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|title=Ojas

|title=Ojas

|titlemode=append

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|keywords=Ojas,Ojas in ayurveda,Ojas meaning,carak samhita,caraka samhita

|keywords= Ojas,Ojas in Ayurveda,Ojas meaning, charak samhita,caraka samhita, vitality, immunity in ayurveda, Indian system of medicine

|description=Essence of body tissues

|description=Essence of body tissues and vitality

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

|image_alt=carak samhita

|image_alt=carak samhita

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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>   

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.

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.

{{Infobox

{{Infobox

|label4 = Affiliations

|label4 = Affiliations

|data4 = ¹[[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar ² Department of Kriya Sharir, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India

|data4 = ¹[[Charak 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

|label5 = Correspondence email:

|label5 = Correspondence email:

===Etymology and derivation ===

===Etymology and derivation ===

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

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

===Synonyms===

===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''<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. Sharir Sthana 3/63]  

 

''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]  

===Definition===

===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]  

 

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]  

===Formation===

===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.  

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]

=== Analogy ===

=== 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)]

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]

From the above description, it is clear that Oja is formed as a purest secondary component after the metabolism of primary body components (dhatu).   

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===

===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]  

 

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===

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

 

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

# 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.   

# 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.   

# 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]

# 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===

===Physical characteristics of Oja===

The physical characteristics of Oja are shown in table 1.

The physical characteristics of Oja are shown in table 1.

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

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

===Nutrition of Oja===

===Nutrition of Oja===

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

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

===Location===

===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 Bhel (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]

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===

* Lack of self-confidence  

* Lack of self-confidence  

* Dry and rough skin  

* Dry and rough skin  

* Remarkable emaciation of body. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/73]

* Remarkable emaciation of body. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 17/73]

Three specific abnormalities and clinical features:  

Three specific abnormalities and clinical features:  

===Importance of Oja===

===Importance of Oja===

# 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]

# 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.  

# Oja gives strength (bala) to body and mind. Thus, physical and mental strength depends upon the quality and quantity of Oja.  

# 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.  

# 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.  

==Role of Oja as a vitiated factor in diseases==

==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 autoantibody 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 microvascular 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/mediawiki-1.32.1/index.php?title=Mahachatushpada_Adhyaya accessed on 27/07/2020</ref>  

* 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/mediawiki-1.32.1/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 virudhopkramatvat (contradictory treatment options). [Cha. Sa. Nidana Sthana 6/38]

* 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]  

* 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]

* 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. Sam. Chikitsa Sthana 16/118]

* 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. Sam. Chikitsa Sthana 16/118]

== Contemporary views and current researches ==

== Contemporary views and current researches ==

==Assessment of the status of Oja==

==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).  

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>

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>