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 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 Table Organ/SystemParasympatheticSympatheticAnt. Chapman's Post. Chapman's EENTCr Nerves (III, VII, IX, X) T1-T4T1-4, 2 nd ICSSuboccipital HeartVagus (CN X)T1-T4T1-4 on L, T2-3 T3 sp process RespiratoryVagus (CN X)T2-T73 rd & 4 th ICST3-5 sp process EsophagusVagus (CN X)T2-T8--- ForegutVagus (CN X)T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic)--- StomachVagus (CN X)T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic)5 th -6 th ICS on L T6-7 on L LiverVagus (CN X)T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic)Rib 5 on RT5-6 GallbladderVagus (CN X)T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic)Rib 6 on RT6 SpleenVagus (CN X)T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic)Rib 7 on LT7 PancreasVagus (CN X)T5-T9 (Greater Splanchnic), T9- T12 (Lesser Splanchnic) Rib 7 on RT7 MidgutVagus (CN X)Thoracic Splanchnics (Lesser)--- Small IntestineVagus (CN X)T9-T11 (Lesser Splanchnic)Ribs 9-11T8-10 Appendix T12Tip of 12 th RibT11-12 on R HindgutPelvic Splanchnics (S2- 4) Lumbar (Least) Splanchnics--- Ascending Colon Vagus (CN X)T9-T11 (Lesser Splanchnic)R hip T10-11 Transverse Colon Vagus (CN X)T9-T11 (Lesser Splanchnic)Near Knees--- Descending ColonPelvic Splanchnic (S2-4)Least SplanchnicL hipT12-L2 Colon & RectumPelvic 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 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