OJAS : The Immunity Factor

The fact that ‘prevention is better than cure’ is well recognised in Ayurveda as its foremost objective is maintenance and promotion of the wellness of the healthy.
According to Ayurveda, a key element in maintaining wellness and in preventing disease, is cultivating and balancing Ojas.
The ancient classical text the Charaka Samhita describes Ojas as:

“It is the Ojas which keeps all the living beings nourished and refreshed. There can be no life without Ojas. Ojas marks the beginning of the formation of embryo. It enters the heart right at the stage of the embryo’s initial formation. Loss of Ojas amounts to the loss of life itself. It sustains life and is located in the heart. It constitutes the essence of all the Dhatus (tissues)”

What is Ojas?  What does that mean? 

Ojas is our innate immunity; it is our natural ability to fight infection. Healthy Ojas in a person equates to good health and prevention of physical ailments. Quality and balanced Ojas is essential for a strong immune system.
Digestion plays a key role in the balance and strength of Ojas. Ojas is produced in the body from the food we have daily. To maintain proper Ojas, how we eat is as important as what we eat. Our food should obviously be freshly prepared, clean, with quality ingredients and rich in nutrients. It also needs to be had at proper timings and calming, rather than hurried and rushed. Sitting down quietly and enjoying a meal, not too quickly while chewing thoroughly are important.
Ayurveda suggests one build and balance Ojas by following regular daily routines, being nutritionally balanced, cultivating a healthy digestive fire, and not taking on too much stress in life.

Ways to build both physical and mental Ojas include:

1. Yoga asanas
2. Pranayama or breathing practices
3. Meditation
4. Gentle exercise
5. Reducing Stress
6. Good nourishment : Especially milk, ghee and fresh produce.
7. Positive thinking
8. Rest and adequate sleep
9. Taking time for warm baths after self massage or abhyangam
10. Satsang - To be in the company of people who are satvit and inspiring.
11. Regular purification of body through Panchakarma procedures

Strong nutrition, mental rest and peaceful and positive surroundings will help cultivate and enhance Ojas in body, mind and spirit.
So during this pandemic, let us improve our immunity by enhancing our own Ojas.