PUBLISHED IN ANVIKSHIKI VOL-2,NUM-3,2010 [OCT-DEC]

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1 PUBLISHED IN ANVIKSHIKI VOL-2,NUM-3,2010 [OCT-DEC] CONCEPT OF OJAS: A SCIENTIFIC OVERVIEW SANGEETA GEHLOT AND B. M. SINGH Abstract Ojas has been mentioned as best essence of all the dhatu. It resides in the heart and circulates all over the body to maintain the homeostasis.development of immunity is a process by which body learns from experiences of past infection to deal efficiently with subsequent ones. The term Vyadhi-Kshamatva is first time used in Ayurveda to represent the immunity of the body against the onset, occurrence or reoccurrence of disease. It is also used to denote the resistance to arrest the progress of disease. Immunity of body is usually represented in terms of Bala. In Veda the Bala, Ojas, Prana, Sahasa, Manyu, Varchas, Veerya, etc. are the terms which have been considered to be the synonym of Ojas. In Ayurveda Bala, Ojas, Kapha have been also mentioned as synonyms. Ojas has been explained as the resistance against the decay and degeneration of the body. Sushruta has given stress to maintain the resistance which will check the progress of the disease. Lack of Ojas will not be able to maintain the body even though Doshas are in equilibrium. Bala denotes three types of immunity innate, acquired and artificial. There are many factors mentioned in Ayurveda such as place of birth, genetic qualities, properties of food, physique, tolerance, mental status, exercise, young age, happiness which influence the immunity. Ojas must be a physically existing body may be represented by energy providing substances (glucose, glycogen etc.), fat, plasma, lymph, serum, anterior pituitary hormone, thyroid hormone etc. Blood cells (macrophage, monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes etc.) provide immunity by releasing different enzymes which kills microorganisms. As Ojas is a controversial topic. Different authors have explained it in their own way. To make it clear and easily understandable in scientific way have planned this analytical study. The term Ojas has been considered as an essential factor for survival of human. Different authors have explained it in their own way which has made it controversial. To make it clear and easily understandable in scientific way this analytical study has been planned. Bala, and Prakrit Sleshma are synonyms of ojas. (Ch. Su.17/117).In normal state, Prakrita Kapha provides lubrication, compactness, stability, heaviness, virility, immunity, resistance and greedlessness. (Ch.Su 18/51) In vedic literature various synonyms of Ojas, like Tejas, Veerya, Bala, Manyu, Sahasa, Varchas, Urja, Prana, Daksha have been mentioned. (Shu. Yazu. 19/1035, Ath/7/56/1863) All these terms indicate power, strength, energy of the body. The term Ojas has been stated by some authors not only for Sleshma Associate Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU, Varanasi, U.P. (India)

2 Associate Professor, Department of Kaumarbhritya, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU, Varanasi, U.P. (India) but also for Rasa and Rakta. The term Vyadhi-Kshamatva is used for Bala by Chakrapani (Cu.Su.28/7). Vyadhi-Kshamatva means the capacity to oppose the genesis of disease. Ojas is said one of the vital entity, expansible and present in entire body.individual wanes and dies in absence of it. (Haranchandra on S.Su.15/21) Ojas is responsible for the stability of all sensory stimuli. Disturbance of any kind endangers life. Twelve sites of Ojas have been described by Acharya Bhela(BhelaSamhita page 82 ) Shonita(Blood), Mamsa(muscles), Medo(fats), Asthi mazza(bone marrow), Shukra (genital secretions), Shukla (body fluids), Sweda (sweat), Pitta (GIT secretions),sleshma (mucoid secretions), Mutra and Pureesha(urine & stool) As Acharya Bhela has decribed twelve sites of Ojas, it means Ojas is not a single entity it has different functions at different site but ultimate outcome of this is to protect the body and provide strength. RBC increases oxygen carrying capacity of blood. In anemic patients decreased oxygen