Ojas: What it is + How to keep it Healthy and Strong

Ojas is the first thing to be created in the body of all living beings. It is ghee coloured, it tastes like honey and smells like roasted puffed rice

Caraka Samhita Sutrasthana 17.74

'When ojas is low the person is fearful, weak, worried, has deranged senses, poor complexion, weak mind, is rough and thin’ (Caraka Samhita Sutrasthana 17.73). However, a person with healthy ojas is calm, content & peaceful within, has strong immunity, digestion, potent fertility and endurance. There is a sparkle in the eye and a special ‘glow’ around them. Ojas translates to mean “essence of vitality”

Ojas and our digestive fire, Agni have an interdependent relationship. They regulate and nourish each other and are seen as the perfect duality of solar (Agni) and lunar (Ojas) energy.

Also helping to build and sustain Ojas is Prana, the inherent life force. Here are some ways you can continue to sustain Ojas:

1. By using the correct pranayama techniques (such as balancing nadi shodana / alternate nostril breathing)

2. Maintaining a healthy and balanced Agni (digestive fire): eating for the season, following an ayurvedic cleanse from time to time (at the turn of each season), being mindful of upayoga samstha (ayurvedic guidelines on how to eat, see here)

3. Taking the middle path and avoiding extremes - excess alcohol, overwork, undernourishment, excess sport, depression, irritability, anger, anxiety (as examples) we can continue to maintain our Ojas through the ages.

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For further support with building a healthy Ojas or if you are curious about taking an Ayurvedic approach to wellness and would like some support with a consultation, counselling or talk therapy, energy healing, yoga & meditation and massage or all of these please get in touch!