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

LI-18, or 'Futu' (meaning 'Protuberant Helper'), is a local point located on the side of the neck. Its name refers to its position on the prominent neck muscles, where it acts as a 'helper' for a wide range of throat and neck issues.

As a 'Window of the Sky' point, Futu has a broad and powerful effect on the entire head and neck region. It is used for a wide range of conditions, from a sore throat and loss of voice to a goiter or difficulty swallowing. It helps to regulate the flow of energy to the head, ensuring that the senses are clear and the mind is calm.

Futu serves as a key communication point between the body and the head, helping to resolve blockages and restore a sense of clarity and ease. It's a powerful tool for anyone dealing with tension in the neck or with issues related to the throat and voice, offering a way to restore balance and harmony to this vital region.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: Located at the level of the larynx, in a depression between the two heads of the SCM.

How to Locate:

  1. Find your Adam's apple (voice box)
  2. Locate the large neck muscle beside your Adam's apple
  3. Feel for the depression between the two parts of this muscle
  4. The point is in this hollow beside your voice box
Location illustration for Located at the level of the larynx, in a depression between the two heads of the SCM.

Primary Functions

Respiratory System

  • Treats asthma and breathing difficulties
  • Relieves cough and phlegm congestion
  • Improves lung function and capacity
  • Reduces respiratory inflammation

Thyroid & Endocrine System

  • Regulates thyroid function
  • Treats thyroid enlargement
  • Balances neck region metabolism

Nervous System

  • Alleviates neck tension and pain
  • Treats cervical nerve disorders
  • Reduces stress and anxiety

Digestive System

  • Treats dysphagia and swallowing issues
  • Regulates esophageal function

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

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

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

LI-18 Protocols

N/A

Important Precautions

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