Water and energy follow surprisingly similar laws—both flow, conduct, and seek the path of least resistance. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), qi, said to be the body’s vital energy, behaves in much the same way. It flows like a current, and when that flow gets disrupted, problems arise. The acupoint Water Prominence (Shui Tu, ST10), located on the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of energy. Beyond its poetic name, it is profoundly practical.
A Strategic Gate Along the River of Qi
Shui Tu was first recorded in the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”), one of the earliest and most authoritative TCM texts. It belongs to the Stomach meridian and has an alternative name—Water Gate—that hints at its broader role.
Imagine the Stomach meridian as a river flowing from the head downward. Now, picture the heat from the heart meeting this water stream. If things are out of balance, you encounter one of two problems: either the heart’s fire dries up the flow of energy, creating stomach or throat issues, or excess water from the stomach floods the heart, leading to emotional numbness or chest discomfort. Shui Tu stands at this energetic junction, regulating the interaction between heart fire and stomach water to maintain a harmonious, downward-moving current.
Practical Uses: For the Voice, Seasons, and Airways
Shui Tu shines in three key areas.
First, it’s a lifesaver for the voice. Public speakers, teachers, and singers often use this point to soothe vocal strain, recover from hoarseness, and even prevent voice loss. Its location near the throat makes it ideal for reducing local inflammation.
Second, it’s an excellent choice for people who are sensitive to weather shifts. If you experience throat irritation, coughing, or itchiness during seasonal transitions, Shui Tu can help stabilize the body’s energetic defenses and minimize pesky symptoms.
Third, it supports relief in cases of throat swelling and asthma, making it a useful supportive acupoint for people dealing with more serious airway issues.
Science Catches On: A Role in Throat Surgery Recovery
While ancient texts praise Shui Tu’s regulatory role, modern research is beginning to prove just how useful it can be.
One clinical study investigated whether transcutaneous electro-acupuncture (TCEA) could reduce the body’s stress response in patients after they are taken off breathing tubes following surgery. The participants were split into two groups: one received only standard anesthesia, while the other received TCEA using several acupoints—including Shui Tu (ST10)—in the final phase of the operation.
The TCEA group had lower spikes in heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones compared to the control group. More importantly, they experienced fewer respiratory complications, such as coughing or throat discomfort.
How to Locate and Activate Shui Tu
To locate Shui Tu, turn your head to the side and find the prominent muscle running from behind your ear to your collarbone—the sternocleidomastoid. Find the point on this muscle that lines up with the middle of your Adam’s apple, and then the spot where that muscle meets the clavicle. Shui Tu sits halfway between these two, right on the front edge of the muscle. It’s a bilateral point, meaning you have one on each side of your neck. Press around gently to find a tender or sore spot—that’s your Shui Tu.
Simple and Safe Ways to Activate Shui Tu
- Finger pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes per side.
- Downward rubbing: Use your index finger or thumb to gently rub down the muscle in the direction of qi flow for one to three minutes per side.
- Herbal patch: Apply overnight to support throat recovery.
- Advanced techniques: Acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) administered by a trained professional.
Precautions: One Side at a Time
Because of Shui Tu’s proximity to the airway, never stimulate both sides at once. Doing so can trigger coughing or discomfort. Always treat one side at a time, and avoid using this point if you have neck injuries or inflamed tissue. Choose gentle herbal patches with natural ingredients if you have sensitive skin.
A Point for Prevention
While some acupoints are lifesavers in crisis, Shui Tu is more like a maintenance tool. It keeps the energetic river flowing smoothly, supports your throat during high-demand periods, and helps address issues before they become serious. It’s a helpful point to share with people who rely on their voices—singers, teachers, customer service reps, or even just someone gearing up for a long phone call. Whether you’re warding off seasonal throat tickles or supporting vocal recovery, Shui Tu is worth keeping in your acupressure toolkit.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 4 July 2025
