at a local store, you can buy a 2-quart enema bag or bucket inexpensively online. It should cost about $10 to $20. USD. Here's the one I use.
* Buy a standard 2-quart enema bag, or an enema bucket. The bag should come with a hook or handle to hang up the bag. The bag or the bucket must also have a plastic hose, an enema tip, and a clamp on the hose.
Enema bags are sold at Target, Wal-Mart or many drug stores. If you cannot find one at a local store, you can buy a 2-quart enema bag or bucket inexpensively online. It should cost about $10 to $20. USD. Here's the one I use.
* Buy preferably some organic, dark roast, and perhaps Columbian regular coffee. This is best, although technically any regular coffee will work. It can be regular grind or flaked. Do not buy instant coffee and do not buy decaffeinated coffee. For maximum freshness, buy coffee beans and grind your own coffee, but this is not necessary. Store your coffee in the freezer for maximum freshness.
Lighter Roast Coffee, which is a lighter color, is more yin and not as good, although it may be easier to hold in the colon. It may also be less irritating if you have hemorrhoids. However, it seems to contain a toxin that is destroyed when the coffee is roasted more.
STEP 3. PREPARING THE COFFEE
Coffee can be prepared in several ways:
Coffee can be prepared in several ways:
- The best – the 12-minute boil method.
- A standard coffeemaker.
- A percolator. This is an older method and is not used much today.
- The newer steam flash method.
- The soak or non-boil method. This is more yin, so it is not as good. Only use it if you must, such as if you are traveling and cannot boil the coffee.
METHOD #1. The best – The 12-Minute Method.
1. For one enema place 2-3 cups or 500-750 ml of water in a saucepan. (If you are traveling, you could use a large mug with an immersion heater to boil it.) Ideally, use spring water. Spring water or carbon-only filtered tap water work great.
2. Add one to three tablespoons of or ground of flaked coffee, and bring it to a boil. When you start doing coffee enemas, use less coffee, to make sure you tolerate it well. For example, begin with just a half teaspoon of coffee and increase the amount when you are sure you tolerate it well. Then work up to about one to two tablespoons of coffee.
3. When the water and coffee boils, turn down the burner and allow it to simmer for 12 minutes. Your coffee is now ready, but much too hot.
The Ideal Coffee Temperature. For an enema, coffee must be about body temperature or a little lower.
Testing The Coffee Temperature. To test the temperature of your coffee, place a finger in it. It should be a comfortably warm temperature. If the water is too hot or very cold, retaining the enema will be more difficult.
4. Cooling Down Your Coffee. Here are simple ways to cool down hot coffee:
1. For one enema place 2-3 cups or 500-750 ml of water in a saucepan. (If you are traveling, you could use a large mug with an immersion heater to boil it.) Ideally, use spring water. Spring water or carbon-only filtered tap water work great.
2. Add one to three tablespoons of or ground of flaked coffee, and bring it to a boil. When you start doing coffee enemas, use less coffee, to make sure you tolerate it well. For example, begin with just a half teaspoon of coffee and increase the amount when you are sure you tolerate it well. Then work up to about one to two tablespoons of coffee.
3. When the water and coffee boils, turn down the burner and allow it to simmer for 12 minutes. Your coffee is now ready, but much too hot.
The Ideal Coffee Temperature. For an enema, coffee must be about body temperature or a little lower.
Testing The Coffee Temperature. To test the temperature of your coffee, place a finger in it. It should be a comfortably warm temperature. If the water is too hot or very cold, retaining the enema will be more difficult.
4. Cooling Down Your Coffee. Here are simple ways to cool down hot coffee:
- Add some room temperature water.
- Place the saucepan in a cold location for a few minutes, such as in the freezer or on a cold floor, perhaps. Be sure to put it on a trivet or plate to protect the area from the hot saucepan.
- Add an ice cube or two made with purified water.
- Use only one-half a cup of water to make the coffee. When it is done, add the rest of the water, which is at room temperature, and this will cool down the mixture.
Making extra coffee to save time. Although fresh is best, to save time you can make enough coffee for two days worth of enemas. Put the extra coffee in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
METHODS #2 and #3. Using a Coffeemaker or Percolator.
These methods make a weaker coffee. To make it stronger, you can put the coffee through the machine twice.
As with the first method, place about a cup of water in a coffee maker or percolator. Use between 1 teaspoon and 3 tablespoons of coffee and turn the machine on. When the coffee is ready, add at least one more cup of water to cool the mixture to body temperature.
METHOD #4. The Newer Instant Steam Flash Method.
This method is used at Starbucks and elsewhere to make cappuccinos and other coffee beverages. Kurig machines for home use are now sold as well. I have not experimented with them, but I much prefer the 12-minute boil method because it makes a more yang coffee.
