Difference between revisions of "Ojas"

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Essence of body tissues.
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==Ojas==
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|title=Ojas
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===Introduction===
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<div style = "text-align:justify;"> [[Ojas]](Sanskrit[[Sanskrit language]]{{उब्ज् + असुन ब् लोपः गुणश्च = ओजस}}) is the essential part formed collectively after every metabolism occurring at each tissue level inside the human body. It is the essence and nectar part of body derived from tissue metabolism and is responsible mainly for the strength, vigor and vitality of a human being. Many of the ancient scholars from [[Ayurveda]] have recognized [[Ojas]] as the active and potent principle of body manifesting the overall strength of an individual. In other words, the [[Ojas]] and Strength (''Bala'') are associated as a cause and effect relationship, where the [[Ojas]] stands to be the cause and the ''Bala'' is the ultimate effect of the same.<ref>http://ijapc.com/volume5-first-issue/V5-I1-7-P-53-64.pdf</ref> Even though the concept ''Ojas'' in Ayurveda is explored with specific properties, appearance, quantity; then too the exact physical component to which can be termed as ''Ojas'' is still cornered since ancient vedic period. Many of the ''Ayurvedic'' compendia have mentioned classical description about this ''Ojas''.       
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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, deole y.s., shilwant A., basisht G., concept of ojas in ayurveda, sushrita samhita, essence of body, essence of life
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|description=Oja means essence of body tissues and vitality
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|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
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|image_alt=carak samhita
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|type=article
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}}
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<p 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> 
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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.
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</p>
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{{Infobox
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|title =  Contributors
  
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===Synonyms===
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|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic
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''Bala'' (Strength); ''Sneha'' (Unctuous part); ''Prasad'' (Pure form); ''Sara'' (Supreme, excellent state); ''Rasa'' (Lymphatics); ''Mahat'' (Prime); ''Dhari'' (Which sustains the integrity of life); ''Sarva dhatu sneha'' (Collective nectar of all Dhatu-Tissues); ''Paramteja'' (Active principle); ''Jivashonita'' (Vital principle); ''Shukra'' (Reproductive tissue); ''Shukra sara'' (Excellent part of Reproductive tissue); ''Shukra Mala'' (Output of metabolism at Reproductive tissue)
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|data1 = [[Sharira]] / [[Dhatu]] / Oja
  
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===Definition===
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|label2 = Authors
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Stalwarts from Ayurveda have defined ''Ojas'' in different ways. Few of them are mentioned below -
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|data2 = [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y.S.]]<sup>1</sup>, Shilwant A.A.<sup>2</sup>
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# तत्र रसादिनां शुक्रान्तानां परम् धातुनां यत् परं तेजः । सु.सू.१५/१९  ''[[Dalhana]]'' the commentator of ''[[Sushruta Samhita]]'', has opined that as the ''Ghee''(Clarified Butter) is assimilated within the milk itself, similarly the component ''Ojas'' is assimilated within the unctuous part of seven ''Dhatus'' (Tissues) present throughout the body. That is why the ''Ojas'' is also said to be the purest, finest and excellent part just as nectar derived collectively from the seven ''Dhatus''.   
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# केचित्त्तु शुक्र विशेषमोजः प्राहुः, तच्च न मनः प्रीणाति। शुक्रस्य सारम् ओजः। अत्यन्त शुध्दतया अस्य मलाभावः।। अ.सं.शा.६  ''Ojas'' is the supreme, excellent part of ''Shukra Dhatu'' (Reproductive tissue). It is responsible for feeding desires, emotions at psychological level. At the same time, it is also stated hereby that it is in its purest form which is completely devoid of any adulteration or impurities.   
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|label3 = Reviewed by
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# प्राणायतनमुत्तमम्। सु.सू.१५    A very important component present inside the body which holds the ''Prana'' - Vitality or Life.  
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|data3 = [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]<sup>1</sup>
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# ''Ojas'' is referred directly as the normal [[Kapha]] [[dosha]] which ultimately is responsible for the strength, vigor where its deviated or vitiated form represents as ''Mala''- biological wastes.  
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|label4 = Affiliations
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|data4 = <sup>1</sup>[[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar, Gujarat, India 
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<sup>2</sup>Department of Kriya Sharir, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India
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|label5 = Correspondence email:
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|data5 = carakasamhita@gmail.com
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|label6 = Publisher
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|data6 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
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|label7 = Date of first publication:
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|data7 = July 31, 2020
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|label8 = DOI
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|data8 = [https://doi.org/10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.020 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.020]
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}}
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== Meaning and definition ==
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=== Etymology and derivation ===
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The word Ojas is derived from the Sanskrit root “ubja” and “asun” suffix. It means strength, luster.   
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=== Synonyms ===
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''Bala'' (strength); ''sneha'' (unctuous part); ''prasad'' (pure form); ''sara'' (supreme, excellent state); ''Rasa'' (lymphatics); ''mahat'' (prime); ''dhari'' (which sustains the integrity of life); ''Sarva [[dhatu]] sneha'' (unctuous part of body components); ''parama teja'' (active principle); ''Jivashonita'' (vital principle of blood); ''shukra'' (reproductive components); ''shukra sara''<ref>Ranade S., Deshpande RR., Chaoube S. A textbook of Kriya Sharir. Choukhamba Sanskrit Pratishtan, Delhi. Reprint 2015, Chapter 19</ref> (purest form of reproductive components);  ''shukra mala'' (metabolic byproduct)  [A.Hri. Sharira Sthana 3/63]
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=== Definition ===
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Ojas is the purest, finest essence formed from all seven [[dhatu]]. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 15/19], [A.Sa.Sharira Sthana 6]  The shleshma (kapha dosha) in a normal state is considered as Oja. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/117]
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== Physiological aspects ==
  
