Ojas - The Source of Life
Author: Linda Sinden Date Posted:21 May 2018
Healthy production of Ojas
As the winter season starts it is a good time to actively support your immunity, physical strength, vitality and vigour. There is a special substance in the body called Ojas that provides this all-round support. In Sanskrit, ojas means vigor and it is referred to as the physiological expression of consciousness.
Ojas is the most refined by-product of full and complete digestion. You may be interested to know that although a meal takes about 24 hours to digest fully, it takes a full 30 days for the body to refine your meal further to create Ojas (pronounced oh-jas).
Ojas is created through a process much like an irrigation system. Nutrients from food are used to form the 7 major tissues of the body and this culminates in the production of ojas, which is then stored in the heart. Ayurveda explains that Ojas is the source of all life and when it is depleted life ends. So you can see why it is important to keep your levels of Ojas within a healthy range.
Interestingly, modern research by Candice Pert, PhD at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) discovered that neurotransmitters act as carriers for the immune, nervous and endocrine systems and the emotions. Dr Pert’s description of how these neurotransmitters act, closely matches how Ayurveda describes ojas.
Tips for the healthy production of Ojas
- Build Stress Resilience
Stress and over-activity deplete Ojas so firstly build your resilience to stress and balance your work and activity with a healthy daily routine. In particular ensure you have ample rest with a minimum of 7.5 - 8 hours of sleep per night with early to bed and early rising with the sun. Consider learning Transcendental Meditation. Consider taking 1-2 Stress Relief tablets prior evening meal and at bedtime. Drink the Ojas creating drink below each night for 30 days.
- Maintain healthy gut and digestion
As 95% of your body’s serotonin and most of your neurotransmitters are manufactured and stored in the gut, ensure you have a healthy gut and digestive system. Eat fresh wholesome food at regular intervals in a relaxed manner and harmonious environment. Favour foods that are in season.
Consider taking Digest Tone 1-2 tablets prior the evening meal and at bedtime. Also consider taking 1-2 tablets of Aller-GI after breakfast and evening meals. Aller-GI enhances secretions of digestive enzymes, offers probiotic support for better digestion and promotes the growth of healthy digestive micro-organisms. Drink the Ojas creating drink below each night for 30 days.
- Love, laughter and service
You may have heard that laughter and love are good for you! They are, as they help to replenish and build ojas. Did you know that giving and serving others helps build Ojas too, as does acting on things you are passionate about.
30 Day Challenge to build your Ojas
Here is a recipe for a night tonic drink which I suggest you take each night for 30 days. This is a recipe that combines key foods, spices and herbs to build and maintain your Ojas levels:
Place 1 cup of organic whole milk (you may substitute with non-dairy milk, such as coconut, almond or hemp along with the ingredients below) into a pot and slowly bring it to the boil.
- Chopped dates (1 tbsp)
- Chopped almonds (2 tsp)
- Coconut meat or flakes (1 tbsp)
- Saffron (1/2 tsp)
- Ghee (1-2 tsp) or replace with 1-2 tsp of Coconut Butter
- Cardamom (1/8 tsp)
- Add 1 tablet of Shatavari and 1 tablet of Ashwaganda or 1/8th of a tsp of each.
- Once boiled, drink at a comfortable temperature prior bed.
Wishing you the bliss of balance.
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Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our weekly Insights. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity. Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz Skype: Linda.Sinden |
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