Large Intestine Meridian
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LI-18
Window of Heaven
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Neck — Lateral
Location
On the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of Adam's apple, between the sternal head and clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Main Actions
- Benefits the throat and voice
- Resolves Phlegm and dissipates nodules
- Subdues Rebellious Qi and relives cough and wheezing
Indications
Mumps
Goitre
Aphasia
Coughing
Wheezing
Scrofula
Laryngitis
Throat pain
Tonsillitis
Hoarse voice
Loss of voice
Swollen throat
Shortness of breath
Difficulty swallowing
Rattling sound in the throat
Commentary
Futu LI-18 is an important point for treating throat and voice related issues such as tonsillitis, mumps, laryngitis, aphasia or hoarse voice. It is also able to resolve nodules in this area by resolving Phlegm. Thus it treats goitre or scrofula.
Like all Window of Heaven point, it is able to regulate Qi ascending and descending to and from the head. Therefore, it is indicated for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or short of breath. All these symptoms are due to the Rebellious Lung Qi.
Classical Sources
Su Wen (Simple Questions), Chapter 21: "Sudden loss of voice with obstructed Qi in the throat (literally 'fishbone Qi'), choose Futu LI-18 and bleed the root of the tongue." This classical reference establishes LI-18 as one of the original five Window of Heaven points for treating acute throat and voice disorders.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): Indicates this point for cough with rebellious Qi, asthma, swelling and pain of the throat, sudden loss of voice, scrofula, and goiter.
Commentary by Zhou Zhi Cong: "The points and the orifices of the head and face are like the great windows of a high pavilion, by virtue of which Qi moves. When there is chaotic and rebellious Qi below, then the channels in the upper region do not move."
How to Locate
Rotate the neck to the opposite side, thus the sternocleidomastoid muscle becomes more visible and palpable. Futu LI-18 is between the sternal head and clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle, at the same level as the Adam's apple.
Caution
This point lies near the carotid artery, jugular vein, and vagus nerve. Needle carefully and avoid deep insertion. Do not use strong stimulation or high-frequency electro-acupuncture, which may trigger vagal responses. Always palpate to locate the sternocleidomastoid muscle heads and avoid the major vessels. In females, the laryngeal prominence is less pronounced—locate by finding the depression between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage at midline.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
After identifying the point location, rotate the head back to its normal position. Insert the needle 0.3–0.5 cun vertically or obliquely up to 0.8 cun. Caution: Carotid artery, jugular vein.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distended and constricted feeling in the throat. The sensation may radiate locally around the neck and throat area. Due to the sensitive location near major vessels and nerves, sensation should be achieved with minimal stimulation.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Recommended
Special Point Classifications
Window of Heaven
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