KBSU scientist derived a formula for longevity from the traditional life of the Adyghe

Research by Murat Umetov, a doctor and professor at the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov (KBSU), reveals the secrets of longevity through the prism of centuries-old traditions. The expert believes that clothing, nutrition, and even furniture play an important role.

Principles of «Adyghe Khabze»

A modern person is quite capable of applying the principles of the Adyghe moral and legal code «Adyghe Khabze», which promote social harmony, conflict-free behavior, and the preservation of one’s own health and the environment. This is a sense of proportion (marde); respect for elders, women, guests, self-respect; collectivism and mutual assistance; restraint and modesty; patience; goodwill; laconicism; minimalism in everyday life and many other components,

— Murat Umetov noted.

The meaning of traditional clothing. Adyghe belt

According to the expert, Circassian traditional clothing as an element of the ethnocultural health code is also of great importance. Tightly fitting the upper part of the figure and remaining loose at the bottom, the Circassian coat gives the silhouette a slenderness and elegance. As a doctor, Murat Umetov notes, wearing the Adyghe national costume promotes the development of a thin waist and the prevention of obesity, provides a massage of the internal organs, straightens the spine, forming the correct posture, and also stimulates the abdominal type of breathing, which promotes the accumulation of carbon dioxide and the healing of the body. This principle formed the basis of the method of Konstantin Buteyko. It has been proven that the Buteyko method eliminates or significantly alleviates diseases: allergies (various forms), bronchial asthma, hypotension, hypertension, migraine, obesity, diabetes.

The same role is played by the national leather narrow set belt. Unlike the European type of belt, which is designed to support trousers and can be worn below the abdomen, the Caucasian belt is worn tightly around the abdomen along its maximum curvature, preventing the waist from increasing in circumference.

I often asked myself: why is the average belt width exactly 2 cm? The answer lies, apparently, in the empirically developed ergonomics of the rider and his combat skills, for whom the mobility of the torso, the ability to quickly bend in the saddle were a matter of survival. The rider had to be able to deftly dodge various weapons, and a thin belt on a thin waist was the only possible effective way to accomplish this task,

— the professor explained.

According to Umetov’s own experience, wearing a belt for two months in combination with regular clothing allowed him to reduce his waist circumference from 103 to 96 cm, and in nine months – to 90 cm! At the same time, using a belt together with a Circassian coat has an even more pronounced effect on the waist.

Women in the Adyghe society also wore belts, but of a different shape, wider, with silver elements. It can be assumed that a thin waist was very important for a woman.

Perhaps the cult of a thin waist among the Adyghe was associated with an understanding of the danger of abdominal obesity, which causes inflammation, progression of atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, acceleration of carcinogenesis and adversely affects reproductive function. It can be assumed that wearing Circassian clothing reduced the above risks. And regular wearing of a narrow belt controls waist circumference, prevents obesity and is an important component of the ethnocultural health code,

— the expert noted.

Nutrition of the Adyghe

The genetically formed type of nutrition of the Adyghe was distinguished by moderation and restraint. The basis of the Adyghe diet was millet (in the form of porridge «pasta»), rich in plant fiber, corn containing anthocyanins that destroy fat cells, as well as vegetables, fruits, nuts, honey and fermented milk products.

Moderation in food intake, a balanced diet prevented excess weight gain, contributed to anti-cancer and anti-atherosclerotic effects and generally prolong life, and low salt intake — the prevention of cardiovascular diseases,

— Umetov is convinced.

Physical activity

Traditional physical activity of the Adyghe, which included physical labor from childhood, educational games, military tests, horse riding and dancing, had a positive effect on health and longevity, helping to maintain physical strength, agility and endurance.

For the purpose of physical and spiritual health, our ancestors did not seek comfort, but deliberately laid moderate discomfort and asceticism into their upbringing, everyday life and lifestyle,

— Murat Umetov noted.

Traditional furniture

According to the scientist’s firm conviction, Adyghe low furniture — round tables and stools — also contributed to the prevention of diseases of civilization, prevented the accumulation of excess body weight. It was uncomfortable to sit at a low table, an acute angle was created between the hip and stomach, which prevented overeating. In addition, a person was forced to get up often to warm up. A separate table for each eater performed a hygienic function.

I hope that a modern person will be able to use the wisdom of millennia, using the components of the ethnocultural health code of the Adyghe. I recommend practicing 10 steps of the health code of the Adyghe: drink only water, exclude sweets and refined products, add natural products (fruits, vegetables, herbs, pasta and kirzhin), be moderate in food (the Circassian belt will help), use low furniture, keep your back straight (the Circassian belt will help), start horseback riding, increase physical activity, sleep 7-8 hours and regularly wear Adyghe national clothes (at least a belt),

— summed up Murat Umetov.