LI18 Support Prominence

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

LI18 (Fú Tū, “Support Prominence”) is the Window of Heaven point of the Large Intestine Meridian. It is located on the neck, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with the tip of the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple), 3 cun lateral to the midline. It benefits the throat and voice, alleviates cough and wheezing, regulates qi flow.

Location

On the neck, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with the tip of the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple), 3 cun lateral to the midline.

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly posterior-medial insertion 0.5-0.8 cun. Avoid the carotid artery by palpating for the pulse and inserting posterior to it.

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TCM functions

Benefits the throat and voice, alleviates cough and wheezing, regulates qi flow..

Indications

Cough, wheezing, sore throat, sudden loss of voice, difficulty swallowing, goiter, scrofula, much phlegm, throat sounds, qi blockage, sudden hoarseness with qi obstruction, vomiting phlegm, lockjaw..

Window of Heaven

Clinical notes

Futu is a key local point for acute and chronic throat conditions, particularly those involving phlegm, swelling, or sudden loss of voice. Its classification as a Window of Heaven point highlights its ability to regulate the flow of qi between the head and the body, making it useful for cough and wheezing with a sense of blockage in the throat. The classical indications consistently point to its effectiveness for clearing the throat and restoring vocal function.

On the Large Intestine channel

LI18 is one of 20 points on the Large Intestine Meridian. Nearby points:

LI12LI13LI14LI15LI16LI17LI19LI20

Frequently asked questions

Where is LI18 located?

LI18 (Fú Tū) is located on the neck, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with the tip of the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple), 3 cun lateral to the midline.

What is LI18 used for?

LI18 benefits the throat and voice, alleviates cough and wheezing, regulates qi flow. Common clinical indications include cough, wheezing, sore throat, sudden loss of voice, difficulty swallowing, goiter, scrofula, much phlegm, throat sounds, qi blockage, sudden hoarseness with qi obstruction, vomiting phlegm, lockjaw.

How is LI18 needled?

Perpendicular or slightly posterior-medial insertion 0.5-0.8 cun. Avoid the carotid artery by palpating for the pulse and inserting posterior to it. Caution: Adjacent to the karotis — palpate and avoid the vessel; do not needle into a pulsating artery. The classical texts emphasize locating this point in relation to the major artery in the neck (Renying, ST9). Modern practice requires careful palpation to avoid the carotid artery.

Which meridian is LI18 on?

LI18 is a point on the Large Intestine Meridian (Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.