 
===Formation===
 
===Formation===
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Scholars from Ayurveda have expressed different opinions about the formation of Ojas. Different views of different scholars are highlighted here -
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# A pure form of Ojas termed Sara<ref>Tripathi  Bramhanand,  Charak Samhita  with  Hindi  Commentary,  Sutra Sthana  30, Choukhamba  Surbharti Prakashan Varanasi, reprint 2004</ref> is present from the intra-uterine period in the fetal stage within Shukra ([[Sperm]])and Artava ([[Egg cell]]).  
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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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# The ''Ojas'' is also said to be present after the union of Shukra and Artava in the form of ''Garbha sara'' in ''Kalala''([[Morula]]) stage. The ''Ojas'' thus is present before actual birth of an individual is carried throughout the [[Gestation]] period. Due to instability of ''Ojas'' during 8th month of gestation, which is more prone towards [[Preterm birth]].
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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]
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# After birth the ''Ojas'' is always formed at each ''Dhatu'' level in very pure form as Sara by the virtue of metabolism occurring at that level. Hence it is stated that, ''Ojas'' is the essence part of every ''Dhatu'' and is collective ''Sara'' viz. [[Nectar]] of all the ''Dhatu'' from ''Rasa'' to ''Shukra''. Hereafter the ''Ojas'' then continuously persist throughout the lifetime.  
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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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# The ''Ojas'' is also said to be formed by filtration from the ''Shukra Dhatu'' achieving its pure and excellent state of ''Sara''. Thus ''Ojas'' is also named as - ''Sara'' part of ''Shukra Dhatu.''
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=== Analogy ===
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Ghee is present in a dormant form in milk and can be prepared after proper processing. Just like that Oja is present in every tissue of the body ([[dhatu]]) in dormant form and is manifested as supreme quality after its proper metabolism. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/19 – Dalhana commentary]
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As the nectar is formed from flowers, Oja is formed from all body components([[dhatu]]). [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 17/76(1)]
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From the above description, it is clear that Oja is formed as a purest secondary component after the metabolism of primary body components ([[dhatu]]).
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===Circulation of Oja===
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Oja is circulated all over the body with plasma ([[rasa dhatu]]) and blood ([[rakta dhatu]]) through channels (ojovaha sira). These channels originate from the heart. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 30/8]
  
 
===Types & Quantity===
 
===Types & Quantity===
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There are two types of ''Oja'' as mentioned in ''Ayurvedic'' contexts - ''Para'' and ''Apara''
 
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# ''Para Ojas'' - It is the main principle type out of the two. It is said to be originated at the very first time in the intra-uterine life of an individual. It remains constant and is not so easily deviated from its normalcy. Quantitatively the ''Para Ojas'' is of 8 drops (bindu). The Para Ojas is situated in [[Heart]] and performs the allocated functions so as to sustain the integrity of life.
 
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# ''Apara Ojas'' - It is secondary to the former one ''Para Ojas''. It is originated due to the metabolism occurring at each tissue (''Dhatu'') level. It is collectively developed at each ''Dhatu'' level from ''Rasa'' to ''Shukra dhatu'' and thus attaining the quality of ''Dhatu Sara''. At any pathological or abnormal stage this ''Apara Ojas'' gets easily affected thus hampering the immunity of that individual.
 
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===Physical and Chemical Properties of Ojas===
 
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The ''Para Ojas'' while residing in Heart is pure white whereas the ''Apara Ojas'' is located throughout the body having some slightly red and yellowish tinge in it.
 
  
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'''Table 1:Properties of Ojas'''
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Oja is present in two forms: supreme (para) and mediocre (apara) [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 15/9 – Chakrapani Commentary]
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# The supreme form (para ojas) is the most important component responsible for the vitality of life. Its quantity in the body is measured as eight drops (bindu). It is located in the heart. It is generally stable in the body in an equilibrium state. Destruction of this component can cause death. 
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# The mediocre form (apara ojas) is formed during the metabolism of each [[dhatu]]. Its quantity in the body is measured as half anjali (personified measurement unit). It is present in all body components and manifests in the form of the essence of [[dhatu]] (sara). This can be observed as factors responsible for immunity. [Cha. Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 17/74,75,Chakrapani Commentary]
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===Physical characteristics of Oja===
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The physical characteristics of Oja are shown in table 1.
  
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Table showing the different properties of ''Ojas'' as per different Ayurvedic contexts classified as per the objects of perceptions.
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'''Table 1: Physical characteristics of Oja'''
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{| class="wikitable"  
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{| class="wikitable"
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!Guna'''!! Charak Samhita'''<ref>Tripathi  Bramhanand,  Charak Samhita  with  Hindi  Commentary,  Sutra Sthana  24/31,  Choukhamba  Surbharti Prakashan Varanasi, reprint 2004.</ref> !! ''Sushrut Samhita''<ref>Vaidya  Yadavji  Trikamji  Acharya, Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta, Sutra Sthana 15/26,  Choukhamba  Orientalia,  Varanasi, 2007.</ref>!!''Ashtang Hridaya''<ref>Gupta  Kaviraj  Atrideva,  Ashtanga Hridayam  with  Hindi  Commentary,  Sutra Sthana 11, Choukhamba Prakashan, reprint, 2007.</ref>
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! Sr.No''' !! ''Parameter''!! ''Characteristics''!!
 
|-
 
|-
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! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Sparsha (Touch)
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! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 1
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Shita (Cold), Snigdha (Unctuous), Mrudu (Soft), Shlakshna (Smooth), Mrutsna (Slimy), Picchila (Sticky) 
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Touch (sparsha)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Shita (Cold), Snigdha (Unctuous), Mrudu (Soft), Mrutsna (Slimy)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Cold (sheeta), unctuous (snigdha), soft (mrudu), smooth (shlakshna), slimy (mrutsna), sticky (pichchila)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Snigdha (Unctuous)
 
 
|-
 
|-
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! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Rupa (Visibility)
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! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 2
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Shudha Shukla (Pure white), Ishat Rakta-pita (Slight red yellowish), Sarpi varna (Looks like Ghee-clarified butter)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Visible form (rupa)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Shukla (White)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Pure white (shuddha shukla), slightly red yellowish (ishat rakta-pita, lohit pita), resembling to ghee-clarified butter (sarpi varna)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Shudha (Pure white), Ishat Lohita-pitakam (Slight blood or yellow colored)
 
 
|-
 
|-
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! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Rasa ([[Taste]])
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! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 3
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Madhur (Sweet), Madhu rasa (like [[Honey]])
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Taste (rasa)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | -
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Sweet (madhura), like honey (madhu rasa)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | -
 
 
|-
 
|-
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! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Gandha (Smell)
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! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 4
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Laja gandha (Parched cereal)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Smell (gandha)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | -
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Parched cereal (Laja gandha)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | -
 
 
|-
 
|-
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! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Others
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! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 5
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Guru (Heavy), Prasanna (Cherishable), Bahal (Bulky), Sthira (Stable)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Others
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Somatmaka (Cool), Pranayatana Uttamam (Superior among all dwelling sites of Prana-Vitality), Sthira (Stable), Sara (Movable in nature), Vivikta<ref>Chandrakant bhattacharya (editor),commentary of Haranchandra, sushruta samhita, New Delhi; reprint 2008</ref> (Clear or Distinctive)
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Heavy (guru), cherishable(prasanna), bulky(bahala), stable (sthira), cool (somatmaka), mobile (sara), clear or distinctly formed (vivikta)<ref>Chandrakant bhattacharya (editor), commentary of Haranchandra, Sushruta samhita, New Delhi; reprint 2008</ref>
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| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Somatmaka (Cool)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]]  24/31 – Chakrapani Commentary], [ Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/26], [Ash. Hri. Sutra Sthana 11]
  
