A Beginner's Guide to Nurturing Your Ojas by Guest Blogger Julia Muskevich

Ayurveda, India’s ancient healing art, considers ojas to be the essential entity that promotes health, immunity, strength, and happiness. It’s the “lamp at the door,” meaning the crossroads between consciousness and matter. An abundance of ojas is reflected physically, mentally, and emotionally--yet, it’s not profound consciousness nor tangible physical matter.

Ojas become depleted when we have a surplus of vata, or the energy sequence that stimulates our physical behaviors and relationships. This is the culmination of stress, overloading oneself, and lack of sleep. These problems can become apparent both mentally and physically. Signs of low ojas include cold hands and feet, lack of focus, pessimism, muscle or joint pain, and fatigue.

When your ojas are exhausted, you’re more susceptible to aging and falling ill. It’s important to fuel your ojas to sustain your physical and mental energy, along with your drive and passion. Learn four ways you can nurture your ojas for a longer, healthier life.

1. Embrace an Organic Diet

The Ayurvedic diet presents organic, ojas-rich foods to strengthen your energy and longevity. There are a multitude of healthy foods recognized for their natural healing powers. Some of these foods include:

Fruits: avocados, apples, bananas, apricots, oranges, dates, figs

Vegetables: greens, lettuce, parsley, sweet potatoes, zucchini, yams

Grains: basmati rice, oatmeal, quinoa, whole wheat

Legumes: soy beans, soy milk, tofu

Dairy: goat cheese, cottage cheese, fresh yogurt

Nuts: almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios

Healthy fats and oils: clarified butter, olive oil, coconut oil

When building your balanced diet, it’s important to avoid heavily processed, canned, and frozen foods. Many health care professionals, including dentists like Dr. Timothy Kosinski, can attest to the importance of a healthy, nutritious diet for your oral health, along with your overall well-being.

2. Invest in Your Health

The heart is viewed as the foundation of where your ojas prosper. That’s why it’s essential to support heart health as well as a strong immune system to elevate and maintain your ojas. Natural supplements and herbs are a great way to enhance your immunity.

Try out these ojas-boosting herbs:

Ginger--helps fight infections and restores immunity

Turmeric--enhances the health of all three doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha (eat, taste, heal)

Licorice--vitalizes immunity and nourishes systems in the body

Ashwagandha--extends longevity and restores natural energy levels