Dr. Frank Chapman was an American who had studied osteopathy. Chapman was one of the first people to find a connection between the dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system and a dysfunction of the organs and the hormone system. He studied the influence that the lymphatic system had on many illnesses and through practical experience, discovered the neurolymphatic reflex points.
Chronic pathological changes of the inner organs that are associated with a lymphatic reaction lead simultaneously to a lymphatic swelling of the associated reflex zone on the surface of the body. These painful points, the neurolymphatic reflex points, enable us to locate the anatomical area of dysfunction, i.e. which part of the body is not healthy, and also to treat the associated body part or organ by treating the reflex point. The reaction is often so fast, it is thought that this is most likely to be a consequence of a neurological stimulus response.
The points feel like a small lump under the skin, like a lentil up to the size of a bean. They are sometimes found as a chain of lumps on the leg or in the pelvic area. They can be hard, soft or jelly-like. It is important to compare left and right sides of the body. If "positive" they are painful when pressed.
To treat these points build a nest around the point if possible, so that the muscles and soft tissue are soft and relaxed and the point less painful, then massage the point gently for between 5-20s.
Caution: Not to be used for cancer patients or during pregnancy.
The Chapman reflex points can be overstimulated, so massage no longer than recommended and no more than once a day. Possible reactions can include increased excretions, e.g. effecting body smell, a rash, diarrhea, headaches, bad breath, concentrated urine, tiredness and fever. Do NOT suppress any of these possible reactions! Drink lots and lots of water, no black tea or coffee and take no fever-reducing medication in this instance.
There are different groups of points, the main three being: gastro-intestinal, endocrine and infection. Here though I describe the group of respiratory points on the front of the body which may be used as self-help to help relieve colds and flu-like symptoms. The points are listed below in a simple order in which they can be massaged if painful. The exact location of each point can be found in the diagram above for both left and right sides of the body.
1) Points lying on the 1st rib:
Ears - on the upper edge of the collar bone where it crosses with the 1st rib
Throat - on the front edge of the 1st rib, about one finger width from the breast bone, next to the nose point
Nose - on the 1st rib where it joins the breast bone
Tonsils - between the 1st and 2nd rib next to the breast bone
2) Then the points lying on the 2nd rib:
Sinuses - on top of the 2nd rib, in line with the middle point of the collar bone, approx. 8cm from the breast bone
Larynx - on the upper edge of the 2nd rib about 5-6cm from the breast bone
Tongue - on the 2nd rib about 2cm from the breast bone
3) Not forgetting the eyes, particularly for hay-fever victims:
Eyes - on the upper front part of the arm, next to the M. Pectoralis major tendon
4) And finally the main respiratory system:
Bronchien - between the 2nd and 3rd ribs next to the breast bone
Upper lungs - between the 3rd and 4th rib next to the breast bone
Lower lungs - between the 4th and the 5th rib next to the breast bone.
Be sure to drink lots of water after your self-help treatment and be aware of some of the reactions that may, or may not, happen.