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===Nutrition of Ojas===
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===Nourishment of Oja===
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पुष्यन्ति त्वाहाररसाद्रसरूधिरमांसमेदोऽस्थिमज्जशुक्रौजांसि । च.सु.२८/४<ref>Tripathi Bramhanand, Charak Samhita with Hindi Commentary, Sutra Sthana 28/4, Choukhamba Surbharti Prakashan Varanasi, reprint 2004.</ref>
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The food once ingested is acted upon by the ''Jatharagni'' and is converted to ''Ahara rasa'' (partially digested food). The pure form of ''Ahara rasa'' is then brought into circulation which is then after called as - ''Rasa dhatu''. This ''Rasa dhatu'' contains all the essential nutrients necessary for optimum growth and development of the body. The same ''Rasa dhatu'' provides nutrition to the next coming all ''dhatu'' in the chain and simultaneously provides nutrition ''Ojas'' which is the pure form and excellent part coming out after tissue metabolism occuring at each ''dhatu'' level.
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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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''Ojas'' basically resides throughout the body as stated above in the ''Apara Oja'' and also in Heart as ''Para Oja''.
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Besides this one of the ancient scholar ''Bhela'' has mentioned the location of ''Oja'' in total twelve sites throughout the body. This are - ''Rasa'' (Lymphatics), ''Rakta'' ([[Blood]] with formed elements), ''Mamsa'' ([[Muscle tissue]]), ''Meda'' ([[Adipose tissue]]), ''Asthi'' ([[Osseous tissue]]), ''Majja'' ([[Bone marrow]]), ''Shukra'' (Reproductive tissue), ''Sveda'' (Sweat), ''Pitta'' (Chemical secretions involved in biotransformations), ''Shleshma'' (Mucoid secretions), ''Mutra'' ([[Urine]]) and ''Purish'' ([[Feces]]).<ref>Krishnadutta  swami,  Bhela Samhita, Sutra Sthana 12,  Chaukhamba Prakashan, 1957</ref>
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As mentioned earlier, the supreme form (para Ojas) is present in the heart. The mediocre form (apara Ojas) is present all over the body. Ancient scholar Bhela (a colleague of Agnivesha) has specified twelve sites as the location of Oja. These include seven body components ([[dhatu]]), three metabolic wastes (mala like feces, urine, and sweat), and two [[dosha]] (pitta and kapha). [Bhela Sa. Sutra Sthana 12]
  
 
===Functions===
 
===Functions===
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तत्र बलेन स्थिरोपचितमांसता सर्वचेष्टास्वप्रतिघातः स्वरवर्णप्रसादो बाह्यानामाभ्यन्तराणाञ्च करणानामात्मकार्यप्रतिपत्तिर्भवति । सु.सू १५/२०<ref>Jadavaji trikamji acharya (editor), Sushruta samhita, Varanasi; chaukhambha orientalia, 8th edition, 2005</ref>
 
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# The prime and most important function of ''Ojas'' is to keep the body alive by sustaining integrity of life. Any deviation or depreciation in normal quantity of ''Ojas'' may also prove fatal. 
 
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# It is also responsible for providing nutrition and enhancing the immune strength of the body. 
 
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# It is also responsible for the providing immunity which also helps to retard the ageing process.
 
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# It also helps to bring stability in ''Mamsa dhatu'' ([[Muscle tissue]]) along with proper growth of it to manifest significant strength and stamina by the body. 
 
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# All the actions carried out by the body at every level without any hindrance are undoubtedly supported by adequate and normal ''Ojas'' component of the body. 
 
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# Ojas is also said to support proper speech orientation and skin complexion. 
 
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# All the senses and perception of knowledge is also one of the function attributed to ''Ojas''<ref>Shilwant Aniket.Immunology: An Ayurvedic Aspect with reference to Oja and Vyadhiskamatva.Interrnational Journal of Ayurved and Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Available on http://ijapc.com/volume5-first-issue/V5-I1-7-P-53-64.pdf</ref>
 
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In a nutshell functions of ''Ojas'' is to provide Strength, to sustain the integrity of life by maintaining vital force - ''[[Prana]]'', also claimed to be one of the ''Pranayatana'' (where Prana dwells).
 
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===Pathological Variation of Ojas===
 
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Immunology as seen from Ayurveda perspective broadly deals with two aspects - ''Vyadhi bala virodhitwa'' and ''Vyadhyutpada pratibandhakatwa''. Certainly this ''Ojas'' varies as per individual which depends majorly on the nutritional status of that individual. The nutritional status enhances the stability, strength, vigor element inside body represented by - ''Kapha dosha''. Thus the normal strength of body is nothing other than ''Kapha dosha'' which is further dealt as ''Ojas'' whereas the deviated state is in waste (''Mala'')form. Pathology in Immunological stream as per ''Ayurveda'' involves three basic classifications as - ''Oja Vistramsa, Oja Vyapat'' and ''Oja Kshaya''.
 
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Here these abnormalities of ''Ojas'' can be understood as - ''Oja Vistramsa'' – Immunity compromised disorders;''Oja Vyapat''– Immunity suppressed symptoms and ''Oja Kshaya''– Immune deficiency related symptoms<ref>http://ijapc.com/volume10-third-issue/MNAPC-V10-I3-42-p-295-306.pdf</ref>
 
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# ''Oja Vistramsa'' - It is raised due to suitable etiological factors causing dislodging or displacement of ''Oja''the unctuous part collected at each ''dhatu'' level.
 
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# ''Oja Vyapat'' - The vitiated ''Ojas'' as mentioned in ''Oja Vistramsa''when lodged in a particular place while roaming throughout body may lead to this condition called - ''Oja Vyapat''.
 
