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.
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 Modern science. 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 ‘vigor’ 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 the Ojas:
-Ayurveda offers several ways to preserve and rebuild 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 enjoy 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 Sattvic 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 Sattvic diets and conducts like meditation, yoga and also positive thinking increases flow of ojas.
-Some 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.
