5.4.2 Immunity and Ojas

Immunity and the immune response system relate to the concept of ojas. Ayurveda states that we are born with a certain quantity of ojas for the period of our life, and that if depleted it is very difficult or impossible to replace. The same things that imbalance the humors deplete ojas. Also the use of recreational drugs (alcohol and cigarettes included) and wrong or excessive use of sex will deplete the principle of ojas. There are no moral overtones in these observations, but rather the understanding that if we behave like X then Y will result. Thus, improper of abusive life-styles lower our immunity.