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# ''Oja Kshaya'' - Quantitative loss of Ojas in the body is said to be ''Oja Kshaya''
 
  
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'''Table 1:Pathological features of deviation in ''Ojas'''
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# The prime and most important function of Ojas is to maintain vitality and sustaining the integrity of life. Any deviation or depreciation in the normal quantity and quality of Ojas leads to serious health complications and death.   
 +
# It is responsible for providing nutrition and enhancing the immune strength of the body.   
 +
# It helps to bring stability in muscle tissue ([[Mamsa dhatu]]), its proper growth, significant strength, and stamina. 
 +
# It is responsible for maintaining all movements without any obstruction or blockage. 
 +
# 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 name= Shilwant/> 
  
−
Table showing features of pathology in ''Ojas'' as - ''Oja Vistramsa'', ''Oja Vyapat'' and ''Oja Kshaya''<ref>Vaidya  Yadavji  Trikamji  Acharya, Sushruta  Samhita  of  Sushruta  with Nibhandhasamgraha  Commentary,  Sutra Sthana  15,  Choukhamba  Orientalia, Varanasi, 2007</ref>
+
== Pathological aspects ==
  
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
===Abnormalities of Oja===
−
!'''''Oja Vistramsa'''''!!''Oja Vyapat''!!''Oja Kshaya''
 
−
|-
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Sandhi vishlesh'''''– Lethargic, looseness and displacement of joints
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Stabdha guru gatrata''''' – Feeling of stiffness and rigidity in body 
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Murcha''''' – Fainting or unconsciousness
 
−
|-
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Gatra sadanam''''' – Fatigue and weakness in body
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Vata shofa''''' – Edematous swelling due to vitiation of ''Vata dosha''
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Mamsa kshaya''''' – Emaciation and muscle tissue wasting
 
−
|-
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Dosha chyavanam''''' – Vitiated ''[[Dosha]]'' migrates from their own locations and are capable to create disease where they gets lodged in body (''Kha-vaigunya'') 
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Varna bheda''''' – Change in normal complexion
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Moha''''' – Giddiness, lack of decisive power
 
−
|-
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Kriya sannirodha''''' – Impairment in the functions and activities of body at physical and psychological level. 
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Glani''''' – Fatigue of all senses
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Pralapa''''' – Irrelevant talk
 
−
|-
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | - 
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Tandra''''' – Drowsiness; '''''Nidra''''' – Sleepiness or Somnolence;
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | '''''Marana''''' – Death
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
''Acharya Charak'' have mentioned a very detailed features with respect to loss of ''Oja'' viz. ''Oja Kshaya''.
+
====Causes of vitiation of Oja====
  
−
बिभेति दुर्बलोऽभीક્ષ્णं ध्यायति व्यथितेन्द्रियः । दुश्छायो दुर्मना रूક્ષઃ ક્ષાमश्चैवोजसः ક્ષये ॥ च.सु.१७<ref> Tripathi Bramhanand, Charak Samhita with Hindi Commentary, Choukhamba Surbharti Prakashan Varanasi, reprint 2004,Sutra Sthana 17</ref>
+
Oja is affected due to the following causes:
 +
* Any injury or trauma (abhighata)
 +
* Malnourishment or impaired metabolism (kshaya)
 +
* Anger (kopa)
 +
* Excessive thinking (dhyana)
 +
* Grief (shoka)
 +
* Vigorous physical work or exertion (shrama)
 +
* Voracious appetite (kshudha) [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/28]
  
−
Individual with depleted ''Ojas'' may always have a feeling of fearfulness, weak, fatigue specially at its senses, altered skin complexion, lack of self confidence, dry and rough skin with remarkable emaciation of body.
+
===Pathophysiology===
  
−
Following are the etiological factors for depletion of ''Ojas'' (''Oja Kshaya'') as mentioned in - [[Sushruta Samhita]] -
+
* Due to these causes, the vata dosha and pitta dosha are aggravated. This leads to the quantitative and qualitative depletion of Oja. It is then easily displaced from its prime seat -heart [[hridaya]]. 
  
−
अभिघातात् ક્ષयात् कोपात् शोकात् ध्यानात् श्रमात् ક્ષુधः । ओजः संક્ષીयते ह्येभ्यो धातुग्रहणनिःसृतम् ॥ सु.सू.१५/२८<ref>Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta with Hindi Commentary, Choukhamba Orientalia,Varanasi, 2007, Sutra Sthana 15/28</ref>
+
===General clinical features===
  
−
Any injury, undernourishment due to impaired metabolism, anger, excessive thinking or grief, vigorous physical work and voracious hunger may cause depletion of ''Ojas'' in body. Further with the help of ''Vata dosha'' this ''Ojas'' is then easily displaced from its prime seat - ''Hridaya'' ([[Heart]]) which is then responsible for causing any of the three above mentioned abnormalities of ''Ojas''.
+
* Fearfulness or phobia
 +
* Weakness
 +
* Fatigue especially at its sense and motor organs
 +
* Altered skin complexion
 +
* Lack of self-confidence
 +
* Dry and rough skin
 +
* Remarkable emaciation of body. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/73]
  
−
===Importance===
+
Three specific abnormalities and clinical features:  
−
The importance of ''Ojas'' can be very well understood by the fact that it is developed very first prior to the physiological entities''dosha''. [http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/index.php?title=Kiyanta_Shiraseeya_Adhyaya '''Description of ojas'''] The functions of the normal ''Dosha'' is regulated after stabilization of the ''Ojas'' component inside the body. It is by the virtue of the ''Dosha'' that every ''Dhatu'' is developed in a healthy and normal way. ''Ojas'' is responsible for providing the excellent state and bestowing all good qualities to the generating ''Dhatu''. ''Ojas'' is replenished by the excellent nectar part with good qualities from the ''dhatu'' as like the bee which collects pure honey and cream part from the flowers and fruits.
 
