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GLOBETROTTINGSECOND ISSUE - WEEK OF AUGUST 22, 1999“THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE DEVOTION TO MOTION WORLD TOUR” Welcome friends as we circle the globe in search of more effective ways to improve the quality of life. During our journey we will explore various forms of complementary medicines and share our findings with you. We will also address accessibility issues and investigate more convenient options to ease the never ending pressures of traveling. In each issue, Globetrotting will have a special section created for today's youth with an emphasis on educating children and teens on the historical facts of each country. Finally, each issue will contain two trivia questions and some popular words and/or phrases from each country. We hope you will enjoy the path we have chosen!!
D2M TRIVIA QUESTION #1... World Trivia Complementary MedicineIn Sens-Beaujeu, France, about 2 ˝ hours south of Paris, an interesting new technique has been developed which has created a stir among the spinal cord injured community in Europe. It's called Laserpuncture or in France, Laserponcture. In 1979, a curious gentleman by the name of Albert Bohbot read a book about acupuncture and was immediately intrigued by its effects on the human body. Through his research of this widely accepted Chinese technique, Albert began to explore over 300 new points, which he believes carry energy though the meridian system as well. For those of you who are unfamiliar with meridian points, they are locations on the body where energy is believed to be stored and sent out to other parts of the body. Albert Bohbot, a very wise man in his
mid-forties, believes that one can run nervous impulses through the
spinal cord, despite a definitive lesion on those with spinal cord
injuries. The effects of the Laserpuncture, which is a beam of light
applied to certain meridian points (10 usually) for 2 minutes at a time,
repairs the nervous cloth in the spinal cord which allows for the
transportation of energy and information, he proposes. Though this is a
new and exciting approach to restoring function to those with spinal The National Agency for Valorization Research has even subsidized Albert for the construction of Laserpuncture 2, an even more effective treatment he believes for spinal cord injury. Believe it or not, Albert Bohbot is getting results. But is it Laserpuncture, the healing environment that he has definitely created in his center, the belief of his patients, the discipline and commitment of his patients, or a combination of all these ingredients. Maybe we will never know. Let's explore the world of Albert Bohbot even further. At the center, one is immediately greeted by basic, yet functional equipment that someone with limited or no movement is drawn to explore. This includes a nautilus machine to work one's upper and lower extremities, a rowing machine, a stationary bicycle, an automatic bicycle, parallel bars, leg braces, walkers, and an antique standing frame. Trust us, it still works. Scott tried it! Albert has created a rehabilitation-like
atmosphere which is so conducive to improving the quality of one's life.
People are constantly walking around in leg braces, others with
incomplete injuries are walking with minimal assistance, some stand
around and admire the sights from new heights, while others simply
discuss their treatments and other factors relating to their present
condition. All in all, people leave Albert's center with a new vigor for
life. They have much more self-confidence and energy to engage For your information, Albert does not ask for
payment for those patients under 17 years old. The others can expect to
pay approximately 45 francs per session, equivalent to about 7 U.S.
dollars. Elders find their way to Sens-Beaujeu with hopes that
Laserpuncture can alleviate their pain and discomfort. The majority of
these patients leave with smiles and a better outlook on life. Some of
Albert's patients have been coming to the center for over two years. Now
that is commitment. Let's further explore that All of Albert's patients are out of the "acute" stages or "beginning" stages of their injuries. This means that they have been out of the hospital and first stage of rehabilitation for at least a year. It is difficult to understand the results of Albert's work because many other variables must be factored into each equation. For example, outside of their Laserpuncture treatments, what type of therapy are they doing, what are their diets, what are their sleeping patterns, are they taking any kind of supplements, herbs, or medications, and/or what emotional issues at home, work, or in life in general are they managing? Now, by imputing all this data, one can still arrive at the possibility that Albert's work is still the underlying reason for physical and/or psychological improvement. There is no doubt about that. We just suggest that one weigh everything before simply attributing one's improvement to a single variable. Finally, I had two complementary treatments
while Pat and I researched Albert and his work. I felt an increase in my
pins and needles (comparable to when your foot or a part of your body
falls asleep) and also an increase in spasticity in my legs during both
treatments. There was also a moment in my second treatment that I felt a
wave of heat run through my buttocks. This was a first for me. The
intensity of the spasms and pins and needles is uncommon, but it was not
the first time I had experienced such We want to thank Albert Bohbot for his gracious hospitality during our stay and for allowing us to interview his patients. In addition, we extend our gratitude to his assistant Sylvie for her excellent translation, all of the patient we met for their insight and reflections, and Jacques Fleurriet and his wife Corrine for adding even more hope and wisdom to our journey. Finally, we also want to thank Behrnard C., a local physical therapist, for his translation and research.
