Charak Samhita

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|title=Ojas
 
|title=Ojas
 
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|keywords= Ojas,Ojas in Ayurveda,Ojas meaning, charak samhita,caraka samhita, vitality, immunity in ayurveda, Indian system of medicine
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|keywords= Ojas, Ojas in Ayurveda, Ojas meaning, oja in ayurveda, immunity booster, charak samhita, caraka samhita, vitality, immunity in ayurveda, Indian system of medicine, natural medicine, herbal medicine
 
|description=Essence of body tissues and vitality  
 
|description=Essence of body tissues and vitality  
 
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
 
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
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<div style = "text-align:justify;">  
 
<div style = "text-align:justify;">  
 
Ojas or Oja literally means vitality, vigor, luster, power, bodily strength, energy.<ref>Sanskrit-English dictionary available from https://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=oja&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3 accessed on 01/06/2020</ref>   
 
Ojas or Oja literally means vitality, vigor, luster, power, bodily strength, energy.<ref>Sanskrit-English dictionary available from https://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?tran_input=oja&direct=se&script=hk&link=yes&mode=3 accessed on 01/06/2020</ref>   
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Oja is the essence of all seven body components ([[dhatu]])[SAT-B.450].<ref>Standard Ayurveda Terminologies available from http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat accessed on 28/07/2020</ref>. [[Ayurveda]] scholars recognized Oja as the active and potent principle of the body that is responsible for the strength, vigor, and vitality of an individual.<ref>Shilwant A. Immunology: An Ayurvedic Aspect with reference to Oja and Vyadhiskamatva. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2016; 5(1):53-64 Available from http://ijapc.com/volume5-first-issue/V5-I1-7-P-53-64.pdf accessed on 28/07/2020</ref> Specific properties of Oja, its characteristic features, quantity, three stages of its vitiation, clinical features, and its treatment are described in classics. Based on this description, the physicians (vaidya) treat conditions of abnormalities of Oja in current clinical practice. However, scientists are still in search of the exact physiological component, which can be termed as Oja.
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Oja is the essence of all seven body components ([[dhatu]])[SAT-B.450].<ref>Standard Ayurveda Terminologies available from http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat accessed on 28/07/2020</ref>. [[Ayurveda]] scholars recognized Oja as the active and potent principle of the body that is responsible for the strength, vigor, and vitality of an individual.<ref name= Shilwant> Shilwant A. Immunology: An Ayurvedic Aspect with reference to Oja and Vyadhikshamatva. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2016; 5(1):53-64 Available from http://ijapc.com/volume5-first-issue/V5-I1-7-P-53-64.pdf accessed on 28/07/2020</ref> Specific properties of Oja, its characteristic features, quantity, three stages of its vitiation, clinical features, and its treatment are described in classics. Based on this description, the physicians (vaidya) treat conditions of abnormalities of Oja in current clinical practice. However, scientists are still in search of the exact physiological component, which can be termed as Oja.
    
== Meaning and definition ==
 
== Meaning and definition ==
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===Formation===
 
===Formation===
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Oja is present in dormant form in sperms (shukra) and ovum (shonita) of parents. [Dallhana Commentary on Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/9].  After conception, it is manifested as the first body component in intra-uterine life. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/75] It is termed as the basic constituent of embryo (garbha sara) and resembles with morula stage (kalala). The embryo is nourished from this essence component. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/9-11] Further it is nourished and developed during gestation.  
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Oja is present in dormant form in sperms (shukra) and ovum (shonita) of parents. [Dallhana Commentary on Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/9].  After conception, it is manifested as the first body component in intra-uterine life. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/75] It is termed as the basic constituent of embryo (garbha sara) and resembles with morula stage (kalala). The embryo is nourished from this essence component. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 20/9-11] Further it is nourished and developed during gestation.  
 