  
−
Importance of ''Ojas'' lies in the very fact that even after performing major role in sustaining the integrity of life it is not at all included in the category of - ''Dosha, Dhatu'' or ''Mala''. ''Ojas'' does not satisfy the criteria of ''Dosha'' of formation of ''Prakriti'', thus it is not a Dosha. ''Dhatu'' are having specific property of providing nourishment and producing the next ''Dhatu'' in the series which is not accomplished by ''Ojas''. This might be the reason why ''Ojas'' is not called as the eight ''dhatu'' in the cascade of seven dhatus mentioned in Ayurveda. Lastly, the ''Ojas'' is claimed to be the purest and excellent part and thus it is not included under the ''Mala'' category. However, this part is having an exception where ''Acharya Vagbhata'' the author of ''Ashtang Hridaya'' claims ''Ojas'' as the ''Mala'' part of ''Shukra dhatu.''
+
The abnormalities in quantity and quality of Oja are observed in three stages. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/24]
 +
# Displacement of Oja from its own site (Oja vistramsa)
 +
# Qualitative deterioration (Oja vyapat)
 +
# Depletion of quality and quantity (Oja kshaya)
  
−
''Dosha'' the very physiological entity of the body regulating every action, process of the body, being different from the ''Ojas'' are unable to perform their allocated functions without support and assistance of ''Ojas''.<ref>Gupta Kaviraj Atrideva, Ashtanga Samgraha with Shashilekha Hindi Commentary of Indu, Sutra Sthana 19/36, Choukhamba Krushnadas Academy, Varanasi reprint, 2005</ref>
+
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/>
  
−
Existence of ''Ojas'' is the reason due to which life exists while the absence of or major loss of ''Ojas'' is responsible for death.<ref>Gupta Kaviraj Atrideva, Ashtanga Hridayam with Hindi Commentary, Sutra Sthana 11/38, Choukhamba Prakashan, Varanasi reprint, 2012</ref>
+
The signs and symptoms of each state are shown below in table 2.
  
−
'''Concise table for Oja'''<ref>Dr. Nandini Dilip Dharagalkar, Sharir Kriya Vidynan, Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, First Edition, 2008, Pg. No. 568</ref>
+
'''Table 2: Clinical features of deviation in Ojas'''
 
{| class="wikitable"  
 
{| class="wikitable"  
−
!Author'''!! Appearance''' !! ''Odor''!!''Taste''!! ''Touch''!! ''Special features''
+
! Sr.No''' !! ''Oja visramsa''!! ''Oja vyapat''!!''Oja kshay''  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Charak''
+
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 1
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Red, Yellowish 
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Feeling of looseness and displacement in joints or synapses (sandhi vishlesha)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Parched cereal
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Feeling of stiffness and rigidity in body (stabdha guru gatrata)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Sweet
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Fainting or unconsciousness (murchcha)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Shita'' (Cool), ''Mrudu'' (Soft), ''Snigdha'' (Unctuous), ''Mrutsna'' (Slimy), ''Prasanna'' (Fresh), ''Guru'' (Heavy)
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Located in Heart, excellent part of all ''Dhatu'', provides strength to body and mind
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Chakradatta''
+
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 2
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | White 
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Fatigue (gatra sadanam)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | -
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Unstable swelling due to vitiation of Vata dosha (vata shopha)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | -
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Emaciation and muscle wasting (mamsa kshaya)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | -
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Shukra vishesh'', necessary for all ''Dhatu'', ''Para Apara Ojas''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Sushruta''
+
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 3
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | White, Yellowish 
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Migration of vitiated dosha to other sites (dosha chyavanam)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Abnormal change in normal complexion (varna bheda)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Sweet
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Confusion (moha)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Somatmaka'' (Cool), ''Mrudu'' (Soft), ''Snigdha'' (Unctuous), ''Mrutsna'' (Slimy), ''Prasanna'' (Fresh), ''Guru'' (Heavy), Pure
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Pranayatana, unctuous part of ''Dhatu'', provides strength to body, ''Para Oja''- 8 drops and ''Apara Oja'' - Half ''Anjali''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Dalhana''
+
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 4
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | White, Oily 
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Impairment and blockage of all functions in body and mind (kriya sannirodha)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Lassitude (glani)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Delirium (pralapa)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Ushma, Jivashonita''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Vagbhatta''
+
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 5
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Yellowish Red 
 
 
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
 
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Drowsiness (tandra)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Snigdha'' (Unctuous), ''Sara'' (Fluidy and movable)
+
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Death ( marana)
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Located in Heart, Teja nourishing factor, ''Shukra mala''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Arundatta''
+
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 6
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | - 
 
 
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
 
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
 +
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Excess sleepiness (nidra)
 
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
 
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Quantity 6 drops
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Sharangdhara''
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | - 
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | -
 