carrying capacity leads to suppress immunity. Lysozyme in nasal secretions, saliva, tears and intestinal mucus which attacks the cell wall of bacteria. Regarding Pitta as the site of Ojas, Hydrochloric acid in stomach and lysozyme in intestinal mucus kills ingested bacteria and protects these parts. Bone marrow is the site of production of all the blood cells which are responsible for maintenance of immunity. In sweat, fatty acids and high salt content prevents growth of microorganism on skin. Flushing action of the urine also provides protection from microorganisms. Pureesha is a good culture media for the growth of certain bacteria which are responsible for the synthesis of Vit-K and Vit-B complex etc. Proteins, albumin and globulin in body fluids form immunoglobulins concentration of immunogobins reflects the immune status of the body and WBCs present in body fluids may kill foreign bodies by the process of phagocytosis As Ojas is considered most important cause of strength and which is said to be its function. Aahar is responsible for the strength, complexion and Ojas substance in human beings.(s.su1/28 ) Aahardravyas supply materials from which the body builds up its structural and functional element. Rasa,raktadi dhatus and finally Ojas is produced from Aaharadravyas, (Ch.Su.28/4) Charak has compared the formation of Ojas with that of honey gathered by bees from various flowers and fruits. (Ch.Su.17/74) Ojas is derived from all the dhatus or in other words, all the dhatus contribute in the formation of ojas. It is excellent and unctuous part of every dhatu. It remains in body as milk bears Ghee.(B.P.503/281) Resistance to decay and degeneration of the body is known as immunity. Immunity opposes the strength of diseases and denotes the resistance which an organism offer against attack by an invader. Development of immunity is a process by which the body learns from experience of past infection how to deal efficiently with the subsequent one? Vyadhi-kshamatava is the resistance of the body to arrest the progress, occurrence of reoccurrence of the disease. Always make effort for the maintenance of the resistance, if restored it will check the progress of disease. Stressing on the importance of Ojas, Indu has commented that doshas even being in equilibrium are incapable to maintain the defense of the body which is lacking of Ojas. (Indu on As. Su.19) The Ojas is first produced in the body of all living beings. (Ch.Su.17/74). Ojas is established since the fertilization of sperm and ovum takes place. It means ojas is already present in sperm and ovum in saar form. When these sperm and ova combine with soul garbha is formed. In morula stage of fetus Ojas is

3 present in the form of Garbharasasaar. When the body parts of fetus formed, Ojas manifested by its symoptoms. In other words we can say that this Ojas before pregnancy remains in sperm and ovum, in early pregnancy in the form of garbha rasa while in fully developed fetus present in heart from where it is circulated by dhamanies(vessels) all over the body and regulates the function of the body(ch.su30/10). On this basis these dhamanies are called mahaphala while ojas and hridaya is called mahat. Two kinds of Ojas Par and Apar mentioned by Chakrapani i.e ashtabindu and ardhanjali. These are important and significant in the context of vyadhikshamatva interpreted both as vyadhibalavirodhitva (resistance against the strength of disease) and vyadhutpada-vibandhakatva(resistance power to prevent the onset of disease). Ojas have a direct bearing on body s defence against decay degeneration and infection. Charaka has mentioned Sleshmika ojas. Chakrapani has differentiated this from the ashtabindu ojas. He stated that Sleshmika ojas is not ashtabindu ojas, It is transported through the ojovaha dhamanies and similar in quality of shuddha Sleshma. It is ardhanjali in pramana. In Arthe dasha maha muliya adhyaya, Chakrapani has commented that the quantity of Apar oja is described in terms of Anjali pramana while the quantity of Par oja is Ashtabindu, located in hridaya. The seat of Apar oja are the ten vessels connected with hridaya.