After birth, Oja is formed as essence during the metabolism of each [[dhatu]]. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/19], [A. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6] It is the unctuous component of each [[dhatu]] having its purest form and supreme quality. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/19]  
 
After birth, Oja is formed as essence during the metabolism of each [[dhatu]]. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/19], [A. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6] It is the unctuous component of each [[dhatu]] having its purest form and supreme quality. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/19]  
 
Some scholars opine that it is the essence of reproductive tissues (sara of [[shukra dhatu]]). [A. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/29]. Sharangadhara considers it as a metabolic by-product (upadhatu) of reproductive tissues (shukra). [Sharangadhara Samhita Purva Khanda – 5/17]. Vagbhata opines that it is a metabolic waste product of reproductive components ([[shukra dhatu]]). [A.Hr. Sharira Sthana 3/63]
 
Some scholars opine that it is the essence of reproductive tissues (sara of [[shukra dhatu]]). [A. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/29]. Sharangadhara considers it as a metabolic by-product (upadhatu) of reproductive tissues (shukra). [Sharangadhara Samhita Purva Khanda – 5/17]. Vagbhata opines that it is a metabolic waste product of reproductive components ([[shukra dhatu]]). [A.Hr. Sharira Sthana 3/63]
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===Nourishment of Oja===
 
===Nourishment of Oja===
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Ojas is nourished from the nutrient fluid (ahara rasa) as like other [[dhatu]]. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 28/4]
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Ojas is nourished from the nutrient fluid (ahara rasa) as like other [[dhatu]]. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28/4]
    
===Location===
 
===Location===
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# It is responsible for maintaining all movements without any obstruction or blockage.   
 
# It is responsible for maintaining all movements without any obstruction or blockage.   
 
# Ojas is responsible for the superior quality of voice and complexion.   
 
# Ojas is responsible for the superior quality of voice and complexion.   
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# Due to the presence of normal Ojas, all external and internal senses including the mind do their functions properly.  [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/20] Thus Ojas is responsible for sensory functions and perception of knowledge.<ref>Shilwant A. Immunology: An Ayurvedic Aspect with reference to Oja and Vyadhiskamatva. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2016; 5(1):53-64 Available from http://ijapc.com/volume5-first-issue/V5-I1-7-P-53-64.pdf accessed on 28/07/2020</ref>   
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# Due to the presence of normal Ojas, all external and internal senses including the mind do their functions properly.  [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/20] Thus Ojas is responsible for sensory functions and perception of knowledge.<ref name= Shilwant/>   
    
== Pathological aspects ==
 
== Pathological aspects ==
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# Depletion of quality and quantity (Oja kshaya)
 
# Depletion of quality and quantity (Oja kshaya)
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The three stages are increasingly severe and harmful leading to death. These three states are considered as three categories of immune disorders viz. Oja-vyapat as immune-aberrations and allergies; Oja-visramsa as a state of dislodged immunity and autoimmune disorders; and Oja-kshaya as a state of immunodeficiency.<ref>Singh R.H. Vidhi vimarsha of Shosha Nidana of Charak Samhita. Available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Shosha_Nidana#Ojas_.28vital_essence_of_the_body.29 accessed on 27/07/2020</ref> Some scholars opine that these states show features of immunity compromised state, immunity suppressed and immunity deficiency syndromes respectively.<ref>Shilwant A. Immunology: An Ayurvedic Aspect with reference to Oja and Vyadhiskamatva. Int J Ayu Pharm Chem. 2019; 10(3):295-306 Available from - http://ijapc.com/volume10-third-issue/MNAPC-V10-I3-42-p-295-306.pdf accessed on 28/07/2020</ref>
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The three stages are increasingly severe and harmful leading to death. These three states are considered as three categories of immune disorders viz. Oja-vyapat as immune-aberrations and allergies; Oja-visramsa as a state of dislodged immunity and autoimmune disorders; and Oja-kshaya as a state of immunodeficiency.<ref>Singh R.H. Vidhi vimarsha of Shosha Nidana of Charak Samhita. Available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Shosha_Nidana#Ojas_.28vital_essence_of_the_body.29 accessed on 27/07/2020</ref> Some scholars opine that these states show features of immunity compromised state, immunity suppressed and immunity deficiency syndromes respectively.<ref name= Shilwant/>
    
The signs and symptoms of each state are shown below in table 2.
 
The signs and symptoms of each state are shown below in table 2.
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== Importance ==
 
== Importance ==
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# Oja is responsible for the vitality of the body throughout life. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/21] It is superior among all sites of vitality (pranayatana). [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 28] [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 7/9]
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# Oja is responsible for the vitality of the body throughout life. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/21] It is superior among all sites of vitality (pranayatana). [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 28] [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 7/9]
 
# In gestational life, it is responsible for the vitality of the foetus. It becomes unstable in the 8th month of gestation leading to uncertainty of labour. Therefore, its stability is of utmost importance for full-term birth.  
 