−
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | ''Updhatu'' of ''Shukra''
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
[Su. Sam. Sutra Sthana 15/24 – Dalhana Commentary]
 +
 +
== Importance ==
 +
 +
# 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.
 +
# 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 gives strength (bala) to body and mind. Thus, physical and mental strength depends upon the quality and quantity of Oja.
 +
# Oja is responsible to maintain immunity (vyadhikshamatva). It is important for the preservation of health and prevention of diseases. It also plays a vital role in combating disease pathogens if the disease occurs.
 +
# Dosha is unable to carry functions without the presence of Oja. [Ash. Sa. Sutra Sthana 19/36 – Shashilekha Commentary of Indu]
 +
# Quantitative and qualitative depletion of Oja can cause death. [Ash. Hri. Sutra Sthana 11/38]
 +
 +
=== Role of Oja as a vitiated factor in diseases ===
 +
 +
* In obstinate urinary diseases (prameha vyadhi), oja is one among the ten vitiated factors(dushya). [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 6/8] Type-1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disorder and the destruction of body tissues by auto-antibody is very fast causing loss of immune- intolerance and immune-component (Oja) thus impairing the body defense mechanism. There is a disturbance in the production and clearance of lipoprotein causing hampered functioning of insulin resulting in hyperglycemia and producing micro-vascular complications like retinopathy and nephropathy.<ref>Chandola H.M. Kajaria D. Vidhi vimarsha of Mahachatushpada Adhyaya of Charak Samhita. Available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Mahachatushpada_Adhyaya accessed on 27/07/2020</ref>
 +
* Diabetes (madhumeha) is caused when Oja is taken to the urinary bladder from its own site by vitiated vata dosha. [Cha. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 4/37] This condition is incurable due to its severity, susceptibility to complications(mahaatyayitvat) and contradictory treatment options(virudhopkramatvat). [Cha. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana]] 6/38]
 +
* Depletion of Oja (kshaya) is observed due to obstruction of samana vata by vitiated vyana vata. The other features are syncope (murchcha), drowsiness(tandra), delirium(pralap), body ache( angasada), depletion of digestive functions, and strength (agni and oja kshaya). This condition is treated with exercise (vyayama) and light to digest diet (laghu bhojana). [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/213]
 +
* Displacement of Oja (vistramsa) is also observed due to obstruction of udana vata by vitiated pitta dosha.  The other features are syncope (murchcha), burning sensation (daha), weakness in the umbilical and chest region (nabhi and ura klama) and bodyache (angasada).  [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/223]
 +
* In case of anemia due to geophagia (mrudbhakshanjanya pandu), quick depletion of the strength of senses(indriya), luster (teja), potency(veerya), Oja, and digestive capacity(agni) is observed. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/28,29] This condition is treated with strong purification therapies, medicated ghee processed with strength promoting herbs. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/118]
 +
 +
== Contemporary views and current researches ==
 +
 +
Generally, the concept of Oja is connected with the concepts of strength(bala) and defense capacity or immunity (vyadhikshamatva).<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> <ref>Desai RR. Ayurvediya Kriyasharira, Adhyaya 31. Allahabad: Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Sansthan Bhavan Ltd.; 2010. p. 679-83.</ref> It is referred to as a part of vitamins, albumin, glycogen, internal secretions of testicles, ovary, prostatic secretions by Dr. Ghanekar.<ref>Ghanekar BG, editor. Commentary on Sushruta Samhita, Sootrasthana; Doshadhatumala Kshayavriddhi Vidnyan. Ch. 15, Reprint. New Delhi: Meherchand Laxmandas Publications; 2008. p. 95.</ref> Thus, the factors responsible for strength and immunity can be applied to assess the status of Oja. Some researchers propose that the endoplasmic reticulum and its functions in conventional physiology seem to resemble Oja.<ref>Ranade AV, Acharya R. Concept of oja vis -a -vis endoplasmic reticular function: An approach to decode the holistic view. Indian J Health Sci Biomed Res [serial online] 2015 [cited 2020 Jul 13];8:109-14. Available from: http://www.ijournalhs.org/text.asp?2015/8/2/109/174238</ref>
 +
 +
===Assessment of the status of Oja===
 +
 +
Clinically the status of Oja is assessed through observation of its properties, normal functions, and quality of body tissues ([[dhatu]] sara).
 +
In research perspectives, various laboratory investigations can be carried out for the objective assessment of Oja. Though, these tests can only provide some clues about the functional status of Oja. Immuno assay, a biochemical test utilizing antibody or immunoglobulin can be useful to assess strength promoting activity (balya). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), memory lymphocyte immunostimulant assay (MELISA), and radioimmunoassay can be done to assess the immunological status of a person. The comprehensive metabolic panel can also be an important tool to assess strength promoting activity (balya). This selectively screens functions of the liver and kidney. Investigations involving major fluids of the body like synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and meningeal fluid-like joint fluid analysis can also be helpful in evaluation.<ref>Mahesh TS, Shreevidya M. A review on balya action mentioned in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(2):80-84. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.133796</ref>
 +
 +
===Measures for the preservation of Oja and treatment of its disorders===
 +
 +
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>
 +
 +
Good conduct with rejuvenating effect (achara rasayana) or ideal behaviour therapy also possesses an effect on the preservation and enhancement of Oja. [Cha.Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/30-35]<ref>Singh R.H. Vidhi Vimarsha of Rasayana Chikitsa Chapter available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Rasayana_Chikitsa#Achara_Rasayana_.28rasayana_effects_of_good_conduct.29 accessed on 28/07/2020</ref>
 +
 +
== Scope of further research ==
 +
 +
There is a wide scope of research to study fundamental physiological body components having similar functions like para Oja and apara Oja. Functional aspects of Oja need to be studied with the help of molecular biology. Research on Oja is required in view of genetic studies, stem cell studies, epigenetic pathways of its disorders, effect of anti-oxidant herbs on the repair of its disorders on DNA. The researches can open new windows in the treatment of immunological disorders.
 +
 +
===Research theses done in Ayurveda institutes===
 +
 +
# Singh R.N. (1960). Concept of Ojas. M.D.Thesis. Department of Kayachikitsa. I.P.G.T.R.A. Jamnagar.
 +
# Palan B.K  (1997). The study of Ojas and its role in attaining positive health and as a preventive measure Department of Basic Principles. I.P.G.T.R.A. Jamnagar.
 +
# Singh L.P. (1966). The study of Ojas in relation to body resistance and effect of Ojovardhaka Drug. Department of Basic Principles. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.
 +
# D.K.Sharma (1960). Shukraksaya evam Ojodushti Ka Naidanik Adhyayan. National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur.
 +
# Daulatkar Kavita (1992-93). Oja Ke Parakrta Vikrta Bhava Ka Sastriya Vivecana Tatha Swasthya Se Uska Sambandha. Department of Samskrit Samhita Siddhanta, Ayurveda college, Nagpur.
 +
# 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.
 +
 +
==References==
  
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===References===
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Ojas or Oja literally means vitality, vigor, luster, power, bodily strength, energy.[1] Oja is the essence of all seven body components (dhatu)[SAT-B.450].[2]. 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.[3] 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.

Contributors
Section/Chapter/topic Sharira / Dhatu / Oja
Authors Deole Y.S.1, Shilwant A.A.2
Reviewed by Basisht G.1
Affiliations

1Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

2Department of Kriya Sharir, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India
Correspondence email: carakasamhita@gmail.com
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
Date of first publication: July 31, 2020
DOI 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.020


Meaning and definition

Etymology and derivation

The word Ojas is derived from the Sanskrit root “ubja” and “asun” suffix. It means strength, luster.

Synonyms

Bala (strength); sneha (unctuous part); prasad (pure form); sara (supreme, excellent state); Rasa (lymphatics); mahat (prime); dhari (which sustains the integrity of life); Sarva dhatu sneha (unctuous part of body components); parama teja (active principle); Jivashonita (vital principle of blood); shukra (reproductive components); shukra sara[4] (purest form of reproductive components); shukra mala (metabolic byproduct) [A.Hri. Sharira Sthana 3/63]

Definition

Ojas is the purest, finest essence formed from all seven dhatu. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 15/19], [A.Sa.Sharira Sthana 6] The shleshma (kapha dosha) in a normal state is considered as Oja. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/117]

Physiological aspects

Formation

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] 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]

Analogy

Ghee is present in a dormant form in milk and can be prepared after proper processing. Just like that Oja is present in every tissue of the body (dhatu) in dormant form and is manifested as supreme quality after its proper metabolism. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/19 – Dalhana commentary] As the nectar is formed from flowers, Oja is formed from all body components(dhatu). [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 17/76(1)] From the above description, it is clear that Oja is formed as a purest secondary component after the metabolism of primary body components (dhatu).

