Article from http://svasthaayurveda.com/
What is Ojas?
Ojas is the culmination of the pure essence of the 7 vital tissues (dhatu) in the body. It is formed during the biosynthesis of these tissues and represents the albumin (protein in the plasma), globulin (protein in the blood) and many essential hormones and neurotransmitters. Although Ojas plays a major role in the immune system, it also relates to the endocrine, nervous, skeletal, muscular, hematopoietic (bone marrow, spleen, lymph) and digestive systems; and therefore plays a vital role in our overall health.
A major function of Ojas is to maintain the 7 vital tissues, the 3 main forms of elimination (urine, feces, sweat) and the 3 doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). If we are able to maintain healthy Ojas in our system, then we are able to keep balance in all of these areas, keeping the energies flowing freely, avoiding stagnation in the channels and resisting decay and disease.
Common Causes of Low Ojas:
- Physical trauma (i.e. car accident, injury)
- Emotional trauma (i.e. break-up, loss of a loved one)
- Poor sleep habits
- Selfishness
- Nervousness
- Anger
- Stress
- Overworking
- Excessive orgasms
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis, cancer, TB and ulcerative colitis
- Chronic pain
- Resistance to “what is”
- Excessive travel
- High Vata in the system
- Aging (50+)
How to Increase Healthy Ojas:
1. Meditation.
Letting go of the constrictions in the mind and processing through our thoughts, feelings and emotions is a powerful way to boost healthy Ojas in the system. Ojas is Awareness and by increasing our consciousness through meditation, we simultaneously increase our Ojas. Each night before bed, take 10-20 minutes to sit in a peaceful, comfortable seat; quiet the mind, let your thoughts come in and gently send them on their way. If the mind gets restless, come back to the breath and focus on the inhale and exhale.
2. Eat Ojas increasing foods.
Eating a diet rich in Ojas-increasing foods is a great way to promote healthy Ojas in the body. Here is a list of some powerful Ojas building food choices:
- Ghee
- Dates
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Tahini
- Avocado
- Healthy oils such as coconut, olive, sesame and almond
- Coconut meat, coconut water, coconut milk
- Organic, whole milk (warmed and spiced)
- Whole grains (brown rice, buckwheat groats, oats, whole wheat…)
- Figs
- Raisons
- Sweet, juicy fruits such as peaches and mangos
- High anti-oxidants foods such as blueberries, cacao and beets
- Sweet potato
- Rice pudding
- Bone marrow broths
Ojas increasing recipes:
- Energizing Sweet Potato and Chia Seed Smoothie
- Ojas Increasing Oatmeal
- Golden Turmeric Milk
- Rejuvenating Ojas Drink
- Homemade Ghee Recipe
3. Reduce overall stress.
Reducing the stress in your life is an essential way to obtain healthy Ojas in the body. Make sure that you are not overworking and exhausting yourself. Make sure to keep good, positive company and reduce negativity and conflict in your daily life. Find healthy outlets to utilize on a daily basis such as Yoga, meditation, pranayama, music, art, nature, family, friends, healthy hobbies and exercise.
4. Avoid excessive sex.
Ojas is a strong factor in our sexual potency. Abusing, misusing or exhausting our vital sexual energy is a common way of depleting the Ojas in the system. Instead, keeping control over this sacred energy and utilizing it in a healthy manner will preserve our Ojas and preserve our vitality. According to the texts, Vata types are supposed to enjoy sexual intercourse only 1-2 times a month, Pitta types 3-4 times and Kapha types 4-5 times per month. If you have depleted Ojas to begin with however, it is best to save your sexual energy for only 1-2 times a month, no matter which dosha type you may be.
5. Abhyanga self-oil massage.
A warm, gentle self-oil massage at the end of the night is a great way to build the Ojas while nurturing the body, mind and soul. If you have depleted Ojas, there is a good chance that the Vata is also high, so using a warm sesame oil or Vata Massag Oil may be even more powerful. Begin with the head and work your way slowly down to the feet. If you are short for time, just massaging the scalp, forehead and feet can be very effective as well. Click here for full instructions on the Abhyanga Self-Oil Massage.
6. Gentle Yoga.
Gentle Yoga is a nourishing way to relieve stress, reduce constrictions and promote free flowing energy in the body; all of which will increase healthy Ojas in the body. Taking a restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga or any slow moving, gentle Yoga class 1-2 times each week will be a great compliment to your Ojas-building routine.
7. Gentle exercise.
Incorporating a healthy, gentle and consistent exercise routine into your daily life is a great way to promote healthy Ojas. This can be a simple walk in the fresh air each day, a gentle hike in nature or a nice swim are all great options. Just keep it relaxed, consistent and enjoyable.
8. Deep breathing.
As mentioned before, constriction is a leading cause of depleted Ojas. Therefore, taking the time to take some deep breaths each day is an excellent and efficient way to increase our Ojas and our vitality. Each morning, take a comfortable seat and take 10 deep belly breaths making them long, smooth and steady. Focus the mind on the elongated inhale and exhale, and notice the slight pause in between. Repeat this practice before bed as well for best results.
9. Practice surrendering to what life hands us.
Dr Vasant Lad states very clearly that a major cause of depleted Ojas is saying “No” to what is. Saying “No” causes resistance and constriction, and these feelings disrupt Ojas. Therefore, practicing surrendering and accepting what is can be a powerful way to increase our health and longevity. As Dr. Lad so beautifully states: “The trees say “Yes” to every season. When Spring comes, they say “Yes” and they flower. When summer comes, they say “Yes” and they become dry and thirsty. When Fall comes, they say “Yes”, change color and drop their leaves.” Be like the tree!
10. Promote positivity in your life.
Increase the positive energy in your life and increase your Ojas. Some simple ways to increase the positive energy are by keeping good company and surrounding yourself with positive, loving, compassionate people. Keep positive thoughts even, and especially, when times get hard. Positive energy promotes positive energy and this promotes healthy Ojas.
11. Ojas increasing herbs.
Herbs can be an amazing compliment to these other Ojas increasing practices. Here are some of the most powerful Ojas-enhancing herbs in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia:
- Bala
- Triphala
- Ashwagandha
- Shatavari
- Punarnava
- Bhringaraj
- Brahmi
- Shilajit
- Shanka Pushpi
- Pippali
- Yesthi Madhura (Licorice)
- Vidari
- Kapi Kachu (Atma Gupta)
- Gokshura
- Jatamansi
- Ginger
***Taking these herbs with ghee and honey will increase their Ojas increasing properties even further!
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