neurolymphatic points chapmans reflexes

7/25/2019 Neurolymphatic Points Chapmans Reflexes

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NHPC - Spring Conference Connect, Collaborate, Create Calgary May 2013

Neuro-lymphatic points Paula Nutting BHScMST Copyright 2013

NEURO-LYMPHATIC POINTS CHAPMANSREFLEXES

The stimulation of these points within the bodyaids in the maximum potential of strength,length, power, flexibility and endurance of theMusculo-skeletal system.

By improving the neural pathways we canconversely affect the hormones released bythe Pituitary and Hypothalamus which denoteswhether we are in Fright or Flight or Restand digest.

The initial course of action when focused onthe most efficient outcome-based treatmentshould be to start at the very beginning andthis will give you the tools to do just that!


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Neuro- lymphatic reflexes, or neurolymphatics as referred to in Applied Kinesiology, arelocations on the body that are believed to affect a specific muscle and organ. As mentionedabove, it is used in Applied Kinesiology for diagnosing the relationship between weak musclesand dysfunction with that muscle or its corresponding organ or gland/tissue.Neuro-lymphatic reflexes were discovered by Dr. Frank Chapman, an osteopath in the1930s. Through palpation, Chapman found tender areas in the body, which he believed to bethe result of an increase and even congestion in lymph. Subsequent massage to that areawould increa se lymphatic drainage and lead to positive effects of the individuals health,especially to corresponding bodily organs, areas, and glands.Dr. George Goodheart, the founder of AK, liked Chapmans work and throughexperimentation discovered that he could turn previously weak muscles on by touching andmassaging these points. Chapmans work neuro -lymphatic points were all associated withspecific organs and glands as Goodhearts muscle testings were. The first correlation thatGoodheart found was that Cha pmans neuro -lymphatic point linked with the stomach washelped to turn on the Pectoralis clavicular muscle, also linked to the stomach. From there,Goodheart was able to correlate all of the other muscles he discovered and now every musclehas its own neuro-lymphatic point.

Stress is a term in psychology and biology, borrowed from physics and engineering and firstused in the biological context in the 1930s, which has in more recent decades becomecommonly used in popular parlance. It refers to the consequence of the failure to respondadequately to mental, emotional, or physical demands, whether actual or imagined on thebody. When someone perceives a threat, their nervous system responds by releasing a flood
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernacularhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernacularhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychology


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of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol and also neuropeptides into thebloodstream. These hormones rouse the body for emergency action. The stress response isthe bodys way of protecting the person . When working properly, it helps in staying focused,energetic, and alert.

Physiologists define stress as how the body reacts to a stressor, real or imagined, that causesstress. Acute stressors affect you in the short term; chronic stressors over the longer term and

is achieved by the Autonomic nervous system.

General adaptation syndrome

A diagram of the General Adaptation Syndrome model as designed by Selye. Courtesy of Wikipedia

Stages of Stress

Alarm is the first stage. When the threat or stressor is identified or realized, the body's stressresponse is a state of alarm. During this stage, adrenaline will be produced in order to bringabout the fight-or-flight response. There is also some activation of the HPA axis, producing cortisol.

Resistance is the second stage. If the stressor persists, it becomes necessary to attemptsome means of coping with the stress. Although the body begins to try to adapt to the strainsor demands of the environment, the body cannot keep this up indefinitely, so its resources aregradually depleted.

Exhaustion is the third and final stage in the GAS model. At this point, all of the body'sresources are eventually depleted and the body is unable to maintain normal function. The

initial autonomic nervous system symptoms may reappear (sweating, raised heart rate, etc.).If stage three is extended, long-term damage may result, as the body's immune systembecomes exhausted, and bodily functions become impaired, resulting in symptoms andconditions including ulcers, depression, anxiety, diabetes, digestion disorders, even cardiovascular problems.

When the body is in this stress state it will commonly present in defensive positions, whichare the return to the foetal position. This shortens muscles of the hip and knee, shouldergirdle and forearm, cervical region (poke chin) and Tx/diaphragm and Lx/Sx regions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_responsehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal_axishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisolhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomic_nervous_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peptic_ulcerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_depressionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabeteshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digestive_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiovascularhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiovascularhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digestive_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabeteshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_depressionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peptic_ulcerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomic_nervous_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisolhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal_axishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response


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CNS response to Defensive posture

Poor muscle proprioception

Inaccurate information to the CNS therefore poor response

Imbalance of alignment and movement of muscle contractions

Poor breathing with reduced ability of the diaphragm to contract and thereby usingthe accessory respiratory muscles including Scalenes and Pec minor.

