Abstract

OJAS: THE IMMUNOLOGICAL ESSENCE OF WOMANHOOD

Dr. Malini G.*

Abstract

Modern women of reproductive age are increasingly exposed to physical and mental stress, leading to menstrual disorders such as menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and PCOS, which adversely affect reproductive health. Ayurveda underscores the importance of Rutumati Paricharya—a menstrual code of conduct—for maintaining health, strength, and vitality, yet this practice remains largely neglected. It also highlights Ojas, the vital essence present from Rasa to Shukra, as fundamental to reproductive well-being. The physiological purity of menstrual blood (Śuddhārtava) is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and fertility, while pathological variations are described as Ārtavaduṣṭi. During pregnancy, Ojas is considered crucial for sustenance, paralleling modern science’s emphasis on maternal immunological adaptation. Garbha Saṁskāra—pre-conceptional care with Rasāyana dravyas after Śodhana—enhances the couple’s immunity (Bala), reducing risks such as implantation failure, abnormal placentation, fetal growth restriction, and pregnancy loss. The role of Ojas in Garbha-utpatti (embryogenesis) mirrors the immunogenicity of the decidua and trophoblast described in the first trimester. In the second trimester, rapid fetal growth is supported initially by Garbha Rasa (―uterine milk‖) via Upasneha and Upasweda (diffusion and osmosis), and later by placental–umbilical circulation.

Keywords: Ojas, Rasa Dhtau, Artava, Garbha.