Drinking Coffee? That’s Crazy Talk
“Some Ann Arborites have learned to combine their love of java with the pursuit of wellness,” the latest Observer reports. Coffee consumption does have some established health benefits. But the naturopaths profiled in the story are thinking along slightly different lines — specifically, coffee enemas, which they suggest to one out of four of their patients.
“As for drinking coffee, [the naturopaths] don’t approve … But with coffee enemas…the harmful side effects aren’t as prevalent, since ‘it’s going more so to the liver, not to the brain.’” Not to mention that drinking coffee is enjoyable, a clear warning sign. Well, in general, that is — they may have actually found the best use for much of what’s available in A2.
They have naturopaths in many places and they are all like this … that is to say internet and self-help book trained doctors and self-righteous, intellectually lazy snake oil hucksters.
Ann Arbor has no more than every other college town or medium to large sized city.
God, I hate naturopaths.
And what’s the matter with Ann Arbor coffee?
posted by exile on September 1st, 2006 at 1:15 pmRight up there near the top of AAiO “Dates to Remember” has got to be the day that this website addressed the issue of coffee enemas. I feel blessed and… er.. enriched to have experienced it.
speaking of which, aaio, i think it’s high time an institution such as this one should have a ‘favorite threads’ or ‘best of’ list. You’ve got to be coming up on one anniversary or another, don’t you? I mean, there should *definitely* be a permanent link to the fairy door discussion somewhere on the homepage.
posted by Heidi on September 1st, 2006 at 3:18 pmYes, especially as fairy doors are a very current topic.
posted by hale on September 1st, 2006 at 3:43 pmActually, there are at least three types of naturopaths. The first is those with medical training that includes minor surgery, taking state boards, and very intensive professional training. They have specific requirements for the degree and it is a real degree. Many states recognize them as medical professionals (Doctor of Naturopathy or Naturopathic Physician). Some have hospital privileges. Most of these schools are on the west coast.
posted by born in aa on September 2nd, 2006 at 8:47 amThen there are traditional naturopaths who study herbs and healing - but the training is not specified and while some are good and study for years some do the weekend workshop thing.
Last, there are people who get the mail order degree that requires money but may not require any training, study, or knowledge.
Michigan doesn’t license naturopaths, so it can be hard to tell them apart. It is a big problem that the same name can be used for people who are respected professionals, as well as those who just want the title. No wonder the public is confused — and you have statements like the previous from Exile “I hate Naturopaths”. Have you ever met or talked to one with the medical training? Ann Arbor has a number of naturopathic doctors who have completed the legitimate medical training. But they don’t all agree about coffee enemas.
We also have some who use the title and are traditionally trained, as well a couple who did it mail order.
As to the topic that instigated this post — I think coffee enemas are dangerous. I believe in using the digestive system in just one direction.
born in aa wrote: “I think coffee enemas are dangerous.”
An aspiring director of cinema
posted by HD on September 2nd, 2006 at 11:22 amtried keeping his pain to a minima
and here’s what he did:
ditched the thermos’s lid,
before taking his black coffee enema
Coffee enemas are something for which the world is not yet prepared.
posted by Dave Cahill on September 2nd, 2006 at 11:33 amIf you think coffee has harmful side effects, Ann Arbor houses of prostitution are pretty bad too.
Thank goodness Starbucks didn’t open as many wh*rehouses as they did coffee houses, or this country would be in trouble big time.
David Boyle
posted by "D. Bo vs. the ho's" on September 2nd, 2006 at 1:04 pmshut *up*! I had no idea that Ann Arbor had illegal prostitution as the linked article implies. Where, then, I wonder is all the legal prostitution??
Joking aside, this stuff is rarely if ever truely victimless. I hope that the women involved get some help to make less dangerous lives for themselves.
posted by LittleB on September 2nd, 2006 at 9:50 pm“Where, then, I wonder is all the legal prostitution??”
Sorority and frat houses?
posted by Dave on September 5th, 2006 at 4:01 pm“Where, then, I wonder is all the legal prostitution??”
In Nevada and thankfully far outside of the reach of the Ann Arbor mindset.
Now back to Coffee. I’m recommending that Coffee Speakeasys be established to cater to thoes, like myself, who are addicted.
posted by Louis on September 6th, 2006 at 12:03 am“Where, then, I wonder is all the legal prostitution??”
Craigslist? or back-pages Metro Times.
posted by Jen on September 6th, 2006 at 1:54 amBut never mind the coffee: what about vanilla, Vanilla Ice in particular, and the contextual social meaning of Vanilla Ice in Ann Arbor? See my post on Arblogger about this, with a shout-out to AAIO included…
posted by Vanilla, coffee... on September 6th, 2006 at 2:12 pmOops, bad timing and failure to self-identify. I posted the last post–and I see AAIO just posted on this topic! and mentioned Arblogger! Thank you AAIO!
David Boyle
posted by Vanilla, coffee... on September 6th, 2006 at 2:14 pmlittle late here, but damn straight, AAIO: when is the last time you had a cup of coffee in Ann Arbor (not made at home) that was really worth drinking, let alone paying too much for…?
posted by Daniel on September 9th, 2006 at 6:42 pm