building ojas

Ojas is a living force within the body which protects the integrity of the individual. It’s strength depends on the quality of the dhatus, or tissue formation, in the body. It’s comparable to the function of our immune system and our resilience to environmental stressors. The teachings of Ayurveda state that ojas is supported and built through nourishing acts of love. How beautiful is that? Here are some things you can do:

• Consume a nourishing diet

  Foods that are heavier and have the sweet taste such as oils, milks, grains and nuts have the highest ojas building potential. These must be taken properly to be effective in ojas building as they are the very types of foods that can easily create ama, or toxins, in the body when taken improperly

• Digest your food well

  Chew, chew, chew! Follow the guidelines for healthy eating and take foods that are best suited for your prakruti or to balance your vikruti

• Practice sexual restraint

  This is a complex subject but basically when one overindulges in sex and is not performing it in a loving way with one partner then it will deplete the body of ojas. On the other hand, saving sex as an act of love in a healthy relationship will build ojas

• Daily Abhyanga

  Daily oil massage is a deeply nourishing act of love and shows respect to the body. Can’t do it everyday? Schedule it in 1-3x a week to establish a routine around it and build on that— you can thank me later ;)