What is Ojas? Explanation by Dr Ayurveda
Energies are present throughout the body of a living being. But when these do not flow properly, we may say ‘my energy levels are down’ or ‘I don’t have enough energy and feel unwell’. This occurs when the body is lacking good nutrition from food and is due to incomplete or poor digestion. Ojas is pronounced as ‘Oh-Jus’ and it is present as an essence throughout the body and in every tissue. When there is good digestion, the energy that is released is known as Ojas.
Ojas is defined as the purest expression of metabolism, the final end product of correct digestion and assimilation of food1. After proper digestion the partially digested food, ahara rasa (essence of pure food which is the end product of digestion), is important as it nourishes all the dhatus (tissues) at their respective level. Nutrients from the food are used to build what is known as the seven major dhatus (tissues) of the body. All together, it’s output is the essence of all Dhatus called Ojas.
It affects both the mental (spiritual and emotional) and physical well being. When Ojas increases, then so does the body’s self defense system. It is responsible for vitality in the body and a factor for maintaining the life force. Then the individual is in a state of calm and contentment. In Ayurveda, diet and digestive health are given so much importance. Following a proper diet will help prevent diseases, promote longevity and support the building of Ojas and general health. When the Ojas is disrupted due to poor or incomplete digestion, there is increased toxins (Aama), reduced energy, vitality and therefore reduced immunity. Consequently, this has a marked impact on the individual's mental and physical capacity. A proper functioning digestive system is therefore the key for enhancing the formation of Ojas and therefore optimizing the health and immune system of the individual. Agni is our digestive fire. A balanced Agni enhances the formation of Ojas. Poor diet and lifestyle, exposure to seasonal changes, mental or physical stress results in a weakened Agni. Ways to increase Agni and therefore help to increase Ojas include: adopting a healthy lifestyle which consists of healthy eating (e.g. more fresh, unprocessed foods and according to the seasonal changes) and taking plenty of exercise. Reducing overall stress where possible is essential for increasing Ojas. A simple lifestyle can minimize stress. In addition, certain herbs and substances help. These include: Ghee, Shilajit, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Guduchi, Mucuna Pruriens (Kapikacchu) and pine pollen. The Ayurvedic physician can guide on how to take these correctly. Colostrum found in breast milk also increases Ojas, which may explain the emphasis on breastfeeding.
What is Ojas - Key Points
● Ojas is pronounced as ‘Oh-Jus’ and is present throughout the body.
● It is an energy that is produced after proper digestion of food.
● It is responsible for the vitality in the body and a factor for maintaining the life force.
● A balanced Agni (digestive fire) enhances the formation of Ojas.
● When Ojas is in balance or produced properly, the individual has energy and good immunity.
● A proper functioning digestive system is the key towards good health.
● If disrupted, then there is an increase in toxins, reduced energy, reduced vitality and therefore reduced immunity.
● Ojas can be increased with healthy lifestyle, healthy eating and by minimizing overall stress where possible.
Energies are present throughout the body of a living being. But when these do not flow properly, we may say ‘my energy levels are down’ or ‘I don’t have enough energy and feel unwell’. This occurs when the body is lacking good nutrition from food and is due to incomplete or poor digestion. Ojas is pronounced as ‘Oh-Jus’ and it is present as an essence throughout the body and in every tissue. When there is good digestion, the energy that is released is known as Ojas.
Ojas is defined as the purest expression of metabolism, the final end product of correct digestion and assimilation of food1. After proper digestion the partially digested food, ahara rasa (essence of pure food which is the end product of digestion), is important as it nourishes all the dhatus (tissues) at their respective level. Nutrients from the food are used to build what is known as the seven major dhatus (tissues) of the body. All together, it’s output is the essence of all Dhatus called Ojas.
It affects both the mental (spiritual and emotional) and physical well being. When Ojas increases, then so does the body’s self defense system. It is responsible for vitality in the body and a factor for maintaining the life force. Then the individual is in a state of calm and contentment. In Ayurveda, diet and digestive health are given so much importance. Following a proper diet will help prevent diseases, promote longevity and support the building of Ojas and general health. When the Ojas is disrupted due to poor or incomplete digestion, there is increased toxins (Aama), reduced energy, vitality and therefore reduced immunity. Consequently, this has a marked impact on the individual's mental and physical capacity. A proper functioning digestive system is therefore the key for enhancing the formation of Ojas and therefore optimizing the health and immune system of the individual. Agni is our digestive fire. A balanced Agni enhances the formation of Ojas. Poor diet and lifestyle, exposure to seasonal changes, mental or physical stress results in a weakened Agni. Ways to increase Agni and therefore help to increase Ojas include: adopting a healthy lifestyle which consists of healthy eating (e.g. more fresh, unprocessed foods and according to the seasonal changes) and taking plenty of exercise. Reducing overall stress where possible is essential for increasing Ojas. A simple lifestyle can minimize stress. In addition, certain herbs and substances help. These include: Ghee, Shilajit, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Guduchi, Mucuna Pruriens (Kapikacchu) and pine pollen. The Ayurvedic physician can guide on how to take these correctly. Colostrum found in breast milk also increases Ojas, which may explain the emphasis on breastfeeding.
● Ojas is pronounced as ‘Oh-Jus’ and is present throughout the body.
● It is an energy that is produced after proper digestion of food.
● It is responsible for the vitality in the body and a factor for maintaining the life force.
● A balanced Agni (digestive fire) enhances the formation of Ojas.
● When Ojas is in balance or produced properly, the individual has energy and good immunity.
● A proper functioning digestive system is the key towards good health.
● If disrupted, then there is an increase in toxins, reduced energy, reduced vitality and therefore reduced immunity.
● Ojas can be increased with healthy lifestyle, healthy eating and by minimizing overall stress where possible.
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