Article: A REVIEW ON PRESERVATION OF OJAS AS GUIDING PRINCIPLE OF PRAMEHA CHIKITSA

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.17137

Pages: 211-214

Author: Reshma Ajith *, Jishnu R

Abstract: In Ayurveda, the concept of Ojas occupies a central position as it sustains vitality, immunity (Vyadhikshamatva) and the integrity of Dhatusara (essence of bodily tissues). Prameha (Diabetes mellitus) is described as a santarpanajanya vyadhi (obesity and metabolic dysfunction oriented tridoshaja vyadhi) with depletion of dhatus (bodily tissues) and Ojas at its core. This paper explores the interface between Ojas and the pathogenesis of Prameha (Diabetes mellitus), proposing that preservation of Ojas should serve as a guiding principle in Prameha Chikitsa (Treatment of Diabetes mellitus). It outlines Ayurvedic understanding of Ojas: its definition, types (para and apara), etiological factors of depletion (Ojokshaya) and its correlation with immunity and vitality. The pathophysiology of Prameha (Diabetes mellitus) is examined with regard to dosha, dhatu (bodily tissues) involvement and srotorodha (Obstruction of body channels), integrating both domains to highlight Ojas depletion as a key pathogenic mechanism. Preservation of Ojas thus informs therapeutic strategies involving nidana- parivarjana (removing the etiological factors of diseases, ahara-vihara (diet and regimen), sodhana (Purificatory therapies), samana (Palliative therapies) and rasayana (rejuvenation) to restore vitality. Specific measures include nourishing diets like snigdha (Unctuous), Madhura (Sweet), laghu ahara (light diet), adequate sleep, use of rasayana (rejuvenative) formulations and appropriate timing of sodhana (Purificatory therapies) to prevent further loss of Ojas. Prameha (Diabetes mellitus) should not be viewed merely as glycaemic or metabolic disorder but as an Ojas- depleting condition requiring an integrative approach. Conservation of Ojas prevents complications and dhatukshaya (Depletion of bodily tissues).

Keyword: Ojas, Ojakshaya, Prameha, Rasayana, Dhatukshaya, Vyayama, Pathya