November Nourishment
"It is Ojas which keeps all living beings nourished and refreshed. There can be no life without Ojas..."- Charaka Samhita.
The Sanskrit word ojas can be translated to vigor, bodily strength, vitality and water. It is the essential energy of the body, "the fluid of life", one of the three vital essences (Prana, Tejas, and Ojas), and truly the sweet, vital nectar of immunity, vitality and health. Ojas can easily be defined as the ultimate or end-product of proper nutrition, digestion, and metabolism. Like honey that is collected from the flower blossoms, ojas is collected in the body from our nutritional choices, habitual routines, self-care practices, actions, and conditional tendencies.
Understanding Ojas
Ojas, vital essence of water, is responsible for the maintenance of quantity and quality of the doshas, dhatus, and malas. Ojas may be centered in the heart, but exists throughout every part of the body, protecting the health of every cell. Ojas governs immunity, health, strength, vitality and longevity. Various signs of abundant ojas include:
clear, radiant eyes
glowing skin
healthy immune system
resilience to stress
positive outlook on life (experiences and exudes joy easily)
mental clarity
limitless energy and vigor
pain-free, healthy and strong body
overall nourishment in all aspects of one's life
On the other hand, a deficiency in ojas can cause weakness, fatigue, exhaustion and eventually disease. Ama (toxic residue, undigested food, thoughts & emotions) is the opposite of ojas (proper nutrition, digestion, and metabolism). Overexertion, improper diet, lack of routine, excessive emotional reactions (ie. anger, grief, worry, anxiety, fear, etc.) can overtime deplete our ojas. When we engage any of the five senses (touch, sight, taste, smell and hearing) we deplete ojas. Various signs of weakened or depleted ojas include:
dry skin
cold hands and or feet
constipation
fatigue
anxiety
pain
mental fogginess
negativity
loneliness
lack of connection
weakened immunity
Ayurveda and health
The aim of Ayurveda is to rejuvenate and preserve the health of the healthy, as well as alleviate the disease of the sick. Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam, to prolong life and promote perfect health (add years to life and life to years) and Aturasya vikara prashamanam cha, to completely eradicate the disease and dysfunction of the body, are concepts that even the WHO (World Health Organization) recognize and honor the importance of.
The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda teaches us that Prakriti (Health) of the physical body requires health of dosha (mind- body constitution), dhatu (tissues) and mala (wastes). And further the health of the subtle body, relates to the Maha Gunas (qualities of the mind); sattva, rajas, and tamas. Balance in/of all - the physical and the subtle - is Prakriti (Health). This is why it is imperative that we understand the many functions of ojas (immunity, vitality, health and vigor).
Harmonize your health and nurture ojas
The more we live in harmony with ourselves and nature, the more ojas shines through our eyes, skin and subtle energy fields. Again, it is through proper lifestyle, nutritional practices and self-care practices that we can maintain and nurture ojas. Therefore, in efforts to help you nourish the sacred secret to your health (ojas), below are some simple, easy, and sustainable tips.
Commit to a daily routine
First and foremost, honor circadian medicine. Rise with the sun (Fall/Winter, wake between 6-7 AM). Sleep with the moon (bedtime by 10 PM, prior to the Pitta time of night). Be sure to eat three regularly scheduled meals each day (Breakfast between 8-9 AM, Lunch 12-1 PM, and Dinner between 5-6 PM).
Commit to a daily spiritual practice
Whether it be meditation, yoga or pranayama. Pranayama practices can be a wonderful way to commit to an intentional practice and balance the vayus (sub-doshas of Vata/winds in the body). Simply start with five minutes each morning. If you need more guidance, check out my Five, Five-Minute, Fall Pranayama Practice Program. This simple, seasonal practice program will help you get started with a balancing mind-body practice today!
Spend more time in nature
Watch the sunrise or sunset, take a brisk walk and breathe in the fresh, crisp, and brisk November air. This can also be as simple as stepping outdoors, placing you bare-feet into the earth, and taking a deep grounding breath. Don’t overthink it, just get outside!
Engage in a regular self-care practice
Establish a dinacharya practice (daily routine), take a bath, soak your feet, nourish with self-massage or try self-myofascial release. One of my favorite dinacharya/self-care practices is the ancient Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga.
Honor your daily needs for introspection
Alone time is a very healthy attribute and one that has been knocking on our doors more recently due to the pandemic. But, by embracing healthy and positive time alone, we can boost our immunity, mood, and ojas. An example of a simple way to spend healthy time alone is unplugging. Why not unplug from all media, social media, etc. for 30 minutes each day. The act of unplugging alone may encourage positive introspection. Other healthy things to do alone can include taking a walk, forest bathing, cooking a nourishing soup, cleaning, organizing, practicing yoga, and meditating.
Nourish with foods that promote ojas
Examples of “ojasic” foods are avocados, bananas, dates, figs, sweet potatoes, yams, turnips, leafy greens, zucchini, almonds, mung beans, and whole grains. My favorite ojas boosting sweet treat is dates soaked in spiced ghee. This nourishing food and spice combination can help to counter seasonal qualities, boost ojas, and can be enjoyed all winter season long!
Include herbs that support ojas
Examples of ojas supporting herbs are ashwagandha, shatavari, chyavanprash, oatstraw, and triphala. Please note, it is best to consult with an Ayurvedic professional prior to integrating any therapeutic herbs into one’s daily routine.
If you are interested in learning more about Ayurvedic living and nurturing nourishment this November, my Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultation and Individualized Lifestyle Plan (virtual service) can honor that intention all the while helping to provide you with a customized lifestyle and nutritional plan. It is simply never too late to nourish!