Pediatric Chapman Reflexes

American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians

Robert Hostoffer, DO,FACOP, FAAP

edited by Eric Hegybeli, DO, FACOP

questionnaires by Michael Rowane, DO, MS, FAAFP, FAAO

Background:

Chapman’s reflexes, more commonly referred to today as neurolymphatic reflex points, were discovered by Dr. Frank Chapman, in the 1930’s. Dr. Charles Owen, worked with Dr. Chapman and wrote a book, “ An Endocrine Interpretation of Chapman’s Reflexes”, in 1937.

It was Chapman’s idea that by stimulating by finger pressure over specific points on the body, lymphatic function would improve in a certain organ of the body. Most of these points were found to be around the spine or rib cage area. Dr. Chapman found that it was often possible to strengthen the organ by just stimulating the reflex.

Chapman Reflexes

A viscerosomatic reflex mechanism that has diagnostic and therapeutic significance.

a neurolymphatic gangliform contraction that blocks lymphatic drainage, causing inflammation in tissues distal to the blockage, and causes both visceral and somatic tissues to suffer.

Chapman Uses: Traditional concept

Diagnostics Therapeutic

Locations;

Deep to skin, subcutaneous areolar tissue Deep fascia Deep periostium Usually found paired

Distinguishing Characteristics

Small Smooth Firm Discretely palpable 2-3 mm in diameter

palpation

Small pearls of tapioca slightly fixed on fascia Dense but not hard Circumscribed area of firm edema fixed

Use of Chapman’s Reflexes

Clarify differential diagnosis– Visceral somatic dysfunction– Musculoskeletal somatic dysfunction

Treatment can reduce adverse sympathetic influence on a specific organ/visceral system

Chapman’s Reflexes: Treatment

Find Chapman Reflex point Gently rotary motion is induced over each point,

using the finger pad 15 seconds Treatment: few seconds - 2 minutes Pressure = firm Competed = dissolution of edema & decrease tissue

tension in the myofascial tissues

Cardiopulmonary

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat and Neck

Upper Gastrointestinal

Lower Gastrointestinal

Clinical Application of Chapman’s Reflexes:Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Treatment: Soft Tissue treatment – Iliotibial band– Lumbosacral paraspinial tissues

Result– Improve bowel pattern

Genitourinary

Innervation TableInnervation TableOrgan/System Parasympathetic Sympathetic Ant.

Chapman'sPost.

Chapman's

EENT Cr Nerves (III, VII, IX, X)

T1-T4 T1-4, 2nd ICS

Suboccipital

Heart Vagus (CN X) T1-T4 T1-4 on L, T2-3

T3 sp process

Respiratory Vagus (CN X) T2-T7 3rd & 4th ICS T3-5 sp process

Esophagus Vagus (CN X) T2-T8 --- ---

Foregut Vagus (CN X) T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic) --- ---

Stomach Vagus (CN X) T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic) 5th-6th ICS on L

T6-7 on L

Liver Vagus (CN X) T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic) Rib 5 on R T5-6

Gallbladder Vagus (CN X) T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic) Rib 6 on R T6

Spleen Vagus (CN X) T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic) Rib 7 on L T7

Pancreas Vagus (CN X) T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic), T9-T12 (Lesser Splanchnic)

Rib 7 on R T7

Midgut Vagus (CN X) Thoracic Splanchnics (Lesser)

--- ---

Small Intestine Vagus (CN X) T9-T11 (Lesser Splanchnic) Ribs 9-11 T8-10

Appendix    T12 Tip of 12th Rib

T11-12 on R

Hindgut Pelvic Splanchnics (S2-4)

Lumbar (Least) Splanchnics --- ---

Ascending Colon  Vagus (CN X) T9-T11 (Lesser Splanchnic) R Femur @ hip

T10-11

Transverse Colon  Vagus (CN X) T9-T11 (Lesser Splanchnic) Near Knees ---

Descending Colon Pelvic Splanchnic (S2-4)

Least Splanchnic L Femur @ hip

T12-L2

Colon & Rectum Pelvic Splanchnics (S2-4)

T8-L2 --- ---

Print out the answer sheet to use with the following questions.

Circle the correct answer and review with director:

Question1: A, B, C, D, E. Question2: A, B, C, D, E. Question3: A, B, C, D, E.

Question 1

The anterior Chapman Reflexes primarily are used for:

a. Treatment

b. Therapeutic

c. Diagnostic

d. Prognostic

e. Capitulative

Question 2

Chapman Reflexes are described as these except: a. Small

b.Smooth

c. Firm

d. Discretely palpable

e. 5-10 mm in diameter

Question 3

Chapman reflexes feel like this except:a. Small pearls of tapioca slightly fixed on fascia

b. Dense but not hard

c. Circumscribed area of firm edema

d. Fixed

e. Crispy

Congratulations