LI-17 - Celestial Tripod

天鼎 - Tiān dǐng

Point Region: Neck

LI

Large Intestine Meridian

手阳明大肠经 - Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the front of the neck, level with the cricoid cartilage (the ring of cartilage just below the Adam's apple), just behind the edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It lies directly below LI-18, level with ST-10.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the ring of cartilage just below your Adam's apple
  2. Turn your head to the other side against your hand so the long neck muscle stands out
  3. At that level, the point is directly below LI-18, just behind the muscle's edge
LI-17 (Celestial Tripod) acupressure point location: On the front of the neck, level with the cricoid cartilage (the ring of cartilage just below the Adam's apple), just behind the edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

How to Apply Pressure

Because LI-17 lies near major neck vessels, use only a feather-light fingertip touch after locating it, and never press both sides of the neck at once. Do not use it after recent neck surgery, with carotid artery disease, or during a severe throat infection.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Hoarseness
  • Sore throat
  • Neck stiffness
  • Voice problems
  • Throat pain
  • Neck pain
  • Vocal issues

Related Health Concerns

Cold and Flu OnsetNeck and Shoulder Pain

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Recent neck surgery
  • Severe throat infections
  • Carotid artery disease

Take care:

  • Located near major neck vessels
  • Avoid excessive pressure