A powerful point on the neck, sitting where the Large Intestine channel rises toward the face. Futu (LI-18) is best known for its command over the throat and voice — calming coughs, easing the neck, and clearing what is stuck in the passages of breath.
Name & story
The name 扶突 Futu is often read as "Supported Prominence" or "Propping Up the Prominence" — the "prominence" referring to the Adam's apple, the most visible landmark of the neck and throat. The point literally sits beside this protrusion, supporting and steadying what passes through it: air, voice, and the smooth flow of Qi upward and downward. There is something almost physical in the name — as if the point is a hand placed on the throat to help it breathe and speak freely again.
Point family & character
LI-18 belongs to the Large Intestine Meridian (LI). It is classified as a Window of Heaven point — a small and significant group of points on the neck and upper chest that are said to open the "window" between the body below and the head above, allowing clear Qi to rise and turbid Qi to descend.
Five-element dynamics
The Large Intestine is the Yang channel of the Metal element. Metal governs the Lungs and the passages of breath — the throat, the voice, the movement of air in and out. When Metal is disrupted, the throat tightens, the voice roughens, and breath can no longer flow freely. As a point that sits right at the throat on the Large Intestine Meridian (LI), Futu brings the clarifying, downward-directing quality of Metal directly to bear on the neck — helping to restore the free descent of Lung Qi and clear whatever has lodged there.
Location
Find it on the side of the neck, level with the larynx (Adam's apple). It sits between the two heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, roughly 3 Cun lateral to the laryngeal prominence. A simple guide: it is about level with LI-17 above and the clavicle below, nestled in the groove between the two muscular bundles of the sternocleidomastoid.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the lateral side of the neck, in the region of the sternocleidomastoid muscle — specifically between its two heads (the sternal and clavicular heads). The external carotid artery and the internal jugular vein run in this region, and important nerves of the neck are nearby.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly, with great care. The neck is a region of vital structures — a calm, controlled hand and exact location are essential. The surrounding vessels and nerves demand full attention.
The golden tip
If the throat feels tight, the voice is rough, or you have a persistent cough, you can gently massage the side of the neck in the area of LI-18 — between the two ridges of the large neck muscle, level with the Adam's apple. Use light, slow, circular pressure for a minute or two on each side. Always be gentle in this area and avoid pressing directly on the pulse (the carotid artery). This is not a point for deep home pressure; light touch is enough.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.