LI-18 - Support the Prominence

扶突 - Fú tū

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 top of the Adam's apple (the thyroid cartilage), on the sternocleidomastoid muscle, midway between its front and back edges.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the level of the top of your Adam's apple
  2. Turn your head to the other side against your hand so the long neck muscle stands out
  3. The point is on the muscle at that level, midway between its front and back edges
LI-18 (Support the Prominence) acupressure point location: On the front of the neck, level with the top of the Adam's apple (the thyroid cartilage), on the sternocleidomastoid muscle, midway between its front and back edges.

How to Apply Pressure

Treat LI-18 with extreme care: after finding it, use only a very light touch on one side at a time, and never press toward the windpipe or neck vessels. Avoid it after recent throat surgery, with carotid artery disease, or with severe throat swelling; trouble swallowing or breathing needs medical care.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Sore throat
  • Hoarseness
  • Cough
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Throat pain
  • Voice problems
  • Respiratory problems
  • Throat inflammation

Related Health Concerns

Cold and Flu Onset

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Recent throat surgery
  • Severe throat swelling
  • Carotid artery disease

Take care:

  • Located near major neck vessels and airway
  • Avoid excessive pressure