METHOD #5. The Non-Boil Method.
This is not as good. Use it only if you are traveling or for some other reason you cannot boil the coffee. It makes a very yin coffee.
In a glass jar or similar container, soak overnight a mixture of ground coffee and water in the proportion of one part coffee to two parts water. The next morning, strain the mixture through a fine strainer or coffee filter paper. Then place it in the refrigerator and it will last a few days.
To do an enema, add two tablespoons of this coffee liquid to about 2 cups of distilled or spring water, or carbon-only filtered tap water. Ideally, warm up the water until it is warm to the touch. You can make enough of the coffee liquid to last about 5 days.
STEP 4. PREPARING TO TAKE THE ENEMA
A. Set Up Your Enema Bag OR Bucket. Make sure it is clean, attach one end of the hose to the bucket or bag, and attach the small enema tip to the other end of the hose.
B. Pour the Coffee Into The Enema Bag OR Bucket, making sure you remove the coffee grounds from the liquid, if needed. (If you use a coffee machine, it is done for you.)
Three ways to remove the coffee grounds are 1) decanting, 2) using coffee filter paper, or 3) using a fine strainer. To decant, pour the coffee liquid slowly into your enema bag or enema bucket, and the grounds should stay behind.
Alternatively, you can strain the coffee liquid through a fine strainer or coffee filter paper into the clean enema bag or bucket.
C. If You Are Using An Enema Bag, Screw On the Top of the Enema Bag. Be sure the plastic hose is fastened tightly onto the enema bag and the thin enema tip is attached to the other end.
D. Remove Air From the Enema Tube. This is an important step, so do not forget it. To do this, grasp, but do not close the clamp on the hose. Place the enema tip in the sink. Hold up the enema bag slightly above the tip until the coffee water begins to flow out. As soon as it starts flowing, quickly close the clamp. This expels any air in the tube.
E. Lubricate the Enema Tip with a Small Amount of Petroleum Jelly, Vaseline, Soap, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Shaving Cream or Even Chapstick. Vaseline or petroleum jelly works very well, but is a little greasy.
(Note: Too much lubrication might cause the tip to fall out of the rectum, creating a mess. Experiment to see how much and what kind of lubrication is best for you).
A thick soap or shaving cream is nice because it is very easy to clean up.
F. If possible, Have a Bowel Movement Before Doing Your Enema. This is not required, but it can make it easier to retain the enema. If you have difficulty having a bowel movement:
STEP 5. DOING THE ENEMA
Hanging the Bag or Bucket.
With the clamp closed, hang the bag or bucket one to three feet above your abdomen. If you have no place to hang it from, you can place it on the floor or bed next to you and you can hold it up to let the coffee flow in.
Inserting The Tip.
Insert the tip slowly and gently. Aim it straight upwards from the legs, not at any angle. Twist or turn the enema tip gently as you insert it, as this can make it slide in much easier. Make sure it goes all the way in. The enema tip must go in at least two inches. Never leave it half way in – it will not work this way. There are two anal sphincters it must pass through, so the tip must be in all the way.
Letting The Coffee Go In.
Open the clamp and hold or hang the enema bag above the abdomen. The coffee may take a few seconds to begin flowing. If it does not flow, you may gently squeeze the bag or the hose to get it to flow.
If you develop a cramp as you are putting the coffee inside, close the hose clamp, turn from side to side and take a few deep breaths. The cramp will usually pass quickly.
When all the liquid is inside, the bag will become flat. Close the clamp. You can leave the tube inserted, or remove it slowly.
NOTE: If you have intestinal gas, definitely leave the enema tip inside of you and leave the clamp open. The intestinal gas will tend to flow out through the enema tip. Otherwise, you will not be able to hold the enema.
Turning To Your Right Side.
An excellent idea once the coffee is inside you is to turn to the right, so that the coffee flows all around the colon. This will enhance the effects of the coffee enema, so please do this.
If you are lying down on your back, turn onto your right side for about two minutes. Then turn back onto your back. This often allows the coffee to flow into the transverse colon and even somewhat into the ascending colon.
What To Do During Your Enema.
Most people remain lying on the floor or on a mat. Some people get up from the floor and lie in bed with a towel under your mid-section to protect against leaks. However, do not walk around with the coffee inside.
This is an excellent time to rub your feet. It is also an excellent time to practice deep breathing.
STEP 6. CLEANUP
Emptying The Coffee.
Try to hold the enema for at least 10 to 15 minutes. More is even better, up to one hour. When you are ready to expel the coffee, go to the toilet and empty out the coffee solution.