(chakrapani on Charaka Sutra 30/7) Para oja which is best and originated in intrauterine life of an individual and its main function is to sustain. It is not affected by easily. Apar oja is also nourished by food. It is half anjali in measure. Diseases and other etiological factors affect this. Heart contains white slightly red and yellowish tinged substance. With the destruction of oja body also dies. Color of Apar oja is like ghee, smells like parched cereal and taste is like honey.(ch.su.17/74) Dalhana has described two types of Ojas-Upchaya Lakshana and Shakti Lakshana. Upchaya Lakshana is a gross substances and essence of all Dhatus, ardhanjali in measures while shakti Lakshana Ojas is microscopic, best and eight drops in measures. Differentiating in Ojas and Bala, Dalhana has commented that Ojas is reaslized by Upchaya or nourishment and which is unctuous, bear physical properties like color, odor whereas Bala is realized by weight carrying capacity does not bear physical or chemical properties. Ojovaha dhamanies(ten vessels) emerging from the heart sends Ojas to all the body parts so that all the body tissues received this Ojas continuously. Charak has described that dasha, maha mula dhamanies are the channels of transport of Ojas to the entire body. They are called dhamanyaha because they pulsate.(ch.su30/8 ) Ojas is diffused in entire body of living beings even in every cell(sha. Pu.5/18). Ojas is found in the cellular organelles of all dhatus, the site in the cells may be mitochondria which is the store house of energy and due to which Ojas is called strength. Although Ojas is present in entire body but main site of Ojas is hridaya because hridaya is rich in mitochondria and glycogen to provide the energy for its continous function. Ojas is having properties like Somatmakam(cool, liquid) Snigdha( unctuous, viscous),shukla ( clear white), Sthira (responsible for stability and strength of the organs of the body) Sara (capable of flowing and permeating), Vivikta (foremost in action, nutrition of best quality) Mritsana(slimy), seat of life, Picchila, Madhur, Prasana(happiness)(Su.Su.15/21) Charaka has explained ten qualities of Ojas..(Ch.Chi.24/31) which are similar to milk and ghee while opposite to Madya. While commenting on Charaka Sutra30/7, Chakrapani has described Ojas as saar of all dhatus. Sharangdhar has explained Ojas as an updhatu.(sha ). Dhatus support and nourish the body, while supporting the body Ojas does

4 not nourish it. Therefore it is not the eighth Dhatu. Some mentioned Ojas as Shukra vishesha but it does not contribute to mental pleasure like Shukra.(Chakrapani on Charaka Su.30/7) Regarding the mode of transport and circulation of this Ojas, Chakrapani stressed that param teja which is the saar of all dhatus located in hridaya, mixes with rasa and circulate through the dhamanies and performs tarpan of entire body. It represents the bala of all dhatus..(chakrapani on Su. Su.15/99) Hemadri has described different types of ojas(hemadri on A. H. Su.11/37-38) like Rasatmaka, Dhatutejorupi and Jivashonita rupi. Ojas which circulates all over the body along with Rasa dhatu is known as Rasatmaka Ojas. All WBCs, substances of compliment system and antibodies may be included in this. Dhatutejarupi ojas which is present in tissues may represent the immune mechanism due to macrophages, mast cells and WBCs at tissue level. Jivashonita rupi Ojas is specific for blood cells, malfunctioning of which may cause hypersensitivity reactions. (Patwardhan 2005) Ojas is an enity which has strength to keep body, sense organs mind and soul in homeostasis. Ojas has been mentioned in Ashtanga Samgraha as esteem excellent part of Shukra dhatu. It is purest and without mala. (As.Sam.Sh.6) while in Ashtanga Hridaya 3/63 referred as mala of Shukra. Ojas has been considered among ten life spots.