Part 6 - Restrictions regarding exposure to the sun

Exposure to the sun’s rays causes roughness and discolouration of the skin, eye-disease, perspiration, loss of consciousness, thirst, inflammation, fatigue, and impurities of the blood. These evils are minimised by coldness of the climate. Sun’s rays are rather beneficial in extremely cold climates. Even in the tropics, those who are unable to bear an excess of cold in winter, may expose the back part of their body to the sun’s rays for a little while.

A little exposure to fire is beneficial in the spring (when an excess of phlegm naturally accumulates in the system). Under no circumstances one should expose one self to the sun or fire, at least 48 minutes before and after taking a meal—such an action causes an increase of the three doshas. Every patient (except those suffering from spermatorea and diabetes) should avoid the sun and fire. One should always travel slowly and unfatigued, covering his head with an umbrella, which protects the body from bird’s stools, sun’s rays, and the rains. Those who drink water at dawn should on no account expose themselves to the sun’s rays and fire.