D2M TRIVIA QUESTION #2... French Trivia Accessibility Based on AbilityHere we are in Paris, France. First, let's begin with our experience at Paris, De Gaulle Airport. We received automatic assistance from a young man at the airport who guided us from our terminal to baggage claim, to a taxi. This seems like a pretty convenient system they have at the airport huh? Well, not exactly. You see, the airport isn't as accessible as one would think, being in a major city and all. Ramp and movable walkway systems have been installed to avoid too much locomotion. However, the incline on some of the ramps is pretty steep, meaning that those traveling in a wheelchair better hang on to the rails, or have someone spot you from behind. First impressions do count and rolling backwards in your wheelchair like a bowling ball, and knocking down the people behind you like bowling pins isn't the kind of first impression you want to make in Paris. While waiting for a taxi, we noticed the taxi driver was a bit apprehensive taking us on, and before we even got into the minivan, the meter said 25 francs (about 4 dollars). The taxis here are similar to the ones in the States, regular cars and minivans. It was much easier to get into a cab in England than in Paris, but c'est la vie. Also, while we're on the topic of taxi cabs, from the minute you get into France, watch the meter. As we learned the hard way, from many hotels, other than the more luxurious ones, if a cab is called for you, as soon as the call is made, the meter begins. If your hotel is on a one way street, or if the cab gets stuck in traffic on the way to the hotel you are charged more. In addition, loading a wheelchair in the cab is an extra charge. So come prepared and watch the meter, and try to speak some French. In addition, the trains, and buses are also not accessible to a wheelchair, so taxis will be your best bet. With respect to hotel accessibility, one must first remember that as with England, Paris is also a historic city, with small quarters, cars, streets, and hotel rooms. Thus far, the hotel we are staying in has one "accessible room," and 60 rooms total. However, as one employee informed us, it's not really accessible, just the doors are wider with an inaccessible front entrance ( they did allow Pat to open a side door, usually locked for guests). In the small town of Sancerre, 2.5 hours south of Paris, we encountered a similar issue. This is where we stayed while researching Laserpuncture. We made a visit to the tourist board near Champs Elysees, a beautiful and popular area for tourists, in search of information on accessible hotels. They were glad to oblige and provided us with a list of 20 hotels names, addresses and quality. Of the 20, we visited 12, and found only two were accessible. The others had a four or six inch curb to enter, even once inside, elevator doors too narrow, steps inside to get to receptionist, or entrance to room too narrow. Some of the employees almost laughed at us when we inquired about the accessibility of their establishment. One of the hotels happened to have just
completed renovation, and by law, one room out of every 10 renovated
rooms, must be wheelchair accessible. If The tourist sites we visited in Paris: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Sacre Coeur. The Eiffel Tower accessibility is very good, there are accommodations to maneuver around and appreciate the view. However, there are three tiers to the Tower, and the elevator only goes to the second tier, and that's as far a wheelchair can go. Watch out for the peddlers, they don't discriminate. The Louvre Museum is excellent for appreciating the artwork, especially if you are in a wheelchair. Admission is free for you and a guest, no waiting on line, and separate elevator; like America's Disney World. Please inquire about a map designed specifically for those using a wheelchair. The staff is friendly and sensitive to the needs of the disabled. All areas are accessible, because the entire museum has lifts to get from one floor to the next, while the smaller lifts allow for maneuverability on the many tiers located on each floor. Sacre Coeur, the beautiful cathedral located on top of a hill, overlooks the glorious city of Paris. Even this tourist site has been designed to accommodate the handicapped. There is a special tram which costs 8 franc ($1.25) each way. This tram takes you up to the steps of Sacre Coeur. After this, you're on your own.. No additional accommodations have been made to overcome the church steps (about 20 steps). However, once inside, the church is totally accessible. Too bad Scott couldn't enter this holy place, he would have loved this wonderful structure. Once again, we conclude that if you are planning on traveling to France, it is strongly advised that you travel with a friend, preferably someone who speaks French, and utilize a manual wheelchair versus a power wheelchair, in order to make your visit more accommodating. Our thanks go out to Katia Najjar from The
Marriott Hotel in Champs Elysees, Albert Bohbot for his efforts in
bringing about the necessary changes to our EducationPROPER NAME OF COUNTRY: Republique Francaise Facts:
Historic dates:
ON a LIGHTER NOTE... Did you know that in France:1. "Boeuf" which is the French translation for beef is pronounced "Boof," not "Buv." "Buv" means more or less "junk food..." as Scott found out the hard way! 2. If you find any menu in France that doesn't have ham and cheese on it, let us know. 3. Don't worry, if you don't like ham & cheese, you can always find an Italian restaurant nearby. 4. Franc is their currency, not a hot dog!! 5. Pat's (limited) survival guide to French
vocabulary: Your Help is Needed!!!We will be traveling to Italy (Florence), Greece (Athens), India (everywhere) United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Isreal (Tel Aviv), Egypt (Cairo), Kenya (Nairobi) and South Africa (Capetown) in the next few months. If you or any of your family, friends, and/or colleagues have contacts (alternative medicine practitioners, media, hotels, children, or simply friends and family) in these countries, please email us and let them know we are coming! Thanks for your support!
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