The Sun is Not My Friend

I am bestowed with a rather frail constitution in the presence of harsh sunlight, that it breaks down my body, and manifests in the form of sunstroke and migraines of such severity that I am unable to function for  a few hours thereafter.

So, much as we all need the sun, I prefer to stay out of it, preferring cooler climes, otherwise making utmost use of air conditioning wherever I go.

According to the the tenets of Ayurveda (an ancient Indian medicinal science), I have a ‘pitta dosha’ (there are three such biological energies; leaning towards air-based, fire-based and earth-based and obviously, mine is fire-based). Heat and humidity make me sweat profusely, give me headaches and make my forehead break out into redness. A hat, shaded glasses and copious & constant hydration help, but do not prevent. I can drink only so much without an overt thirst. And when it’s blazing down, I dampen my hair and the nape of neck (evaporation causes cooling… school science!). All kinds of allopathy hasn’t worked, nor has yoga. So I have an ice pack for my forehead, and a wonder Chinese medicine I apply, so strong that even a few tiny drops burn, but banish the pain. Still, these are only tried and tested alleviation remedies. The other ‘cure’ is gross, but simple and effective – chucking up whatever I’ve ingested – naturally, or induced.

But take it from me, I hate my headaches, and migraines, even more! And to be honest, I’m so conscious of them coming on (maybe anxious is a better word), that I literally prepare beforehand if I that I have to venture out! I have it figured out by now that moving from hard sun to cool interiors, walking past the glare from modern glass & chrome facade buildings, especially without any oncoming breeze, etc are a no-no. And there are certain foods which act as triggers which I then avoid; the time gap between meals or snacks I control; I try and avoid stressful situations, ensure enough sleep; so on & so forth… it’s a long story!

There are days I can be found with my phone on silent, and me lying down with a band tied tightly around my head, the blackout curtains drawn, the AC running as low as it goes and strict instructions to all  in proximity to shhhhushh (including those yelled out through shut windows to idiot honkers on the road)… blame it on Brother Sol. 

So, grateful as I am for him shining down on us with all his glory, sometimes I wish I didn’t live in a tropical country.