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ACUPUNCTURE

Fu Tu: TCM Acupoint Guide

FUTU
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

Fu Tu (Futu)

Location

On the thigh, 6 cun above the lateral margin of the patella, on the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral border of the patella, in a depression. Note: divide the distance between the prominence of the greater trochanter and the upper border of the patella into thirds. This point is located just superior to the junction of the lower and middle thirds.

Needling

  • Puncture perpendicularly, 1 to 1.5 cun.
  • Straight insertion, 1.5 to 2.5 cun, causing distention and soreness, possibly extending to the knee.
  • Perpendicular or oblique insertion, 1 to 2 cun.
  • Moxibustion is applicable.

Actions

  • Activates the channel
  • Removes obstructions from the channel
  • Alleviates pain
  • Dispels Wind-Damp
  • Expels Wind-Heat

Indications

  • Bi syndrome of the knee
  • Sensation of heaviness of the head
  • Leg qi
  • Paralysis of the exterior muscles of the knee
  • Urticaria
  • Hemiplegia
  • Abdominal distention
  • Pain and Cold of the lower back, thigh and knee
  • Weakness of the knee
  • Contraction of the arm
  • Abdominal distention with diminished Qi
  • Mania
  • A heavy head
  • Pain in the lumbar and iliac region
  • Coldness and pain of the knee
  • Paralysis of the lower extremities
  • Motor impairment of the lower extremities
  • Beriberi
  • