E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Modern Medical Science

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 9 SEPTEMBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Understanding Heen Yog, Mithya Yog, and Ati Yog in IV Fluid Administration: A Comparative Analysis from Ayurveda, Karma Yog, and Modern Medical Science

Jadhav S1*, Sirsat A2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.9.31

1* Sachin Jadhav, Associate Professor, Dept of Rachana Sharir, PV Belhekar Ayurved Medical College Bhanshivare Newasa, Ahemadnagar, Maharashtra, India.

2 Aditi Sirsat, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Stri Rog evum Prasuti Tantra, Pravara Medical Trusts Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Shevgaon, Maharashtra, India.

Ayurveda offers a holistic framework for understanding the causes of disease, particularly through the concept of Asatmendriyartha Samyoga, involving Heen Yog (underuse), Mithya Yog (improper use), and Ati Yog (overuse). These can also be understood within the scope of Karma Yog, the philosophy that proper, timely action leads to positive outcomes. This paper explores how the administration of IV fluids, a critical medical intervention for correcting electrolyte imbalances, is a form of Karma, and when performed correctly, aligns with Karma Yog principles. Improper IV fluid use - whether through Heen Yog, Mithya Yog, or Ati Yog - can lead to adverse outcomes, thus emphasising the need for balance, skill, and timing in this therapeutic action. A synthesis of Ayurvedic texts and contemporary medical literature is presented to explore this concept.

Keywords: Heen Yog, Mithya Yog, Ati Yog, Karma Yog, Ayurveda, IV fluids, Electrolyte imbalance, Asatmendriyartha Samyoga, Fluid therapy, Modern medicine

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Sachin Jadhav, Associate Professor, Dept of Rachana Sharir, PV Belhekar Ayurved Medical College Bhanshivare Newasa, Ahemadnagar, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Jadhav S, Sirsat A, Understanding Heen Yog, Mithya Yog, and Ati Yog in IV Fluid Administration: A Comparative Analysis from Ayurveda, Karma Yog, and Modern Medical Science. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(9):197-199.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3565

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-08-13 2024-08-23 2024-09-03 2024-09-13 2024-09-26
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 11.99

© 2024by Jadhav S, Sirsat Aand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(9)197
Sachin J et al. Understanding Heen Yog, Mithya Yog, and Ati Yog

Introduction

In Ayurveda, Karma refers to action or deed, which is central to the cause-and-effect relationship governing life and health. Karma Yog is the philosophy of performing one’s duties with awareness, skill, and mindfulness. The concepts of Heen Yog, Mithya Yog, and Ati Yog from Ayurvedic texts highlight the consequences of inappropriate actions related to diet, lifestyle, and medical treatment. These concepts apply directly to modern therapeutic actions, such as the administration of IV fluids, which can be considered a medical Karma. This paper explores the Ayurvedic philosophy of Karma Yog in the context of IV fluid therapy, emphasising how proper administration aligns with this principle and how Heen, Mithya, and Ati Yog can lead to imbalances and adverse outcomes.

IV fluids are crucial in maintaining fluid balance, managing dehydration, and correcting electrolyte disturbances in various clinical conditions. However, improper fluid administration - whether underuse, misuse, or overuse - can result in significant complications.[1] The correlation between these improper uses and the Ayurvedic classifications of Heen Yog, Mithya Yog, and Ati Yog will be analysed.

Literature Review

Ayurvedic Perspective

The Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita outline three key categories of improper usage: Heen Yog (underuse), Mithya Yog (improper use), and Ati Yog (overuse). These can be applied to the administration of IV fluids, which are akin to medicinal substances used to maintain balance in the body.[2]

In the context of Karma Yog, the proper and mindful administration of fluids is a form of therapeutic Karma, a concept emphasised in Ayurvedic treatment protocols. The philosophy of Karma Yog suggests that skilled, appropriate action brings about positive results, aligning with the concept of Samyoga (proper use) in Ayurveda, which promotes health and longevity.[2]

From the Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana 1.21-22):

हीनमिथ्यातियोगश्च, विशेषेन्द्रियार्थानाम्।

संयोगः सर्वमेवेशां रोगाणां प्राणिनां च यः॥[2]

This quote illustrates how improper use in any form, whether underuse, misuse, or overuse, leads to disease, while the proper use (Karma) contributes to health. In the context of IV fluid administration, the action of administering fluids correctly, aligned with the principle of Karma Yog, is vital for maintaining homeostasis.

