Oj
Oj is the natural defense mechanism of the body to fight away thediseases. Oj is the essence of all the seven tissues (dhatus ) of the body. It is present in whole body like ghee exists in the milk or honey exists in the flower.
Appearance of Oj
- Snigdh – Viscous
- Somatmakam – With predominance of water principle
- Shuddha, ishat Lohita Peetvarna – Clear i.e. transparent, slightly reddish, yellow in colour
- Sarpi Varna – Ghee like appearance
- Laaja Gandhi – Smell like Laaja
- Madhur Rasa – Sweet in taste
Sites of Oj
- Hridya Sthan Present in the heart
- Vyapi Present all over the body like ghee in milk or honey in flower.
Types of Oj
- Apara Oj – It is present all over the body. Its quantum is half anjali
- Para Oj – It is present in the heart. Its quantum is eight drops. Its appearance is clear or transparent, reddish yellow in colour
Stages of Oj depletion
There are three stages of Oj depletion : I. Visransa – Visransa is characterized by:
- Laxity of joints
- Fatigue
- Displacement of Vata etc doshas from their respective sites
- Impairment in the physical and mental activities
II. Vyapat – This stage is characterized by:
- Heaviness in the body
- Stiffness of joints like knee joint etc
- Swelling due to Vata Dosha imbalance
- Discoloration
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Excessive Sleep
III. Kshaya – This stage is characterized by :
Besides symptoms and signs of Oj Visransa and Vyapat other symptoms and signs are:
- Unconsciousness
- Emaciation or wasting of tissues
- Delirium (an acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions and incoherence of thought and speech)
- Delusion (an individual’s belief or impression that is not in accordance with a generally accepted reality)
- Death
Sign & Symptoms of Oj Kshaya (Depletion of Oj)
- Anxiety or irrational fear
- Weak and loses weight
- Improper functioning of sense organs
- Grace and glow of body lessens
- Decreased will power
Factor responsible for depletion of Oj
- Trauma
- Loss of Dhatus or wasting
- Anger
- Grief
- Worries
- Physical exertion
- Fasting