What are Ojas?
Ojas are the delicate essence of all the important fluids that are responsible for harmony, health and spiritual development of the human body. The name has been derived from a Sanskrit term that translates to “essence of vitality” or “vigor”. Ojas provides the tissues with endurance and strength, which helps to keep them healthy. It is mainly composed of earth and water and possesses qualities similar to the “Kapha.”
Speaking of Ojas on a physical level, it has several forms. Every function that works towards preserving the human body is manifested by the Ojas. It ensures that every cell gets to function without being manipulated by any external stressors. To be precise, “Ojas” is important energy that presides over the strength, happiness, and immunity of the body, each of which the body needs in abundance. It is the positive force of constancy. When the Ojas in the body become weak, our spirit, energy, and physical body start to weaken as well.
Depletion of the Ojas
The depletion of Ojas is a sign of danger for the body. There are several factors that can lead to the depletion of Ojas in the human body. Starvation, grief, anger, worry, and exertion are some of the most common causes. In fact, too much exercise can also prove to be harmful to the level of Ojas in the body. In terms of your food intake, eating insufficient quantities of food and fasting for a prolonged period of time can have a negative effect on body Ojas. An unhealthy diet and consumption of alcoholic beverages cause dryness within the body. Some other causes of Ojas depletion include:
- Not getting an adequate amount of sleep
- Waking up frequently at night
- Damage of tissues due to hemorrhage
- The outflow of too much semen, blood, “waste” products (like sweat or urine)
- Intake of poison
Apart from the above-mentioned factors, the diet that you follow has a great impact on the Ojas of the body. For example, having excessive pungent, bitter, or salty food is not advised. While starving can be bad, it does not mean that overeating will increase the present level of Ojas either. In other cases, when the Kapha and Vata in the human body decreases, it brings about an imbalance in the level of body Ojas. This leads to a number of abnormal body conditions like increased thirst, debility, fainting, and weakened sense organs.
Lifestyle Habits that Can Improve Ojas
Some changes in your lifestyle that can help you increase Ojas include:
Eat Ojas-enhancing Food
Having a diet full of Ojas-enhancing food is one of the best ways to promote Ojas in the body. Some of these include dates, ghee, almonds, cashews, avocado, figs, and raisins. You can also eat juicy, sweet fruits like mangoes and peaches. Food rich in antioxidants like beets, blueberries, and cacao also helps in the process. In terms of your liquid intake, coconut milk, organic or whole milk, and coconut water are some of the best options. If you are looking for some Ojas enhancing recipes – homemade Ghee, Golden turmeric milk, and sweet potato smoothies are great options.
Meditation
Eliminating the constrictions in your mind and improving the ability to process your thoughts, emotions, and feelings is a strong way to give a lift to Ojas present in your system. Ojas signifies awareness. Thus, by enhancing your consciousness through meditation, you increase your Ojas. Every night before you go to bed, sit comfortably in a quiet place for 10-20 minutes. Silence your mind, welcome your thoughts, and let them flow. In case your mind becomes restless, focus on your breathing by inhaling and exhaling rhythmically.
Avoid Wasting your Sexual energy
Ojas is an important part of sexual potency. Misusing, exhausting, or abusing this energy is a way of decreasing your Ojas. On the other hand, keeping control over this energy and using it in a healthy way will safeguard your Ojas. According to research, VATA kinds must have sexual intercourse once or twice a month. The PITTA kinds must have it 3-4 times in a month, while the KAPHA kinds 4-5 times. If your Ojas is at a very low level from the beginning it is best that you conserve your sexual energy to 1-2 times a month.
Deep Breathing
As mentioned before, constriction can deplete Ojas. Thus, taking out some time for deep breathing is an effective way to improve your Ojas. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for 10 minutes. Focus on your mind and repeat this practice every day to attain the best results.
Gentle Exercise
Following a gentle, consistent, and healthy exercise pattern every day is a good way to acquire healthy Ojas. It can be a short hike outside, a long walk, or a gentle swim. The key is to be relaxed.
Maintain Your Oja Balance
Now that you have a better understanding of Ojas and its importance to the human body, make sure that you maintain its balance through a proper diet. Consuming the right herbs and food can enhance your Ojas. Consume whole grains, raw cow milk, saffron, ghee and almonds as mentioned earlier. Some herbal tonics that can offer you a great deal of support include shatavari, ashwagandha and the classic chyawanprash. Get your diet chart and lifestyle altered today and take a step towards a healthy Ojas.
