Futu LI 18 : Nomenclature, Location, Function, Indication

Nomenclature:

Fu: side Tu: prominence
Tu refers to the laryngeal prominence. Futu is beside the Adam’s Apple.
Point Name: LI-18
Chinese Name: 扶突
English Name/ Meaning: Support the Prominence
Pinyin: fú tū
Han Geul 한글: bu dol 부돌
Romaji: fu totsu(?)
Vietnamese: Phù đột

Location :

On the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of the laryngeal prominence, between the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Functions and indications  of futu:

• Benefits/disinhibits the throat so is beneficial for various disorders in throat region like throat pain, tonsilitis, scrofula and goiter; thyroid problems, Hiccups.
• Eliminates phlegm lodged in channel : scrofula and goiter.
• Acupuncture anesthesia – surgery for thyroid or chest.

Method :

• Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
• Oblique insertion 0.5 to 0.8 cun.

Remarks :

• Window of Heaven point.
• Often used when swallowing is difficult, for example after a stroke.

Precautions :

Deeper needling may puncture the carotid artery or jugular vein.