Stomach Meridian
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ST-10
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Neck — Anterior, Neck — Lateral
Location
On the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, in the middle between Renying ST-9 and Qishe ST-11.
Main Actions
- Benefits the throat and neck
- Descends Lung Qi
Indications
Goitre
Scrofula
Coughing
Dyspnoea
Throat pain
Shoulder pain
Breathlessness
Throat swelling
Shoulder swelling
Commentary
Shuitu ST-10 is not a major point of the Stomach Channel. Its main function is to benefit the throat and neck as well as descend Lung Qi.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Shuitu treats cough and counterflow qi, wheezing and dyspnea, throat pain and obstruction of the throat."
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists ST-10 for treating throat bi (obstruction), cough, asthma, and goiter (ying liu).
Name Etymology: The name "Shuitu" (水突, Water Prominence) refers to the point's location near the esophagus where water and food pass. The character "shui" means water, and "tu" means to rush through or prominence, suggesting the image of water rising up like steam from a boiling kettle, representing the Stomach Qi ascending through this region.
How to Locate
It is easier to identify the point when the patient's head is turned in the opposite direction. Then rotate the head back to a middle position before needling. Renying ST-9 is 1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle and level with the tip of Adam's apple. Qishe ST-11 is on the upper border of the clavicle, between the tendons of the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Shuitu ST-10 is located at the midpoint of these two points.
Caution
CRITICAL SAFETY POINT: The carotid artery and jugular veins lie immediately adjacent to this point. Before needling, palpate the carotid artery and use the index finger and thumb to hold it laterally, above and below the point. Needle obliquely in a medial direction, away from the artery. Never needle deeply at this location. Avoid strong manipulation. Watch for signs of vagal stimulation (dizziness, bradycardia, hypotension). Not recommended for patients on anticoagulant therapy.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun obliquely in a medial direction, away from the artery. Caution: Carotid artery, jugular veins. If necessary,
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension or soreness around the needle. Sensation may radiate to the throat or shoulder area. Practitioners should be careful as the carotid pulse may be felt nearby. Avoid stimulating the carotid artery which can cause vagal response.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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