Large Intestine Channel

Futu LI-18

Chinese: 扶突

Pinyin: Fú Tū

Location

On the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of Adam's apple, between the sternal head and clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle. 

How to locate

Rotate the neck to the opposite side, thus the sternocleidomastoid muscle becomes more visible and palpable.

Futu LI-18 is between the sternal head and clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle, at the same level as the Adam's apple. 

 

Main actions

  1. Benefits the throat and voice
  2. Resolves Phlegm and dissipates nodules
  3. Subdues Rebellious Qi and relives cough and wheezing

Indications

Mumps Goitre Aphasia Coughing Wheezing Scrofula Laryngitis Throat pain Tonsillitis Hoarse voice Loss of voice Swollen throat Shortness of breath Difficulty swallowing Rattling sound in the throat

Needling

After identifying the point location, rotate the head back to its normal position. Insert the needle 0.3–0.5 cun vertically or obliquely up to 0.8 cun. 

Caution: Carotid artery, jugular vein.

Commentary for Futu LI-18

Futu LI-18 is an important point for treating throat and voice related issues such as tonsillitis, mumps, laryngitis, aphasia or hoarse voice.  It is also able to resolve nodules in this area by resolving Phlegm. Thus it treats goitre or scrofula. 

Like all Window of Heaven point, it is able to regulate Qi ascending and descending to and from the head. Therefore, it is indicated for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or short of breath. All these symptoms are due to the Rebellious Lung Qi.