Immunity

Our immune system is our body’s defense against infections and other harmful invaders. Without it, we would constantly get sick from bacteria or viruses.

According to Ayurveda

Vyadhiksamata (Immunity)

According to charak all bodies are not capable to fight diseases. Vyadhiksamata is defined as the capacity to oppose the genesis of diseases meaning a mechanism to stop any facility to fabricate disease. This definition indicates that modern immunity matches with Ayurvedic Vyadhiksamata. The capacity to prevent the spread of diseases in the body and the capacity of the body of blocking the diseases in their primary stage is called immunity. Resistance to the formation of diseases and Resistance to causative factors of diseases

Factors that maintain Vyadhikshamatva

• Uattamdhatusarata
• Normal functioning of srotas.
• Normal functioning of agni.
• Ojas and kaphadosha.
• Balanced state of doshas, dhatus and malas.
• Kapha constitution is less prone to diseases.
• Causative factors of vyadhi will not be able to attack healthy srotsas.

All the factors mentioned above lead to good body strength. Dhatusarata, balanced state of dosha, the health of strotsas, and agni must be maintained with proper diet and regimen to maintain immunity.

Factors that lower Vyadhikshamatva

Immunosuppressant factors according to Ayurvedic concepts are

• Obesity
• Emaciation
• Unhealthy condition of mamsa, rakta and asthidhatu.
• Weakness
• Wrong diet, fasting, malnurishment.
• Unstable mind.

Concept of Oja

 Oja is a Sara (essence) of Dhatus. It is an excellent portion of Rasa and other halvah. Just as ghee is assimilated in the entire volume of milk, ‘Oja’ is assimilated in the entire unctuous part of all the seven Dhatavah. ‘Oja’ indicates the excellence of all seven Dhatavah.

Synonyms of oja

Dhatusara, Dhatuteja, Bala,  Dhatusneha, Jivashonita,  Shukrasara

Types of Oja

1. Para Oja

2. AparaOja

Para Oja

Origin – This is originated in the intra-uterine life of an individual. This is not affected easily by simple deviations from physiology.

Physiological measure -It is eight drops in measure. This is called ‘Pradhana’ because its primary and principal function is to sustain.

Aparo Oja

Origin – This is generated by the excellence of seven Dhatus. As all body entities are nourished by food, this AparaOja is also nourished by food. Diseases and other etiological factors affect this type of Oja.

Physiological measure

It is half Anjali in measure. According to Charak-Heart, contains white, slightly red, and yellowish tinged. With destruction to Oja, the body also dies. According to Sushruta Oja is constituted by water chiefly, unctuous, white in color, cool, stable, mobile, distinctive, soft, smooth, is one of vital entity, expansible and occupies an entire body. Individual wanes and dies without it.

Functions

• Most important function of oja is to keep body alive. Also to sustain the living body.
• Due to Bala quality of oja individual shows well-nourished fleshy body with durability. Commentator Dalhana states that Mamsadhu is mentioned as a representative of all seven Dhatavah. Remaining Dhatavah should be taken similarly.
• Due to Bala quality of oja, all types of movements in living body are smooth and without any obstruction.
• Due to Bala quality of oja, voice of a person and colour is pleasant.

Comparison of OJAS with the immune system

To provide nourishment and strength to the body are the two functions of Ojas. Ojas can be compared with the immune system because the functions of Ojas and the immune system are the same such as to protect the body from diseases and to maintain body strength.

The immune system comprises lysozyme, antibodies, white blood cells, complement complex, properdin, etc. Which all protect the body from microorganisms. Ojas is also a group of body constituents such as Kapha dosha, raktadhatu, and essence of all seven. The strength of the body depends on all these constituents.

The basic principle and practice of Rasayana is based upon immunomodulation. It boosts immunity and help to keep the body and mind in the best of its health.