(ch.su.29/3 ) While describing the site and function of Avalambaka Kapha, Vagbhatta mentioned that this supports trikka, heart through ambukarma and also supports the sites of other kapha (As.Hri.Su.12/15-16) Behind trikka is thymus gland and ambukarma may be referred to lymphatic drainage. Sites of other types of kapha like kledaka and bodhaka kapha is involved with gut associated lymphoid tissue and tonsils respectively participate in immune mechanism.. All individuals do not have similar Vyadhi-kshamatva (immunity).(ch. Su. 28/7 ) There is a certain inhibiting factor on account of which hygienic errors donot produce a sudden ill effect among the unwholesome or contaminated diet takers. Significant peculiarities in the form of non occurrence, incomplete or complete manifestation of diseases are dependent on etiological factors, Dosas and Dhatus. It is from these very factors that diverse kinds of diseases mild or severe, rapid or slow onset occur. (Ch.Ni.4/4) In other words, we can say that susceptibility of an individual to infectious agent and the potency of etiological factor is important factor in causation of disease. Substances having opposite qualities to the body tissues when enters in the body tissues have to face the tissue reaction or opposition.(ch.su.26/81) This description specify the response of immune system against any antigen or foreign body. Bala is the root cause of life. Health also depends on resistance or bala.(ch. Vi3/141) Bala represents all the three types of immunity viz. innate, acquired and artificial. (Ch. Su. 11/36 ) The term innate indicates the response to an infection solely determined by the inherited qualities of the individual and uninfluenced by any prior events in its life time. Yuktikrita bala is that which is obtained by means of diet, physical exercise and medication. Kalaja bala(seasonal or periodic) depends on season and age (Ch.Su.11/36 ), which is highest in Visarga kala and in young age while lowest in Adana kala and child age. Due to bala, all types of body movements are smooth and without any obstruction.(su. Su15/20) Voice and complexion of a person is pleasant. Charaka has explained the various factors influencing immunity i.e place of birth and time, genetic qualities, favorable weather, food having good properties, good physique, good tolerance power, good mental status, favorable nature, young age, exercise and happiness.(ch.sh. 6/13) All these factors are well known for the enhancement of immunity. Premature delivery of new born baby may occur due to defect

5 of kshetra(uterus) Bicornuate uterus and fibroid uterus.these premature babies have lowered immunity. Genetic disorders found due to defect in Beeja (Spaerm/ovum)-X-Linked agamma globulinemia. Immunity is suppressed in an individual suffering with protein energy malnutrition. Intake of nutritional diet is responsible for the maintenance of immunity. Intolerance or hypersensitivity to particular food substance may lead to disease e.g. lactose intolerance etc. Such individuals have low immunity and prone to infectious disorders. Immunity can be enhanced by performing different exercise. As Charaka has explained that exercise increases strength and produces body stability. (Ch. Su. 7/31) Ojas vriddhi does not cause any disease, it provides satisfaction, strength, nutrition.(as.hr. Su.11/41) but its kshaya may result in various diseases. Injury, decreased body tissues, anger,anxiety, worry, excessive physical work, fasting are the important causes of Ojas kshaya. Fearfulness, weakness, disturbed sensory and motor functions, loss of luster, dryness of skin, decreased volume of voice are the common features of Oja kshaya.(ch.su. 17/72) Visransa,Vyapata and Kshaya are three stages of ojas kshaya which may occur in various conditions and diseases ranging from physical and mental fatigue to acute and chronic mild and severe types of diseases. According to ancient Ayurvedic view these conditions may arise as a result of metabolic abnormalities leading to diminished production of Ojas, loss of integrity of dhatuvaha Srotansi, non supply due to obstruction of Srotamsi leads to increased susceptibility to diseases like Rajyakshma, Sannipataja jwara, Madhumeha. In Madhumeha, vata by its ruksha guna changes the madhur rasa of ojas to kashaya and transports it to the mutrashya. The term Hatujas has been used by Sushruta to describe a special variety of Sannipata jwara known as Abhinyasa. In the stage of Visransa and vyapata one should always make efforts to initiate immunity while the stage of Kshaya has been considered as incurable. Ojas is unstable in 8 th month because exchange of Ojas takes place through blood vessels from mother to fetal heart and from fetal to mother s heart. When Ojas is transmitted from fetus to mother, she looks happy and born fetus at this time will be prone to develop infectious disorders.