In response to the short note published in the August 1, 1990 issue of Dynamic Chiropractic, page ten, on Morocco and chiropractic, I would like to comment.
I realize that you have no means of screening the veracity of all the information reaching your desk, but I am sure that you are interested in historic facts. I am also certain of the good faith of Dr. Lemnouni who, in his enthusiasm, has probably not thought of doing even a little research. Which proves once more that assuming is not always in the best interest of truth.
I used to practice chiropractic in Rabat, 8 rue d'Alger, during the years of 1963-65. At the time, His Majesty Moulay Hassan II, King of Morocco, requested that I explain to him what chiropractic was. I had the privilege of adjusting members of the royal family, the King's mother (the only person his Majesty could trust 100 percent) being the first one to "test" me, if I dare say. I believe I was the first chiropractor to be introduced in the palace, although I do not have proof there had not been another before me.
Henceforth, many dignitaries, close advisors to the King, and others also became my patients, and naturally many Europeans and their diplomatic families. It might interest you to know that at the time a medical program of vaccination against polio was launched. More victims of the disease were created than any other "natural" epidemic had ever produced. Out of 1,500 children vaccinated in Rabat and the surroundings alone, more than 350 children were paralyzed within one week -- 64 alone in the little suburb of Sale. One of them was Karima Barjani, whom I had the good fortune to put back on her feet after she had "laid inert as a stone for three months in her hospital bed," as was reported by her distraught father. We still cherish the huge copper tray he offered us as a token of his gratitude. I am sure that when she will hear of Dr. Sidi Lemnouni, Karima will see his help in an attempt to remedy the sequelae of her unfortunate experience at the hands of the medical men and their "science."
Dr. Lemnouni's effort, I would say, is probably the third or fourth step to the opening of Morocco to chiropractic. As far as I know, Dr. Eliane Lecuve was the only chiropractor in Morocco (Casablanca) before I first went to replace her while she was on vacation (and then set my own office in Rabat). It is likely that she was the first, but then again there may have been others.
Times have changed. Dr. Lemnouni's name indicates he is Moroccan or of Moroccan descent, which is a big plus.
It is written in the Koran that "Patience is an act of faith" and I have no doubt that Dr. Lemnouni has faith, so may "Moulana" watch over us all and ... Salam alek ya Sidi.
Jacques J. Dezavelle, D.C.
Encinitas, California
When I graduated from chiropractic college in 1981 and started practice, I heard it all, and very little was positive. “You are a quack; you do not know what a subluxation is; you couldn’t get into a real health care program, so you chose the one that is slightly above a mail-order degree; you have no proof that chiropractic works; Are you really licensed?”, and so much more.
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The results of a global survey released late last year (2023) unveiled some startling findings among medical and nursing students. The “Clinician of the Future: 2023 Education Edition” surveyed 2,212 students, of which 446 were in the United States, from 91 countries.
