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Chapman's Points
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Chapman's Points

Anterior + posterior reflex points for visceral dysfunction.

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◆What they are

  • •Small (2–3 mm), tender, beady or pebble-like nodules in deep fascia
  • •Located bilaterally at specific anterior and posterior body sites
  • •Reflect dysfunction in associated viscera
  • •Treated with gentle rotary pressure for 10–30 seconds

◆Anterior Chapman's points (selected high-yield)

  • •Sinusitis: intercostal space (ICS) 1 along sternum (1st rib at sternum)
  • •Otitis (middle ear): superior clavicle (medial third)
  • •Pharyngitis: anterior 1st rib (lateral to sternum)
  • •Tonsillitis: between 1st and 2nd ribs near sternum
  • •Bronchitis: 2nd ICS near sternum
  • •Upper lung: 3rd ICS near sternum
  • •Lower lung: 4th ICS near sternum
  • •Myocardium: 2nd ICS near sternum (similar location, more sensitive on heart pathology)
  • •Esophagus / Bronchus: 2nd ICS
  • •Stomach: 5th ICS on left (acid problem); 6th ICS on left (peristalsis problem)
  • •Liver / Gallbladder: 5th and 6th ICS on right
  • •Spleen: 7th ICS on left
  • •Kidney: 1 inch lateral and superior to umbilicus
  • •Bladder: at the umbilicus and along the linea alba below umbilicus
  • •Urethra: along the superior pubic ramus near the symphysis
  • •Appendix: tip of 12th rib on right
  • •Adrenal: 1 inch lateral and 2 inches superior to umbilicus
  • •Pancreas: 7th ICS on right

◆Posterior Chapman's points

  • •Each anterior point has a corresponding posterior point at the same vertebral level
  • •Located halfway between spinous process and transverse process (in paraspinal muscle)
  • •Often the anterior is used for diagnosis; the posterior for monitoring resolution

◆Treatment principles

  • •Gentle rotary pressure (clockwise or counterclockwise) for 10–30 seconds per point
  • •Treat anterior point first, then posterior
  • •Reassess for tenderness reduction
  • •Always treat the underlying visceral problem (Chapman's helps but isn't standalone cure)

High-yield pearls

  • ◆Stomach: 5th ICS LEFT (acid) vs 6th ICS LEFT (peristalsis)
  • ◆Liver/gallbladder Chapman's on the RIGHT (5th/6th ICS)
  • ◆Appendix Chapman's: tip of 12th rib on right
  • ◆Adrenal Chapman's: 1 inch lateral, 2 inches superior to umbilicus
  • ◆Always reassess after treating; persistent tenderness = ongoing visceral dysfunction
Quick check

5-question quiz on this note

Test yourself before moving on. ~1 min.

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