Ceases the parasympathetic nervous system via the control of the Hypothalamus.

Alters the endocrine system , limbic system and musculoskeletal system

Alters the emotional state which can be embedded into the fascia.

Cost of stress long term

Rapid aging

Weight gain High blood pressure

Heart disease

Cancer

Digestive problems

Nervous breakdown, burnout

Cost of stress long term emotionally

Anxiety, fear, restlessness

Irritability, anger

Depression

Insecurity

Loss of libido

Impaired memory and concentration

Excessive smoking or drinking

Is there a way out?

Can we learn to start responding instead of reacting to our stress

Shift balance from sympathetic to parasympathetic

Can we interrupt these patterns quickly and effectively

What ever i s in the mind is in the body

Stand and twist then visualise full rotation; think about that juicy lemon then bite it.

INTERRUPTING THE PATTERN

Relaxation response in the 1970s Dr Herbert Benson at Harvard Medical Schooldiscovered what he called the Relaxation Response. Benson observed that trained yogaspecialists could control functions that had previously been believed to be autonomic. During


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meditation, these yogis could reduce their heart rates, blood pressure, metabolism, bodytemperature, and other physiological processes to surprising levels

DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING

o The only way to activate the parasympathetic response is throughdiaphragmatic breathing

o Most of us dont know how to use it o We will learn how to get the diaphragm firing and instantly interrupt the stress

response

o This relieves physical, mental and emotional stress in the body

Correct deep breathing means efficient gas exchange of O2, CO2 and haemoglobin.

Spontaneous respiration produces rhythmic discharge of motor neurons, and thesenerve impulses depend on the brain. The rate and depth of respiration in regulated bychemoreceptors measuring PO2, PCO2 and H+.

75% of quiet inspiration is done by the diaphragm

Before we activate the diaphragm we need to become aware of the position of thespine. The more upright you get your thoracic spine the more you open up your abilityto breath.

By correcting your position alone you can increase your oxygen intake by up to 1 litres per minute

ACTIVATE THE DIAPHRAGM

Position is along the centre of the sternum; rub for up to 2 minutes taking more time on areasof more pain.

This area is our primary defence position and when we are under threat, stress or pain theNeurolymphatic points become dampened and very tender to palpate.

Easiest to stimulate in supine with knees bent so that the diaphragm can be activated in thisposition directly afterward.

1. Breath in through the nose out through the mouth

2. Nothing in the chest and all in the stomach

3. Place one hand on the chest and the other between the navel and the xyphoidprocess.

4. 10 deep rhythmic breaths and we are looking for gut sounds [parasympatheticresponse] and potential light headedness [ greater oxygenation to the blood stream]

5. Inhale should see the belly rise and very little movement of the chest and the exhaleshould see the stomach contract back inwards.

6. If this is difficult to do slow down or apply more rubbing to the tender points. Whenyou can achieve this effectively you most commonly are aware of how quiet yourmind becomes, and noise and chaos settles.


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MUSCLE ACTIVATION FOR SAGITTAL LINE

Ensure the CORE is fully activated by assessing and treating the Psoas-Glut-Hamstringgroup.The CORE also includes the Transverse Abdominus, Rectus Abdominus and Obliques whichwill be looked at in the next section.

Actions include hip flexion, hip extension and hip extension/knee flexion.If the hip flexor shuts down then the Glut on the same side will shut down too due toagonist/antagonist relationship and its reciprocal inhibition.

Psoas Major ACTION - Flexes the hip joint, flexes the trunk if legs are fixed Influences the biomechanics and balance of the pelvis and lumbar spine When tight pulls the Lx spine into lordosis When doesnt fire reduces the Lx lordosis Its role in defensive positions is pulling the legs up into a ball

Testing the Psoas Flex the hip with leg externally rotated and abducted to match the line of the Psoas Stabilise the opposite Ilium with one hand

Breathing is easy when doingmost things but when you getinto challenging situations orexercises, you tend to eitherhold your breath or shallowor accessory breath. This isthe most important area to get

right and will improve performance levelsexponentially.

