Since there’s
a physical by-product of poor digestion (ama), there
must also be an end-product of perfect digestion. Ayurveda
refers to this substance as ojas and cherishes
it as one of the most health-promoting agents of the
body. If ama is the great enemy, ojas is the beloved
partner in maintaining and improving health.
The proper digestion and assimilation
of food governs the production of ojas. According
to Ayurveda, ojas directly influences physical, mental,
emotional, and spiritual life. One can, therefore,
view ojas as the reward for eating healthfully. It’s
common to use terms such as “high” and
“low” to describe ojas levels.
Along with eating a balancing
diet, one can increase ojas in a variety of ways.
General guidelines are to love yourself and others,
live a healthy lifestyle, and always take time to
appreciate the joys in life. Other ways to increase
ojas include:
•
Laugh and smile a lot
• Take time
to relax
• Meditate regularly
• Spend time
in nature
• Exercise your
creativity
• Offer your
gifts to others
• Follow your
heart’s passion
• Engage in
physical activity