It is okay if some water remains inside. This usually means you are somewhat dehydrated. In this case, you need to drink more water, or a different kind of water. However, it is fine if no coffee comes out of you. Rubbing your abdomen and your right calf area, while sitting on the toilet, may help eliminate the water.
A bidet toilet attachment can be wonderful to quickly and thoroughly clean your bottom. It costs about $30 to $50. USD and provides a spray of water on your anal area while sitting on the toilet. It attaches easily and uses the water supply to the toilet. It either attaches to the toilet seat, or is a handheld sprayer unit. I prefer the units that attach to the toilet seat.
Washing Out The Enema Equipment.
Each time after you do an enema, wash the enema tube, the bag or bucket, and the enema tip thoroughly with soap and water or oxygen peroxide, and hang them up to dry. It is not necessary to sterilize them.
Eating After The Enema.
Many people are hungry after a coffee enema. One reason is that coffee enemas can lower the blood sugar level.
It is fine to eat after the enema. I do not suggest eating a lot just before doing the enema. Wait an hour, if possible, after eating a meal before doing a coffee enema.
Helpful Hints
You can do a coffee enema at any time of the day or night. If done close to bedtime, it might interfere with sleep, due to the effect of the caffeine. However, if one feels ill during the night with a headache, for example, you can do a coffee enema, after which some clients report being able to sleep better through the night.
METHODS #2 and #3. Using a Coffeemaker or Percolator.
These methods make a weaker coffee. To make it stronger, you can put the coffee through the machine twice.
As with the first method, place about a cup of water in a coffee maker or percolator. Use between 1 teaspoon and 3 tablespoons of coffee and turn the machine on. When the coffee is ready, add at least one more cup of water to cool the mixture to body temperature.
METHOD #4. The Newer Instant Steam Flash Method.
This method is used at Starbucks and elsewhere to make cappuccinos and other coffee beverages. Kurig machines for home use are now sold as well. I have not experimented with them, but I much prefer the 12-minute boil method because it makes a more yang coffee.
METHOD #5. The Non-Boil Method.
This is not as good. Use it only if you are traveling or for some other reason you cannot boil the coffee. It makes a very yin coffee.
In a glass jar or similar container, soak overnight a mixture of ground coffee and water in the proportion of one part coffee to two parts water. The next morning, strain the mixture through a fine strainer or coffee filter paper. Then place it in the refrigerator and it will last a few days.
To do an enema, add two tablespoons of this coffee liquid to about 2 cups of distilled or spring water, or carbon-only filtered tap water. Ideally, warm up the water until it is warm to the touch. You can make enough of the coffee liquid to last about 5 days.
STEP 4. PREPARING TO TAKE THE ENEMA
A. Set Up Your Enema Bag OR Bucket. Make sure it is clean, attach one end of the hose to the bucket or bag, and attach the small enema tip to the other end of the hose.
B. Pour the Coffee Into The Enema Bag OR Bucket, making sure you remove the coffee grounds from the liquid, if needed. (If you use a coffee machine, it is done for you.)
Three ways to remove the coffee grounds are 1) decanting, 2) using coffee filter paper, or 3) using a fine strainer. To decant, pour the coffee liquid slowly into your enema bag or enema bucket, and the grounds should stay behind.
Alternatively, you can strain the coffee liquid through a fine strainer or coffee filter paper into the clean enema bag or bucket.
C. If You Are Using An Enema Bag, Screw On the Top of the Enema Bag. Be sure the plastic hose is fastened tightly onto the enema bag and the thin enema tip is attached to the other end.
D. Remove Air From the Enema Tube. This is an important step, so do not forget it. To do this, grasp, but do not close the clamp on the hose. Place the enema tip in the sink. Hold up the enema bag slightly above the tip until the coffee water begins to flow out. As soon as it starts flowing, quickly close the clamp. This expels any air in the tube.
E. Lubricate the Enema Tip with a Small Amount of Petroleum Jelly, Vaseline, Soap, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Shaving Cream or Even Chapstick. Vaseline or petroleum jelly works very well, but is a little greasy.
(Note: Too much lubrication might cause the tip to fall out of the rectum, creating a mess. Experiment to see how much and what kind of lubrication is best for you).
A thick soap or shaving cream is nice because it is very easy to clean up.
F. If possible, Have a Bowel Movement Before Doing Your Enema. This is not required, but it can make it easier to retain the enema. If you have difficulty having a bowel movement:
- relax
- drink a lot of water
- rub the right calf area while sitting on the toilet
- sometimes rubbing and twisting the right pinky toe will cause a bowel movement.
- if none of the above work, you can do a quick plain tap water enema to clean the colon before your coffee enema. Only do one of these, and only use a cup of water.
STEP 5. DOING THE ENEMA
Hanging the Bag or Bucket.