Circulation of Oja

Oja is circulated all over the body with plasma (rasa dhatu) and blood (rakta dhatu) through channels (ojovaha sira). These channels originate from the heart. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/8]

Types & Quantity

Oja is present in two forms: supreme (para) and mediocre (apara) [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/9 – Chakrapani Commentary]

  1. The supreme form (para ojas) is the most important component responsible for the vitality of life. Its quantity in the body is measured as eight drops (bindu). It is located in the heart. It is generally stable in the body in an equilibrium state. Destruction of this component can cause death.
  2. The mediocre form (apara ojas) is formed during the metabolism of each dhatu. Its quantity in the body is measured as half anjali (personified measurement unit). It is present in all body components and manifests in the form of the essence of dhatu (sara). This can be observed as factors responsible for immunity. [Cha. Sa.Sutra Sthana 17/74,75,Chakrapani Commentary]

Physical characteristics of Oja

The physical characteristics of Oja are shown in table 1.

Table 1: Physical characteristics of Oja

Sr.No Parameter Characteristics
1 Touch (sparsha) Cold (sheeta), unctuous (snigdha), soft (mrudu), smooth (shlakshna), slimy (mrutsna), sticky (pichchila)
2 Visible form (rupa) Pure white (shuddha shukla), slightly red yellowish (ishat rakta-pita, lohit pita), resembling to ghee-clarified butter (sarpi varna)
3 Taste (rasa) Sweet (madhura), like honey (madhu rasa)
4 Smell (gandha) Parched cereal (Laja gandha)
5 Others Heavy (guru), cherishable(prasanna), bulky(bahala), stable (sthira), cool (somatmaka), mobile (sara), clear or distinctly formed (vivikta)[5]

[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 24/31 – Chakrapani Commentary], [ Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/26], [Ash. Hri. Sutra Sthana 11]

Nourishment of Oja

Ojas is nourished from the nutrient fluid (ahara rasa) as like other dhatu. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 28/4]

Location

As mentioned earlier, the supreme form (para Ojas) is present in the heart. The mediocre form (apara Ojas) is present all over the body. Ancient scholar Bhela (a colleague of Agnivesha) has specified twelve sites as the location of Oja. These include seven body components (dhatu), three metabolic wastes (mala like feces, urine, and sweat), and two dosha (pitta and kapha). [Bhela Sa. Sutra Sthana 12]

Functions

  1. The prime and most important function of Ojas is to maintain vitality and sustaining the integrity of life. Any deviation or depreciation in the normal quantity and quality of Ojas leads to serious health complications and death.
  2. It is responsible for providing nutrition and enhancing the immune strength of the body.
  3. It helps to bring stability in muscle tissue (Mamsa dhatu), its proper growth, significant strength, and stamina.
  4. It is responsible for maintaining all movements without any obstruction or blockage.
  5. Ojas is responsible for the superior quality of voice and complexion.
  6. 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.[3]

Pathological aspects

Abnormalities of Oja

Causes of vitiation of Oja

Oja is affected due to the following causes:

  • Any injury or trauma (abhighata)
  • Malnourishment or impaired metabolism (kshaya)
  • Anger (kopa)
  • Excessive thinking (dhyana)
  • Grief (shoka)
  • Vigorous physical work or exertion (shrama)
  • Voracious appetite (kshudha) [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/28]

Pathophysiology

  • Due to these causes, the vata dosha and pitta dosha are aggravated. This leads to the quantitative and qualitative depletion of Oja. It is then easily displaced from its prime seat -heart hridaya.

General clinical features

  • Fearfulness or phobia
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue especially at its sense and motor organs
  • Altered skin complexion
  • Lack of self-confidence
  • Dry and rough skin
  • Remarkable emaciation of body. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/73]

Three specific abnormalities and clinical features:

The abnormalities in quantity and quality of Oja are observed in three stages. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/24]

  1. Displacement of Oja from its own site (Oja vistramsa)
  2. Qualitative deterioration (Oja vyapat)
  3. Depletion of quality and quantity (Oja kshaya)

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.[6] Some scholars opine that these states show features of immunity compromised state, immunity suppressed and immunity deficiency syndromes respectively.[3]

The signs and symptoms of each state are shown below in table 2.

Table 2: Clinical features of deviation in Ojas

Sr.No Oja visramsa Oja vyapat Oja kshay
1 Feeling of looseness and displacement in joints or synapses (sandhi vishlesha) Feeling of stiffness and rigidity in body (stabdha guru gatrata) Fainting or unconsciousness (murchcha)
2 Fatigue (gatra sadanam) Unstable swelling due to vitiation of Vata dosha (vata shopha) Emaciation and muscle wasting (mamsa kshaya)
3 Migration of vitiated dosha to other sites (dosha chyavanam) Abnormal change in normal complexion (varna bheda) Confusion (moha)
4 Impairment and blockage of all functions in body and mind (kriya sannirodha) Lassitude (glani) Delirium (pralapa)
5 - Drowsiness (tandra) Death ( marana)
6 - Excess sleepiness (nidra) -

[Su. Sam. Sutra Sthana 15/24 – Dalhana Commentary]

Importance

  1. 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]
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Oja gives strength (bala) to body and mind. Thus, physical and mental strength depends upon the quality and quantity of Oja.
  5. Oja is responsible to maintain immunity (vyadhikshamatva). It is important for the preservation of health and prevention of diseases. It also plays a vital role in combating disease pathogens if the disease occurs.
  6. Dosha is unable to carry functions without the presence of Oja. [Ash. Sa. Sutra Sthana 19/36 – Shashilekha Commentary of Indu]
  7. Quantitative and qualitative depletion of Oja can cause death. [Ash. Hri. Sutra Sthana 11/38]

