(...with apologies to Herman Melville, and Bartleby)

Is that cup of Joe a Godsend, or a curse? Does it keep us healthier, or is it a health risk? Because we are yogis and yoginis, are we better protected against some of the side effects? Do we dare say anything bad about coffee in Seattle?

Where to start?

Let's start with the basics. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant; can we all agree about that? I think we also can agree that the effects of caffeine are dose-dependent, assuming we can agree that caffeine is a drug. Trust me on this (after all, I am a doctor); it is. The average American last year consumed 416 cups of coffee a year.

But remember that many of us also consume caffeinated soft drinks - either the conventional types, or the new energy boosters. And there is a caffeine analogue in chocolate: theobromine, a methylxanthine similar in molecular structure to caffeine. So chocolate counts, too. And don't forget that many teas have caffeine, too. The difference between caffeine in coffee and that in tea is a matter of metabolism; tea caffeine (sometimes called "theine") hits you more slowly, and the effects may last a bit longer.

So what exactly is decaf? depending upon the process involved, decaffeination will remove anywhere from 97% to 99% of the caffeine, but never all of it.

Caffeine releases antioxidants, and seems to play a salutary role in prevention of Type II diabetes. Liver cancer is less prevalent with caffeine consumption. Heart rhythm irregularities may be less likely.

On the other hand, caffeine increases the circulating levels of stress hormones, norepinephrine and cortisol especially. Not surprisingly, therefore, caffeine intake is associated with elevations in blood pressure and heart rate, and may increase the risk of heart attack, when coupled with stress. And increased cortisol levels create insulin resistance, increased appetite, and cravings for fatty foods - therefore, increased chance of weight gain. As a gut stimulant, caffeine will worsen symptoms of irritable bowel. And everyone knows that caffeine keeps us up at night, which may be a desired effect while cramming for finals, but will lead to unwanted sleep disturbances in others.

Equivocal studies suggested increased risk of pancreatic and prostatic carcinoma, not corroborated by others.

Like any other central nervous system stimulant, caffeine is habit-forming. While Howard Schultz may be going to the bank on this phenomenon, those of us trying to kick the habit may be troubled by headaches and annoying dullness feelings while "coming down".

So what about yoga and caffeine?

We embrace stress reduction in an already over-stressed world. We try to slow things down, so that we can savor the moment, be part of the fullness which envelopes us. Why would we allow ourselves the use of a drug which accomplishes just the opposite?  Are we creating more of a need for more frequent yoga by drinking more coffee?

We must admit that coffee tastes good, at least for those who have acquired the taste. For another, the coffee shop and tea house scene is a trip in itself, especially in Seattle, where the temptation is at every corner, often catercorner. For another, sometimes, we just feel the need to get up and get going, for instance after an especially blissful restorative yoga class on a day when we have a deadline to meet, or an important meeting to attend.

Like anything else, striking a balance is best - as your mother or big brother was wont to say, "Go ahead; a little bit won't hurt you." The trick is to keep it at a little bit.

Think of the money you will save, if nothing else! A backbend will get you going as well as a cup of coffee. And it is cheaper, too.