With the clamp closed, hang the bag or bucket one to three feet above your abdomen. If you have no place to hang it from, you can place it on the floor or bed next to you and you can hold it up to let the coffee flow in.
Inserting The Tip.
Insert the tip slowly and gently. Aim it straight upwards from the legs, not at any angle. Twist or turn the enema tip gently as you insert it, as this can make it slide in much easier. Make sure it goes all the way in. The enema tip must go in at least two inches. Never leave it half way in – it will not work this way. There are two anal sphincters it must pass through, so the tip must be in all the way.
Letting The Coffee Go In.
Open the clamp and hold or hang the enema bag above the abdomen. The coffee may take a few seconds to begin flowing. If it does not flow, you may gently squeeze the bag or the hose to get it to flow.
If you develop a cramp as you are putting the coffee inside, close the hose clamp, turn from side to side and take a few deep breaths. The cramp will usually pass quickly.
When all the liquid is inside, the bag will become flat. Close the clamp. You can leave the tube inserted, or remove it slowly.
NOTE: If you have intestinal gas, definitely leave the enema tip inside of you and leave the clamp open. The intestinal gas will tend to flow out through the enema tip. Otherwise, you will not be able to hold the enema.
Turning To Your Right Side.
An excellent idea once the coffee is inside you is to turn to the right, so that the coffee flows all around the colon. This will enhance the effects of the coffee enema, so please do this.
If you are lying down on your back, turn onto your right side for about two minutes. Then turn back onto your back. This often allows the coffee to flow into the transverse colon and even somewhat into the ascending colon.
What To Do During Your Enema.
Most people remain lying on the floor or on a mat. Some people get up from the floor and lie in bed with a towel under your mid-section to protect against leaks. However, do not walk around with the coffee inside.
This is an excellent time to rub your feet. It is also an excellent time to practice deep breathing.
STEP 6. CLEANUP
Emptying The Coffee.
Try to hold the enema for at least 10 to 15 minutes. More is even better, up to one hour. When you are ready to expel the coffee, go to the toilet and empty out the coffee solution.
It is okay if some water remains inside. This usually means you are somewhat dehydrated. In this case, you need to drink more water, or a different kind of water. However, it is fine if no coffee comes out of you. Rubbing your abdomen and your right calf area, while sitting on the toilet, may help eliminate the water.
A bidet toilet attachment can be wonderful to quickly and thoroughly clean your bottom. It costs about $30 to $50. USD and provides a spray of water on your anal area while sitting on the toilet. It attaches easily and uses the water supply to the toilet. It either attaches to the toilet seat, or is a handheld sprayer unit. I prefer the units that attach to the toilet seat.
Washing Out The Enema Equipment.
Each time after you do an enema, wash the enema tube, the bag or bucket, and the enema tip thoroughly with soap and water or oxygen peroxide, and hang them up to dry. It is not necessary to sterilize them.
Eating After The Enema.
Many people are hungry after a coffee enema. One reason is that coffee enemas can lower the blood sugar level.
It is fine to eat after the enema. I do not suggest eating a lot just before doing the enema. Wait an hour, if possible, after eating a meal before doing a coffee enema.
Helpful Hints
- To retain the coffee for 15 minutes requires that you relax, if not possible, please don't worry. Make sure the room is warm, and that you are comfortable. Wear a tee shirt, sweat shirt or bathrobe to keep warm or cover yourself up with a blanket. Perhaps put on some quiet music, meditate, breathe deeply, or even watch television or listen to the radio while you are doing your retention enema. Please do not get up and walk around.
- To help keep the coffee in, you may place a washrag or small towel over the anal area. Most people find this unnecessary, but it will help if you have a weak anal sphincter.
- If you have a lot of money, you can buy a colonic irrigation machine, or colon hydrotherapy machine that allows one to add coffee to an enema. Using the machine is a little cleaner because one need not empty it into the toilet. Instead, the enema tip on the machine is designed to allow the coffee to go in, and to allow the coffee to be expelled all while one lies down comfortably.
- If intestinal gas is a problem, some stretching or bending exercises before the enema may eliminate the gas. In particular, lay down on your bed and pull both knees up to your chin to expel gas.
- If the coffee enemas causes hypoglycemic symptoms such as dizziness, shaking or weakness, it is because a coffee enema may lower your blood sugar. If this happens to you, eat a little something just before or just after taking the enema. However, do not eat a lot before a coffee enema because it will make it harder to retain the enema.
You can do a coffee enema at any time of the day or night. If done close to bedtime, it might interfere with sleep, due to the effect of the caffeine. However, if one feels ill during the night with a headache, for example, you can do a coffee enema, after which some clients report being able to sleep better through the night.
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