ST10 Water Prominence

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

ST10 (Shuitu, “Water Prominence”) is an acupuncture point on the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the neck, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, directly inferior to ST9 (Renying) and superior to ST11 (Qishe), at the level of the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage. It descends rebellious Qi, benefits the throat and neck, alleviates cough and wheezing.

Location

On the neck, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, directly inferior to ST9 (Renying) and superior to ST11 (Qishe), at the level of the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage.

Needling

Perpendicular or slightly posterior-medial insertion 0.3-0.8 cun. Avoid the carotid artery, which lies just posterior to the point, and the jugular vein. Deep insertion toward the trachea is contraindicated.

TCM functions

Descends rebellious Qi, benefits the throat and neck, alleviates cough and wheezing..

Indications

Cough with rebellious upward-moving Qi, throat swelling, pharyngeal swelling, throat pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, inability to lie down due to dyspnea, pharyngeal obstruction, difficulty breathing, sore throat..

Clinical notes

Shuitu is a key local point for acute conditions of the throat and lungs. Its classical indications strongly emphasize its ability to resolve swelling and obstruction in the throat while simultaneously descending rebellious lung Qi. This makes it effective for severe cough, wheezing, and dyspnea, particularly when accompanied by a sense of blockage or swelling in the pharynx or larynx.

On the Stomach channel

ST10 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST10 located?

ST10 (Shuitu) is located on the neck, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, directly inferior to ST9 (Renying) and superior to ST11 (Qishe), at the level of the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage.

What is ST10 used for?

ST10 descends rebellious Qi, benefits the throat and neck, alleviates cough and wheezing. Common clinical indications include cough with rebellious upward-moving Qi, throat swelling, pharyngeal swelling, throat pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, inability to lie down due to dyspnea, pharyngeal obstruction, difficulty breathing, sore throat.

How is ST10 needled?

Perpendicular or slightly posterior-medial insertion 0.3-0.8 cun. Avoid the carotid artery, which lies just posterior to the point, and the jugular vein. Deep insertion toward the trachea is contraindicated.

Which meridian is ST10 on?

ST10 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).

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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.