(ch.sh.4/24, Su.Sh.3/30) Due to which delivery in this month is to be considered dangerous. This might be caused by the synthesis of certain substance at this particular time, transfer of these to mother suppresses the immunity of fetus. To maintain the immunity of the body one should avoid the exposure to the factors responsible for Ojas kshaya. Milk and ghee along with the drugs of Jivaneeya group may be used. Give up the causes which are injurious to mind and heart. Follow the such regimen which is beneficial to the heart and does not obstructs the channels.(ch. Su.30/13-14 ) Administration of specific antisubstances helps in alleviation of pre-existing diseases and develops passive immunity. Prior sensitization of the body with specific antigen develops active immunity (Ch.Su.26/104) This indicates the concept of active and passive immunity. Therefore, Ojas is a entity which functions for harmony of structural body components with their functions and special sense organs and also with mind. Ojas is Bala and Prakrita Shlesma which provides strength to fight against infectious agent by providing substrate. These may represent energy providing substances (glucose, glycogen etc.), fat, plasma, lymph, serum, anterior pituitary hormone, thyroid hormone etc. Blood cells (macrophage, monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes etc.) provide immunity by releasing different enzymes which kills microorganisms. However, Ojas is considered as Bala (Strength) which can be achieved by urja or Ushma (Energy). In other words, these substances ultimately produce energy at cellular level in mitochondria with the help of different enzymes. All the functions including intrauterine function in Garbha formation;

6 normalcy of voice and& complexion; motor & sensory function of organs etc. performed by the Ojas can be considered due to this energy. BOOKS REFERRED ACHARYA YADAVJI TRIKUM JI (1994), Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta with the Nibandha Samgraha Commentary by Dalhanacharya Edited Reprint Edition. Bhel Samhita: Chaukhambha Vidyabhawana Varanasi, (1959)1 st Edition. CHARAKA & DRIDHBALA, Charaka Samhita of Agnivesa, revised with the Ayurveda Dipika. DHARGALAR NANDINI DILIP, Sharira Kriya Vigyana, Chawkhambha Sanskrit Series office Varanasi. DWARAKANATH. C. (1997), Digestion and Metabolism in Ayurveda, 2 nd Edition. DWARAKANATH C. (1996), Introduction to Kayachikitsa, 3 rd Edition. DESAI VAIDYA RANJIT RAI (1999), Ayurvediya Kriya Sharira, Edition. GUPTA ATRIDEVA (1951), Astanga Samgraha: Hindi comm.. by Nirnaya Sagar Press, Bombay, 1 st Edition. GUYTON & HALL (2007), Textbook of Medical physiology, 11 th Edition. MISHRA SHRI BRAHMA SHANKAR (1969), Bhavapraksha: Vidyotini Hindi comm.., Chowkhambha Sanskrit Series office Varanasi first part 5 th Edition. PANDEY GANGASAHAYA (1997), commentary of Chakrapanidutta, Edited, Vol. 1& 2, 5 th Edition. PATWARDHAN KISHORE (2005), Human Physiology in Ayurveda, Chowkhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 1 st Edition. SHARMA ACHARYA SHRI RAM (2005), Atharvaveda Samhita, Yoga Nirmana Yozna, Gayatri Tapobhumi Mathura. SHARMA SHRI PRAYAG DUTTA (1966), Sarangdhar samhita, Hindi Comm.., Chowkhambha Sanskrit Series office Varanasi 4 th Edition. SHARMA ACHARYA SHRI RAM (2005), Shukla Yazurveda-Pratishakhyam, Yoga Nirmana Yozna, Gayatri Tapobhumi Mathura. THAKAR. VINAYAK JAYANAND (1984), Purusha Vichaya, 1 st Edition. UPADHAYAYA VAIDYA YADUNANDAN (1992), Astangahrdayam of Vagbhatta by Kaviraja Atrideva Gupta tenth edition

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