Contemporary Perspective

Modern medical science supports the need for balance in IV fluid administration. Improper fluid therapy can result in significant clinical complications, making the skill and timing of administration crucial - a reflection of Karma Yog in action. Research has demonstrated the adverse effects of underuse (hypovolemia), misuse (fluid mismanagement leading to complications), and overuse (fluid overload) of IV fluids.[3,4] Studies have shown that improper administration of IV fluids can increase patient morbidity and mortality.[3,5] Just as Karma Yog emphasises the importance of proper, conscious action, the practice of fluid therapy requires careful consideration of the patient’s needs, appropriate fluid choice, and the timing of administration.[6]

Methodology

This paper combines Ayurvedic textual analysis from primary sources such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita with a review of contemporary medical literature on IV fluid administration. By drawing parallels between the Ayurvedic concepts of Heen Yog, Mithya Yog, and Ati Yog and their modern counterparts, the paper examines how improper fluid therapy corresponds to these Ayurvedic categories. Additionally, the concept of Karma Yog is explored in relation to the skill and mindfulness required in administering IV fluids.

Discussion

Heen Yog and Underuse of IV Fluids

In Ayurvedic terms, Heen Yog refers to the underuse of substances. In IV fluid therapy, this could manifest as insufficient fluid administration, leading to hypovolemia, tissue hypoperfusion, and electrolyte imbalance.[7] Here, Karma Yog calls for conscious application of appropriate actions -administering enough fluids to restore balance, thus prevent body from entering state of fluid deficiency.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(9)198
Sachin J et al. Understanding Heen Yog, Mithya Yog, and Ati Yog

Mithya Yog and Improper Use of IV Fluids

Mithya Yog involves the improper use of fluids, such as administering the wrong type or using fluids at the wrong time. For example, giving hypotonic fluids to a patient in need of isotonic fluids can lead to complications like cerebral oedema.[8] According to Karma Yog, the therapeutic action must be carefully chosen and executed based on the patient’s individual needs, emphasising precision in treatment.

Atiyog and Overuse of IV Fluids

Atiyog, or the overuse of fluids, can cause fluid overload, leading to conditions such as pulmonary oedema, heart failure, or electrolyte dilution.[9] In terms of Karma Yog, this highlights the importance of moderation, as excessive actions - even with good intentions - can lead to harm. Atiyog of fluids represents a departure from the balanced, mindful practice that Karma Yog advocates.

Conclusion

The principles of Heen Yog, Mithya Yog, and Ati Yog in Ayurveda, combined with the philosophy of Karma Yog, provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the importance of balance, skill, and timing in the administration of IV fluids. Both Ayurvedic philosophy and modern medical science stress the importance of proper action in maintaining homeostasis and preventing disease. By synthesising traditional wisdom and contemporary research, healthcare practitioners can gain deeper insights into the proper management of fluid therapy, ensuring that actions are aligned with both scientific evidence and holistic principles.

Ethical Declaration

This research complies with ethical standards regarding literature review, and no human or animal subjects were involved. Proper citations of all sources are provided, and no conflicts of interest exist in the writing of this paper.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge the contributions of classical Ayurvedic texts and modern medical literature for providing the foundational knowledge necessary for this paper.

References

1. Vincent, J. L., et al. (2006). "Fluid Resuscitation: Lessons from Clinical Trials." Critical Care, 10(Suppl 3), S3.
2. Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 1.21-22.
3. Myburgh, J. A., & Mythen, M. G. (2013). "Resuscitation Fluids." New England Journal of Medicine, 369(13), 1243-1251.
4. Finfer, S., et al. (2010). "Resuscitation Fluid Use in Critically Ill Adults." Lancet, 375(9713), 434-444.
5. Holliday, M. A., & Friedman, A. L. (2009). "Fluid Therapy for Children: Facts, Fashions, and Fables." Pediatrics, 123(1), 235-239.
6. Bunn, F., et al. (2014). "Colloids versus Crystalloids for Fluid Resuscitation in Critically Ill Patients." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6), CD000567.
7. Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 24: "त्रिविधं रोगं पश्यन्ति, हीनं, मिथ्यायोगात् सदा। अतियोगात् च दोषस्य, साम्यं सिद्धौ चिकित्सकः॥"
8. Cecconi, M., et al. (2014). "Fluid Challenges in Intensive Care: The Importance of the Type of Fluid and Speed of Administration." Critical Care, 18(6), 644.
9. Bellomo, R., et al. (2012). "Fluid Management in Sepsis: Fluid Creep and Hypotonic Saline." Critical Care, 16(6), 460.


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