The body has three subtle important elements viz ojas, tejas, and prana. Ojas is believed to be the last essence of semen. It is related to vigor and vitality. Ayurveda gives special importance to these three factors.
Ojas is the super-fine essence of kapha dosha associated with lunar cycles; it is therefore connected to regeneration. The qualities of ojas and kapha dosha are similar: liquid, sweet, and unctuous. Together they provide great support for the immune system and the reserves of life force.
Ojas can be increased by the combination of balanced diet, herbs, proper lifestyle, and yoga.
While building ojas it is also essential to avoid stress and other related factors. One should also focus on cleaning the system with processes like pancha-karma and then rejuvenating the body with rasayana and tonics.
list of things that use up, diminish and deplete ojas:
Stress, anxiety, fear, worry, sorrow, and grief
Lack of sleep
Strong, bright, overpowering experiences and sensations
Excessive computer / television use
Loss of vital fluids (especially blood and semen)
Excessive sexual activity (for both sexes)
Use of drugs and stimulants (medical and recreational)
Excess, pretended and repressed emotions
Fasting
Lack of deep sleep, disturbed sleep
Devitalized food
Dwelling in unnatural environments
Overworking
Excessive exercising
Excess and/or incorrect meditation/breathing practices
Injuries
Increasing ojas:
Honoring solar-lunar rhythms in one’s practice
Lunar and Sringara Rasa (visualizing the communion of opposite poles of the body) yoga and daily mantra, pranayama, mudra, and meditation
Nourishing the Heart Fire with love, sukha (intrinsic happiness), and santosha (contentment) in your life
Cultivating aesthetics, beauty, the arts, peaceful rhythm, and enjoyment of the art of living
Steadily following nourishing rhythms of dinacharya (daily routine) and rtucharya (seasonal routine)
Nutrition with organic cooked (for digestion), vegetarian food, not overly spiced
Organic dairy or nut milks if vegan (almond, cashew), ghee, fresh butter, small amounts of cream
Fresh nuts, honey, dates
Whole grains and rice
Fresh, sweet fruits and vegetables
Balancing sexual energy in accordance with the seasons and one’s constitution
Ayurvedic herbs and rasayanas—tonic drinks and jams like Chayvanprash
Making rasayanas with the guidance of an Ayurvedic counselor of herbs, including Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Kumari (Aloe), Shankhapushpi, Shatavari, Shilajit, and Licorice
Practicing various hatha yogic disciplines.