Summary Release the defence

position on thesternum

Get your client breathing

Deep relaxed breaths 2 minutes with you in

the treatment room 10 minutes per day

INEFFECTIVE GLUT =INAPPROPRIATE HIPEXTENSION

HAMSTRING TAKESON HIP EXTENSION ASTHE PRIMARY ROLE

HAMSTRING TIGHTENS UP AND WILL NOT

STRETCH OUT PROTECTION FOR THEBODY AND WILL NOT RELEASE TILL THEPSOAS AND GLUT FIRE NORMALLY


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Press down on the elevated straight leg at the ankle whilst the client resists yourpressure

Look for strength and/or cramping in the Quadriceps (sign of overuse of this group) Check the ability of the client to hold the leg up.

Hamstrings ACTION extends the hip and flexes the knee, short head flexes the knee only

Adductor Magnus (hamstring portion) extends the hip joint Exercises for Hamstrings include leg curls, squats and Leg press with Quads

Testing the Hamstrings We are looking for length and not strength in this instance Take the relaxed leg into hip flexion till the client feels the stretch record length

Reflexes for Activation

Test the psoas and hamstring and allow the client to register their length/strength Explain how they work together and why we test together Work the Reflex points for 30 seconds each side Now re-test the Psoas and Hamstring and expect dramatic shifts


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Gluteus Maximus Major muscle responsible for keeping us upright, stabilising the pelvis during

movement and power and control in sitting to standing/walking/stair climbing ACTIONS extends the hip joint, braces the knee in extension, lateral rotation of the

hip.

Testing the Gluts

Client lies prone and flexes the knee 900

and then lifts the knee off the floor You apply a downward force to the leg just near the knee and the client resists

Alternate test with dynamic stability Client gets into the bridge position with one leg then raised vertically into the air You then push the leg in multiple directions and see if they can resist those forces

applied.

Reflexes for activation

Along the occipitalRidge from MastoidProcess to the other

Quadriceps ACTION controls knee flexion but also flexes the hip

(Rectus femoris) If the Psoas shuts down the Quads take over the role

due to this secondary action They become tight to maintain hip stability ACTION all heads extend the knee, and the VMO

provides correct patella tracking by pulling the patellamedially

Exercises include leg extensions, squats, and leg press

Testing the Quads Client lies supine with hip and knee bent to 90 0 Ask them to maintain this position whilst you push the

femur (just above the knee) and pull the anklesimultaneously to try to straighten the leg.

Reflexes for activation Multiple points to assist in maximal

work Along the curve at the bottom of

the rib cage On the back between ribs 8 12

and a general rub with the palm ofthe hand is usually sufficient


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Calves (indicate chronic stress) Consist of 2 distinct muscles and actions, Gastrocnemius being the most significant.

As it crosses 2 joints and flexes both the knee and plantar-flexes the ankle if it is notfiring correctly and/or shortened it will impact overall biomechanics.

A tight Calf will unlock the knee in the stance phase of Gait and load the Quadsinstead of the natural transfer up the lateral component of the leg, up and across thesacrum and up the contralateral side of the trunk. The spine should be the engine ofall our movements and if this is not the case the body will lock up quickly

ACTION flex the ankle (aiding in pushing off in running or walking) and flexion ofthe knee (not Soleus)

Exercises include standing or seated calve raises

Testing the Gastrocnemius This test is a flexibility test and with the leg extended fully you are looking at the

dorsiflexion of the ankle Push the knee into full extension and the angle of dorsiflexion should be a minimum

of 15 0 past 90 0 and good flexibility 30 40 0 past 90 0

Reflexes for activation Gastrocnemius and Soleus have the same reflex points Best points are in the front of the of the torso and located 5cm across and 5cm up

from the umbilicus Note this can be very painful on highly sensitive people Also points between the 10 th and 12 th ribs 3cm laterally within the Erector Spinae

Tibialis Anterior Opposes the action of the Calf, when the calf is

tight it can create symptoms of shin splints Reduced shock absorption of Gait ACTION dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot,

assists in maintaining medial longitudinal arch ofthe foot

Testing the Tibialis Anterior Ask the client to dorsiflex the foot and toes Place your hand over foot and include toes Apply strong opposing pressure Any give is a sign of poor activation

Activation for Tibialis Anterior These points are found just above the inguinal

line on the edge of the Rectus Abdominus Look at your client for defensive position to

suggest poor activation i.e. stress at a chroniclevel


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MUSCLE ACTIVATION FOR REMANDER OF THE CORE AND JAW

Abdominals

Lets go back to the CORE and the need for the entire unit to function as a whole, no matterhow strong, fit, big, athletic people appear it is surprising how pathetic their abdominalactivation is. This then means that the body needs to elicit other muscles to do the job of trunk

stability and this tends to be the neck and jaw.

