DECEMBER 2025 Webinar – Unanswered Q&A

Below are additional questions from guests during the webinar that we did not have time to address live.

Could you put the link of the NATURE article in the chat?

Answer: Yes. Here is the link to the Nature article:
https://rdcu.be/eQX7O

Nature (Nature Reviews Cardiology) is the top cardiology journal in the world. So this article is very significant in establishing Transcendental Meditation as a uniquely effective meditation practice.

What is your assessment of the benefits of massage — frequency and type?

Answer: From an Ayurvedic perspective, massage is profoundly therapeutic for the nervous system, circulation, lymphatic flow, and stress hormones. Regular Ayurveda oil massage (abhyanga) helps calm Vata, improve sleep, support detoxification, and maintain joint and tissue health.

Frequency: Ideally weekly or bi-weekly; even monthly or quarterly is beneficial.

Type: Warm oil massage is foundational. Ayurveda recommends learning self-massage (abhyanga) that you can do on a daily basis, each morning before showering.

Massage is not a luxury in Ayurveda — it’s considered preventive healthcare.

Did I hear correctly that we consume a credit card amount of plastic?

Answer: You’re remembering correctly. Current research estimates that the average person may ingest the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of microplastics per week, primarily from food, water, and packaging. This is why reducing plastic exposure — especially with drinking water and food storage — is increasingly important for long-term health.

We drink reverse osmosis water. Do we need to add minerals back?

Answer: Reverse osmosis water is very effective at removing contaminants for the water, including PFAS (also referred to as Forever Chemicals). However, it also removes beneficial minerals. From both an Ayurvedic and physiological perspective, re-mineralizing RO water is recommended — either through trace mineral drops or mixing with clean spring water.

How effective is oil pulling for removing toxins?

Answer: Oil pulling is a valuable supportive practice. Swishing the mouth with sesame oil (and then spitting it out––don’t swallow it!) helps reduce oral bacteria, supports gum health, and decreases toxic load entering the digestive system. While it doesn’t detoxify the body on its own, it supports overall cleansing by improving oral and digestive hygiene — an important Ayurvedic principle.

Do early morning walks still help in cloudy climates?

Answer: Yes. The benefit comes not only from sunlight but from aligning your body with circadian rhythms, fresh air, gentle movement, and nervous system regulation. Even on cloudy days, early morning walks support digestion, mood, metabolism, and hormonal balance. It also the case that some of the red light and infrared light does come through on a cloudy day. As long as you feel the warmth of the sun, you are getting infrared light.

May I have your phone number to discuss research participation?

Answer: Thank you for your interest. The best next step is to contact The Raj directly, and our team will guide you regarding research participation and scheduling. They will make sure you’re connected appropriately.

Does boiling water eliminate PFAS?

Answer: Unfortunately, no. PFAS are extremely heat-stable chemicals, so boiling water does not remove them — and may actually concentrate them. Effective removal requires filtration methods such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon systems designed for PFAS.

Does pouring water back and forth increase prana?

Answer: Yes, this recommendation exists in Ayurveda. Pouring water between vessels is said to aerate it, enliven circulation, and subtly increase prana. While modern science may describe this as increased oxygenation or structural change, Ayurveda has long recognized that intention, movement, and freshness influence water’s vitality.

Are there times of year with pricing specials at The Raj?

Answer: Yes, The Raj does offer seasonal programs and special packages at certain times of the year. Our team will be reaching out to you directly to share current options and help you plan your return. You can also call us at 800-864-8714.