Futu Point (LI-18 / Supporting Prominence, also known as Water Point or Water Spring Point)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Futu (LI-18 / Supporting Prominence). Learn its benefits for sore throat, cough, asthma, hoarseness, goiter, and globus hystericus, plus classic combinations for hyperthyroidism and throat disorders.
Indications
Cough, asthma, sore throat, aphonia (hoarseness), scrofula (cervical lymphadenopathy), and globus hystericus (foreign body sensation in the throat).
Precise Location
On the lateral side of the neck, beside the Adam's apple (thyroid cartilage), between the anterior and posterior borders of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It is surrounded by the greater auricular nerve, cervical cutaneous nerve, lesser occipital nerve, and accessory nerve; arteries and veins are located on the medial inner layer.
Location Method
Sit upright with the head slightly raised. Bend the thumb of one hand, bring the other four fingers together with the palm facing inward, place the little finger beside the Adam's apple – the point is where the index finger falls. Locate the opposite side using the same method. (Alternatively, locate 3 cun lateral to the Adam's apple, between the anterior and posterior borders of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.)
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Scraping therapy: Scrape from top to bottom. Bring the index and middle fingers together and press with the finger pads into the point for 1–3 minutes on each side per session. Therapeutic actions: Benefits the throat and reduces swelling, regulates qi and descends rebellious qi.
Compatibility
Goiter (hyperthyroidism): Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Zusanli (ST-36), Qishe (ST-11), Lieque (LU-7), Futu (LI-18), and Tianchong (GB-9). Disease overview: Goiter is mostly caused by internal emotional injury, yin deficiency with qi stagnation, leading to phlegm-qi binding, transforming into fire that injures yin. Main manifestations include anterior neck swelling, polyphagia with weight loss, irritability and palpitations, heat intolerance with excessive sweating, hand tremor, and exophthalmos. Massage sequence: Use the index and middle fingers with a vibrating technique to sequentially press Hegu, Zusanli, Qishe, Lieque, Futu, and Tianchong. This combination unblocks the meridians and relieves stagnation. Apply 100 times of pressing and releasing for each point. Mild cases may show improvement after 8–10 treatments. Sore throat: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14), Futu (LI-18), and Hegu (LI-4). Sudden qi reversal with choking: Combine with Futu (LI-18), Tiantu (RN-22), and Tianxi (SP-18).
Efficacy & Actions
According to Lingshu · Benshu, this point is called Water Point or Water Spring Point and belongs to the Large Intestine meridian. The meridian qi at this point absorbs heat and ascends to the head and face, serving as the source of moisture for the head and facial regions. It treats sore throat, difficulty swallowing, goiter (thyroid enlargement), vocal cord nodules, and hoarseness – especially effective for relieving cough and asthma.