Immune health- a holistic view

Ayurveda states that I am life force (soul or atman). I have a mind and a body. These three aspects are interconnected. Understanding and keeping this holistic viewpoint helps us stay in harmony and balance. 

Immune Health and Ojas – The Nectar of Life

What we feed ourselves mentally, emotionally and physically must be recognized as paramount to our well being. When we make healthy choices, choices that impart energy, regarding our food, our exercise routine, our lifestyle and our attitude we are moving in the direction of building resilience and immune health or Ojas. In Ayurveda, Ojas is the pure essence or quality of energy that gives us vitality and immunity. On a cellular level, it imparts strength for growth and rejuvenation.

When Ojas is flowing optimally within us, we feel happy, healthy, wise and free.  

Physically, well-digested food is the most important factor in building our immunity and vitality. 

Ojas rich food

Some important Ojas building foods include ghee or clarified butter, honey, almonds, cashew nuts, sesame, raisins whole grains, organic whole milk, bananas, dates, figs, peaches, mangoes, Indian gooseberry, coconut, leafy green vegetables, mung beans, ginger, liquorice, ashwagandha or Indian ginseng. 

You can include food from this list regularly in your diet. Excess of any kind is to be avoided. For more information on right food combinations and preparation check out our earlier blogs on Ayurvedic Food Rules and Detox Food Recipe.

Daily Energy Exercises

Daily morning exercise session lasting 20- 25 minutes goes a long way in building both physical and spiritual energy. You may opt for Yoga, Tai Chi, Self Massage with rejuvenating oils or any other kind of exercise that helps you connect with yourself. Always end these sessions with a 5-10 minute contemplation time or becoming the observer of your thoughts and emotions. Chants and deep rhythmic breathing at the start of the contemplation help you relax and focus.

Key words for contemplation are commitment, faith and responsibility.

Spend a few minutes daily to go over the checklist below and track your progress. 

By helping yourself, you are helping others. By connecting with yourself, you stay connected with others.

Remember, being happy, healthy, wise and free is a natural choice!