Rectus Abdominus, Obliques internal and external and Transverse Abdominus allhave similar actions but can become very dysfunctional in their alignment similar tosetting up a tent with all the tent wires strung in different tensions.

ACTION flexion of the trunk, lateral flexion, rotation and tertiary stability, raises theintra-abdominal pressure to provide stability (TA)

Exercises include crunches, sit-ups, leg raises, planks

Testing the Abdominals Instruct your client to cross arms and perform a sit up and assist them if required Ensure you have one arm locking their legs down by applying weight onto the knees

with your arm Once in this position put your other forearm onto their crossed arms and push them

back to the table/floor whilst they resist Make sure that the client is not cheating by using the neck; get them to slightly extend

the neck back to neutral and open the jaw Variations include obliques where they twist their trunks and resist your pressure.

Reflexes for activation Main reflex is inside the thighs just posterior to the Adductor Longus The Rectus Abdominus is more distal and the Obliques and TA are superior and up

to the attachment area of the Adductors Activation of the total region by slapping, finger kneading ensure that all muscles are

fully neurally stimulated and can assist in correct core function and less focus on theJaw and neck

The secondary region is on the back running in the mid-thoracic area, rubbing withthe flat of your hand is sufficient to stimulate it but in conjunction with the front region


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Sterno-Cleido-MastoidThis muscle group is closely linked to the shutting down of the TMJ and tight jaw muscles ingeneral. It is also affected with whiplash trauma as well as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrometherefore it is wise to expect some emotional release when re-activating this muscle group.

When the SCM complex is in imbalance symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness,nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, visual disturbances and headaches (with a possible link tomigraines) are common. This is due to the mechano-receptors receiving poorfeedback.

ACTIONS include extension of the upper Cx spine, flexion of the head if it is alreadyflexed and contralateral flexion; and are involved with accessory breathing.

Testing for SCM Ask your client to lift their head off the table Give the forehead a firm push If it is weak we need to activate

Reflexes for activation There are 2 main areas for this to be most effective First activation is on the sterno-clavicular joints Second is at the Cervico-thoracic junction

JawWhen we lock or tense up the jaw, which is a common activity when stressed, it affects the 1 st and 2 nd Vertebrae which dampens the neural activity throughout the body. It can also be feltat the Gluts and will affect stride length.

Once we jaw bite the body becomes weak and will stay that way till we do somethingabout it.

Lock the jaw and walko Feel the tension throughout the bodyo Decreased stride lengtho Test the diaphragm reflexo Touch toes and feel where you are tight, then open your mouth wide and

redo the move

Testing for the jaw Open your jaw as wide as you can and see how many fingers you can get into it

Activating the jaw Massage the masseter and pterygoids and work softly into any areas of increased

pain Then move up and massage the temporalis muscle looking for superficial fascial skin

bind

Instruct your client to move the jaw from side to side for 30 seconds Retest the jaw width with the fingers


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Also re-check the hamstring and calf length to see if there is greater ROM (whataffects the top will affect the bottom)

MUSCLE ACTIVATION FOR THE LATERAL SYSTEM

The muscles involved within this system or sling include the Adductors, Gluteus Medius andMinimus and the Quadratus Lumborum. Used for asymmetric weight bearing such as climbingstairs and in the stance phase of gait this is 85% of the cycle.

Abductors and Adductors work together tostabilize the hip.

The QL maintains pelvic height

SIJ joint instability can cause reflex shuttingdown of the lateral system

Testing the lateral system Client supine, abduct legs and ask

them to resist pushing them together Client then adducts legs and you

attempt to pull them apart under resistance Client holds the table and you

take both legs to the side and instructthe client to resist you returning themto the table

Repeat other side If any test is weak then activate points Retest

Activating the lateral sling Points for activation lie over the iliac crest

Pelvic floorNot to forget the necessity of the pelvic floor to assist in thestability of the lower core and the correlation to lower backpain; a group of tissues that include the long and broadligaments.Testing for the pelvic floor

Instruct your client to do 5 pelvic floor contractions Repeat on completion of activation for change

Activation for pelvic floor Points found between S2 S4 on both sides of the

sacrum along the sacral/ilium ridge


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MUSCLE ACTIVATION FOR REMANDER OF THE POSTERIOR SYSTEMThe transverse/rotation plan is responsible for backward rotational movements and stabilizesthe SIJ during gait.Consists of the Glut max (and Piriformis) on one side and the Latissimus Dorsi on the

contralateral side, these are interconnected via the thoraco-lumbar fascia and act like a coiledspring to conserve energy.

