Manych

MANYCH, Manych-Gruzinskaya station, currently functions as a kumis sanatorium; located in the Proletarsky district of the North Caucasus region in the Zadonsk-Manych steppe with clay soil and adjacent self-salt lakes. The most famous Gruzinskoye Bolshoye (Great Georgian) Lake, located 10 meters above the level of the Sea of Azov and 30 meters above the Caspian Sea, has a circumference of 18 km (length about 7 km and width 1½ km). Along the shores of Gruzinskoye Lake and on its bottom lies therapeutic mud. The brine of Gruzinskoye Lake contains 111.7 g NaCl per 1 liter. In 1886, a water sanatorium was established here by the military department for the administration of brine and mud baths (in recent years not operated). The climate of the area is dry, moderately hot. Winter is severe, with little snow; spring begins at the end of February. The abundance of sunny days makes it possible to widely use heliotherapy. The kumis sanatorium has its own herd of kumis-producing mares, a dairy farm, a vegetable garden, and a meat farm. Preparation of kumis is carried out under laboratory supervision. Patients are accommodated in sanatorium pavilions with double and single rooms. For patients, walks in the steppe on horses and camels are organized. Treatment is indicated for tuberculosis of the lungs (AI, AII, BII), tuberculous bronchoadenitis, chronic bronchitis, tuberculous pleurisy, chronic gastritis with reduced gastric acidity, anemia after illnesses and operations, fatigue, etc. The kumis sanatorium operates from June 1 to September 30. Communication via the Stalingrad line of the North Caucasus Railway to Proletarskaya station. In the village of Proletarskoye there is a reception point and agent of the kumis sanatorium. From Proletarskaya to the kumis sanatorium is about 100 km along a good steppe road by automobile and horse.