# In gestational life, it is responsible for the vitality of the foetus. It becomes unstable in the 8th month of gestation leading to uncertainty of labour. Therefore, its stability is of utmost importance for full-term birth.  
 
# Oja is important for maintaining the superior quality of ([[dhatu]] sara). Hence it is directly related to superior functions of all tissues in the body.  
 
# Oja is important for maintaining the superior quality of ([[dhatu]] sara). Hence it is directly related to superior functions of all tissues in the body.  
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===Measures for the preservation of Oja and treatment of its disorders===
 
===Measures for the preservation of Oja and treatment of its disorders===
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The treatment measures of pacification of vata and pitta dosha and enhancement of kapha dosha are applied to preserve the quality of Oja and treatment of its disorders. The diet and lifestyle regimen having similar properties as Oja is prescribed in treatment. Rejuvenation therapies (rasayana) and aphrodisiac therapies (vajikarana) are two major treatments. Dietary items like ghee [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 13/14] and cow milk [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 27/217] are beneficial for enhancing Oja. Ghee, milk, and meat soup processed with herbs enhancing vitality (jeevaniya) [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/41] is prescribed for the treatment of Oja.  
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The treatment measures of pacification of vata and pitta dosha and enhancement of kapha dosha are applied to preserve the quality of Oja and treatment of its disorders. The diet and lifestyle regimen having similar properties as Oja is prescribed in treatment. Rejuvenation therapies (rasayana) and aphrodisiac therapies (vajikarana) are two major treatments. Dietary items like ghee [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 13/14] and cow milk [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 27/217] are beneficial for enhancing Oja. Ghee, milk, and meat soup processed with herbs enhancing vitality (jeevaniya) [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/41] is prescribed for the treatment of Oja.  
    
The disorders of Oja are treated with the herbs with immunomodulatory activity like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shilajatu, Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Tulasi (Ocimun sanctum), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Pippali (Piper longum), and Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa).<ref> Tripathi J.S., Singh R.H. The concept and practice of immunomodulation in ayurveda and the role of rasayanas as immunomodulators. Anc Sci Life. 1999;19:59–63.</ref> The rejuvenation potency of herbs is studied in view of free radical scavenging activity as anti-oxidant. The herbs like Rubia cordifolia, Strychnos nuxvomica, Moringa oleifera, Semecarpus anacardium, Mucuna pruriens, Bacopa monnieri, Nardostachys jatamansi showed good efficacy as anti-oxidants.<ref>Tripathi YB. Free radicals in ayurveda. Anc Sci Life. 1998;17(3):158-168.</ref> Hence, these herbs are used in the treatment of disorders of Oja. A research study on the effect of Terminalia arjuna on Oja kshaya showed cardioprotective herbs (hridya) medicines might have an effect on enhancing Oja. Lifestyle also plays a significant role in the conditions of Oja.<ref>Santosh Mane (2004).Study on Sangraha Dwaya of Charaka and assessment of the effect of Hridya Aushadhi on Oja-Kshaya. M.D. Thesis. I.P.G.T.R.A., Jamnagar</ref>
 
The disorders of Oja are treated with the herbs with immunomodulatory activity like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shilajatu, Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Tulasi (Ocimun sanctum), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Pippali (Piper longum), and Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa).<ref> Tripathi J.S., Singh R.H. The concept and practice of immunomodulation in ayurveda and the role of rasayanas as immunomodulators. Anc Sci Life. 1999;19:59–63.</ref> The rejuvenation potency of herbs is studied in view of free radical scavenging activity as anti-oxidant. The herbs like Rubia cordifolia, Strychnos nuxvomica, Moringa oleifera, Semecarpus anacardium, Mucuna pruriens, Bacopa monnieri, Nardostachys jatamansi showed good efficacy as anti-oxidants.<ref>Tripathi YB. Free radicals in ayurveda. Anc Sci Life. 1998;17(3):158-168.</ref> Hence, these herbs are used in the treatment of disorders of Oja. A research study on the effect of Terminalia arjuna on Oja kshaya showed cardioprotective herbs (hridya) medicines might have an effect on enhancing Oja. Lifestyle also plays a significant role in the conditions of Oja.<ref>Santosh Mane (2004).Study on Sangraha Dwaya of Charaka and assessment of the effect of Hridya Aushadhi on Oja-Kshaya. M.D. Thesis. I.P.G.T.R.A., Jamnagar</ref>
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