Ojas

What Is Ojas And Why So Essential?

Ayurveda relates the body’s immunity to Ojas i.e. the essence of all the seven tissues that make up our body. The ancient Indian therapeutic science of Ayurveda strongly counsels that we take care of the Ojas or the vital energy for acquiring as well as maintaining good health and holistic wellbeing. The seven tissues or dhatus are believed to make up the human body. These are Rasa [juice], Rakta [blood], Mansa [muscle], Medha [body fat], Asthi [bones], Majja [bone marrow] and Shukra [semen]. Ojas, the prime source of natural immunity, is the core extract of these seven body tissues and is highly vital to life and existence.

What is Ojas?

Ojas is the result of a contented, efficient and peaceful physiology that remains after the food has been completely digested and assimilated where all the vital organs are receiving the correct nourishment of the body and mind. Ojas may be regarded as the strong connection between the mind and body that’s responsible for developing self-esteem, inner power and vitality that keeps it healthy, preventing decay and degeneration of body. It is the binding glue that syncs the mind and spirit that leads to a joyful, peaceful and healthy body.

Mention in Ayurveda Text

Ojastu tejo dhatunaam shukrantanam param swetam.

(Ash. Hr. 11/37)

As per Ayurveda, Ojas is the dhatu, made up of the essence of all the seven tissues viz. Rasa, Rakta, Mansa, Medha, Asthi. Majja and Shukra – Shatusara Ojas. It is also the best essence of Kapha in the body circulating as Rasatmaka ojas, creating vitality within the body. In fact some scholars have correlated Para ojas with T-cells in the thymus gland and Apra Ojas which are the circulating antibodies developed in bone marrow. It is considered to the end result as well as objective of Ayurvedic healing that circulates throughout the body tissues, resulting in balancing the emotions providing clarity of mind and also strengthening the immunity or body’s resistance power against disease.

Relating Ayurveda Ojas with Modern Science Immunity

Ojas in Ayurveda is what immunity is to the Modern science. As it is apparent that the immunity is the body’s ability to protect healthy cells and fight against the infections and diseases. Ancient Ayurveda scriptures describe diseases such as immunodeficiency, hypersensitivity, cancers and infectious diseases are caused mainly by impaired immunity and believe Ojas to be vital in maintaining the defense mechanism of the body to fight these diseases.

Significance of Ojas

Ojas may be regarded as a special constituent of our body and mind that can influence the body’s immunity, vitality, moodiness, spirituality, glowing skin, digestion, sleep as well as the physical strength. Ayurveda believes that such a miraculous substance is inherent within us and is called ‘ojas’ meaning ‘vigour’ or a state of well-being that reflects the mind-body’s inner power and optimal health. It is the stabilizing essence of the body and mind that prevents stress, diseases and gives immunity, endurance and strength.

How to Enhance Ojas

• Ayurveda offers several ways to preserve and rebuilding ojas through natural means.

• It is extremely important to build up a healthy digestion system to have a positive ojas in the body as healthy digestion builds the essence to protect and preserve the functioning of body cells.

• When you consciously lay emphasis on digestion and detoxification of the body, you can be enjoying the fruit of wellness lifelong as it manifests in the body tissues, senses, bodily glow and Ojas or the vital energy.

• Eating specific ojas building foods such as milk, ghee, almonds, basmati rice, dates, avocados and herbs like amalaki, ashwagandha & shatavari will nourish ojas.

• Cow’s milk is one of the best known Satvic diet available for enhancing natural wellness as well as for boosting immunity. Ayurveda regards it as Ojovardhak i.e. that which is believed to augment the Ojas and thus increase the body’s general resistance against disease.

• Also, the Satvic diets and conducts like meditation, yoga and also positive thinking increases flow of ojas.

• Some unctuous foods like honey, cow’s milk and desi ghee (clarified butter) work as natural rejuvenators and aid in increasing the ojas.

• Spending time with nature serves as the most important key to preserve ojas to heal the mind, body and spirit.

Natural Herbs for Enhancing Ojas

Natural herbs such as amla, mulethi, ashwagandha, ginger, basil, harad, turmeric, brahmi and large cardamom are beneficial for enhancing ojas .

Ginger – According to Ayurveda, ginger is hot in action, it helps in decreasing the aggravated vata and kapha doshas and therefore helps to fight infections as well as boost ojas or the immunity levels.

Turmeric – Turmeric or Haridra is believed to destroy all the three doshas or the basic humors of the body viz. vata, pitta and kapha. Therefore, turmeric is recommended in a large variety of ailments and also as a potent ojas enhancing or immunity-boosting herb.

Liquorice – This is a natural revitalizing herb of liquorice is beneficial for strengthening the body systems and increasing immunity. The powder of this root, when taken with honey and ghee, is sufficient to revive your immunity levels and is thus believed to be enhancing the ojas.

Ashwagandha – This is a natural herb that is beneficial in increasing ojas and restoring energy levels. It also delays the process of ageing. In the Ayurvedic text, the herb of Ashwagandha is regarded as a natural stimulator and rejuvenator.

Rejuvenation Ayurvedic Therapies for Enhancing Ojas

Rejuvenation Ayurvedic therapies are designed mainly to enhance ojas, revitalize the body tissues, remove accumulated stress and toxins from mind and body, which are usually the result of unhealthy lifestyle. Rejuvenation therapies ensure optimum strength and good health. Bring calmness, improve concentration, memory and makes skin look radiant. The Rejuvenation Ayurvedic therapies aid to increase Ojas and thus provide immunity boost. Some of the rejuvenation Ayurvedic therapies for enhancing ojas include Shiro Abhyanga, Shiro Dhara, Shiro Basti, Shiro Pichu, Pada Abhyanga, Abhyanga, SSPS, and we highly recommend these to be taken on the purified body after taking up detoxification and Panchakarma Ayurvedic treatments for long lasting results.

Article published here.

About the Author:

Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.

www.drsonicakrishan.com

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