Role of Oja as a vitiated factor in diseases

  • In obstinate urinary diseases (prameha vyadhi), oja is one among the ten vitiated factors(dushya). [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 6/8] Type-1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disorder and the destruction of body tissues by auto-antibody is very fast causing loss of immune- intolerance and immune-component (Oja) thus impairing the body defense mechanism. There is a disturbance in the production and clearance of lipoprotein causing hampered functioning of insulin resulting in hyperglycemia and producing micro-vascular complications like retinopathy and nephropathy.[7]
  • Diabetes (madhumeha) is caused when Oja is taken to the urinary bladder from its own site by vitiated vata dosha. [Cha. Sa. Nidana Sthana 4/37] This condition is incurable due to its severity, susceptibility to complications(mahaatyayitvat) and contradictory treatment options(virudhopkramatvat). [Cha. Sa. Nidana Sthana 6/38]
  • Depletion of Oja (kshaya) is observed due to obstruction of samana vata by vitiated vyana vata. The other features are syncope (murchcha), drowsiness(tandra), delirium(pralap), body ache( angasada), depletion of digestive functions, and strength (agni and oja kshaya). This condition is treated with exercise (vyayama) and light to digest diet (laghu bhojana). [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/213]
  • Displacement of Oja (vistramsa) is also observed due to obstruction of udana vata by vitiated pitta dosha. The other features are syncope (murchcha), burning sensation (daha), weakness in the umbilical and chest region (nabhi and ura klama) and bodyache (angasada). [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/223]
  • In case of anemia due to geophagia (mrudbhakshanjanya pandu), quick depletion of the strength of senses(indriya), luster (teja), potency(veerya), Oja, and digestive capacity(agni) is observed. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 16/28,29] This condition is treated with strong purification therapies, medicated ghee processed with strength promoting herbs. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 16/118]

Contemporary views and current researches

Generally, the concept of Oja is connected with the concepts of strength(bala) and defense capacity or immunity (vyadhikshamatva).[8] [9] It is referred to as a part of vitamins, albumin, glycogen, internal secretions of testicles, ovary, prostatic secretions by Dr. Ghanekar.[10] Thus, the factors responsible for strength and immunity can be applied to assess the status of Oja. Some researchers propose that the endoplasmic reticulum and its functions in conventional physiology seem to resemble Oja.[11]

Assessment of the status of Oja

Clinically the status of Oja is assessed through observation of its properties, normal functions, and quality of body tissues (dhatu sara). In research perspectives, various laboratory investigations can be carried out for the objective assessment of Oja. Though, these tests can only provide some clues about the functional status of Oja. Immuno assay, a biochemical test utilizing antibody or immunoglobulin can be useful to assess strength promoting activity (balya). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), memory lymphocyte immunostimulant assay (MELISA), and radioimmunoassay can be done to assess the immunological status of a person. The comprehensive metabolic panel can also be an important tool to assess strength promoting activity (balya). This selectively screens functions of the liver and kidney. Investigations involving major fluids of the body like synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and meningeal fluid-like joint fluid analysis can also be helpful in evaluation.[12]

Measures for the preservation of Oja and treatment of its disorders

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).[13] 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.[14] 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.[15]

Good conduct with rejuvenating effect (achara rasayana) or ideal behaviour therapy also possesses an effect on the preservation and enhancement of Oja. [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 1/4/30-35][16]

Scope of further research

There is a wide scope of research to study fundamental physiological body components having similar functions like para Oja and apara Oja. Functional aspects of Oja need to be studied with the help of molecular biology. Research on Oja is required in view of genetic studies, stem cell studies, epigenetic pathways of its disorders, effect of anti-oxidant herbs on the repair of its disorders on DNA. The researches can open new windows in the treatment of immunological disorders.

Research theses done in Ayurveda institutes

  1. Singh R.N. (1960). Concept of Ojas. M.D.Thesis. Department of Kayachikitsa. I.P.G.T.R.A. Jamnagar.
  2. Palan B.K (1997). The study of Ojas and its role in attaining positive health and as a preventive measure Department of Basic Principles. I.P.G.T.R.A. Jamnagar.
  3. Singh L.P. (1966). The study of Ojas in relation to body resistance and effect of Ojovardhaka Drug. Department of Basic Principles. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.
  4. D.K.Sharma (1960). Shukraksaya evam Ojodushti Ka Naidanik Adhyayan. National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur.
  5. Daulatkar Kavita (1992-93). Oja Ke Parakrta Vikrta Bhava Ka Sastriya Vivecana Tatha Swasthya Se Uska Sambandha. Department of Samskrit Samhita Siddhanta, Ayurveda college, Nagpur.
  6. 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.

References

  1. ↑ 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
  2. ↑ Standard Ayurveda Terminologies available from http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat accessed on 28/07/2020
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 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
  4. ↑ Ranade S., Deshpande RR., Chaoube S. A textbook of Kriya Sharir. Choukhamba Sanskrit Pratishtan, Delhi. Reprint 2015, Chapter 19
  5. ↑ Chandrakant bhattacharya (editor), commentary of Haranchandra, Sushruta samhita, New Delhi; reprint 2008
  6. ↑ 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
  7. ↑ Chandola H.M. Kajaria D. Vidhi vimarsha of Mahachatushpada Adhyaya of Charak Samhita. Available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Mahachatushpada_Adhyaya accessed on 27/07/2020
  8. ↑ 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.
  9. ↑ Desai RR. Ayurvediya Kriyasharira, Adhyaya 31. Allahabad: Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Sansthan Bhavan Ltd.; 2010. p. 679-83.
  10. ↑ Ghanekar BG, editor. Commentary on Sushruta Samhita, Sootrasthana; Doshadhatumala Kshayavriddhi Vidnyan. Ch. 15, Reprint. New Delhi: Meherchand Laxmandas Publications; 2008. p. 95.
  11. ↑ Ranade AV, Acharya R. Concept of oja vis -a -vis endoplasmic reticular function: An approach to decode the holistic view. Indian J Health Sci Biomed Res [serial online] 2015 [cited 2020 Jul 13];8:109-14. Available from: http://www.ijournalhs.org/text.asp?2015/8/2/109/174238
  12. ↑ Mahesh TS, Shreevidya M. A review on balya action mentioned in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(2):80-84. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.133796
  13. ↑ 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.
  14. ↑ Tripathi YB. Free radicals in ayurveda. Anc Sci Life. 1998;17(3):158-168.
  15. ↑ 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
  16. ↑ Singh R.H. Vidhi Vimarsha of Rasayana Chikitsa Chapter available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Rasayana_Chikitsa#Achara_Rasayana_.28rasayana_effects_of_good_conduct.29 accessed on 28/07/2020
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