Oja: the essence of vitality in Ayurveda — a review of classical concepts, physiological correlates, and clinical significance

Authors

  • Amruta Jagdish Rajenimbalkar
  • Shreya Avinash Jankar
  • Vaishali Shripad Balwande
  • Ravindra S. Dhimdhime

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52482/ayurlog.v13i04.1335

Keywords:

Oja, Vyadhi Kshamatva, Bala, Immunity, Ayurveda, Essence of Dhatus, Ojakshaya, Ojasvikara

Abstract

Oja is described as the quintessential essence of all Dhatus and the foundation of life in Ayurveda. It governs immunity (Vyadhi Kshamatva), vitality, mental stability, and survival. Classical texts attribute death to Oja depletion, reflecting its indispensable role. While Oja is extensively explained in Charaka, Sushruta, and Ashtanga Sangraha, its scientific relevance is now understood through concepts like immune competence, neuroendocrine resilience, mitochondrial efficiency, and homeostasis.

This review critically analyzes the Ayurvedic concept of Oja, including its types, characteristics, quantity, location, functions, disorders, and therapeutic principles, while correlating them with modern immunology, metabolism, and psychoneuroimmunology. The goal is to bridge traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with contemporary biomedical perspectives for holistic clinical application.

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References

Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 17/74, 30/9–10. Revised by Charaka and Dridhabala.

Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana 15/19–20. Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi.

Vagbhata, Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutra Sthana 11/37–40. Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy.

Charaka Samhita, Vimana Sthana 8/99–102, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy.

Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 3/6–8 (Oja Kshaya Nidana).

Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 1 (Rasayana Adhyaya).

Contemporary research on immunology and psychoneuroendocrinology – Ader R., Psychoneuroimmunology, Academic Press.

Delves PJ, et al. Roitt’s Essential Immunology, Wiley-Blackwell, on immune competence.

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Published

2025-11-09

How to Cite

Amruta Jagdish Rajenimbalkar, Shreya Avinash Jankar, Vaishali Shripad Balwande, & Ravindra S. Dhimdhime. (2025). Oja: the essence of vitality in Ayurveda — a review of classical concepts, physiological correlates, and clinical significance. Ayurlog: National Journal of Research in Ayurved Science, 13(04). https://doi.org/10.52482/ayurlog.v13i04.1335

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 04 (2025): Ayurlog: NJ-RAS

Section

Review Articles

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