Shuitu Point (ST-10 / Water Protrusion, also known as Shuimen)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shuitu (ST-10 / Water Protrusion). Learn its benefits for sore throat, wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath, plus classic combinations for throat and respiratory conditions.
Indications
Cools the ascending heat along the neck, and provides yang qi with dampness to the heaven portion. Treats wheezing and stridor, sore throat, cough with qi counterflow, shortness of breath, and wheezing with inability to lie down. This point belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. It benefits the throat and descends rebellious qi, regulates qi and relieves wheezing. It is a commonly used point for treating throat and respiratory disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Shui" means water or fluid; "Tu" means to protrude or emerge. Located on the neck near the throat, where the essence of water and grain qi emerges upward – hence the name Shuitu (Water Protrusion). It is also known as "Shuimen."
Precise Location
On the neck, level with the cricoid cartilage, at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. At the midpoint of the line connecting Renying (ST-9) and Qishe (ST-11).
Location Method
Sit upright or recline with the head slightly raised. First locate Renying (beside the Adam's apple, at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, at the carotid artery pulsation) and Qishe (above the medial end of the clavicle, between the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle) – the point is at the midpoint of the line connecting these two points.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or middle finger, once daily. Press and knead Shuitu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, once daily, to prevent and treat pulmonary and throat disorders. Therapeutic actions: Benefits the throat and descends rebellious qi, regulates qi and relieves wheezing.
Compatibility
Sore throat: Combine with Tianding (LI-17) and Renying (ST-9). Cough and wheezing: Combine with Tiantu (RN-22).