Piriformis and contralateral Lat stabilize the pelvic by co-contraction If one isnt worki ng efficiently then the other will under perform reciprocally More dominant is the lat but symptoms appear most often in the Piriformis Test the piriformis 1 st then the lats strength/length Treatment of the Lats tends to improve the piriformis length and abate the symptoms ACTIONS of lats extends the flexed arm, adduction and medial rotation of the arm ACTIONS of piriformis laterally rotates the hip joint

Testing the Piriformis-Lat looking for flexibility Client bends their knee to 90 o then pulls their ankle t o the chin Should be able to reach the chin on both sides Assess length, pain, bilateral evenness Test the lats by asking the client to internally rotate the straight arm and hold to the

side of the body Ask them to hold it there and you pull outwards If the piriformis on the left is the problem it is usually the lat on the right too

Activation of the posterior system Front reflex is the most efficient and found between 7 & 8 th ribs directly under the

nipple Palpate the lower ribs and work up for this landmark (ie move 2 up) Usually quite tender so go gently Also points located between the 7 th & 8 th ribs approx 3cm lateral to the spine but less

common Once activated re-check the Piriformis and Lat to test improvement


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SHOULDER THORACIC RELEASE Functional mobility of the shoulder and arm requires a stable and dynamic base from

the Tx spine. When Tx tight especially into extension then the shoulder ROM is impaired and will

compensate for its ADL needs Impacts T1 T4/5 therefore instigate neck and shoulder pain First 165 o is done from the shoulder joint and scapula Last 15 o from thoracic rotation (one arm) or thoracic extension (both arms) Activating the anterior Tx area will allow for increased length, flexibility and function

Testing the Shoulder/Thoracic region 2 tests pending on shoulder ROM Lack of full ROM is a + sign for treatment Full extension requires muscle function testing Keep the arms in full extension and ask the client

to resist you pulling up towards the ceiling Do one arm at a time Do the same test for the reduced ROM starting

at their end point

Activation of the Shoulder/Thoracic region These points are located on the ribs below the Pectorals Doing a general full rub of the entire area is the most effective way to stimulate these

points Rub strongly with a flat hand or get the client to do it if its more appropriate You can also use finger tips to dig in between ribs but do this with care as the area is

both ticklish and painful Retest the range and function

This allows for any overhead activities to be easier to do, check also for spine alignment andany head forward placement for improvement.

Lingering shoulder pain Most often the pain is gone post the MAT If its still there release the Levator Scapular

and Upper Trapezius via way of theInfraspinatus Trigger Point

Testing the Trapezius/Levator Scapular Supine the client flexes the arm to 90

o

andadducts to point of stretch Full range should be tissue approximation on

the chest without discomfort Activation of the region

Side lying knead the Infraspinatus TrPoint This is painful so do this sparingly Retest the range and pain for change


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MUSCLE ACTIVATION FOR THE CENTRAL LINETests for Supraspinatus and is heavily involved with the central meridian line in acupuncture.When we are stressed we commonly roll the shoulder towards the midline which mimics thedefensive patterns.

Testing the Supraspinatus Client lying supine with arm raised to 45 o and held You place your hand on the dorsum of the hand and ask them to resist you pushing

back towards the contralateral iliac crest If the reflex points are inactive then strength will be limited

Activation of the Central line There are 3 points for the activation of the Central Line 2 are massaged and 1 is a holding position The first region is along the line of the armpit, if you start under the axilla and work up

to the AC joint then you should take on the Supraspinatus and the neck flexors andextensors

The second region is between C2 and the occipital ridge encompassing both sides ofthe spineous process

The last region is above the eyebrows in line with the frontal sinuses and even thepressure can be quite tender.

After completing this sequencing for strength and function you should be able to effectivelyassess, treat and give home programming for your clients. This treatment is very applicable tothe more stressed clients but you must show them the how and why this works so that theycan take ownership of their defensive sympathetic responses and manage the stress whenthey acknowledge it.

Thanks!

neurolymphatic points chapmans reflexes

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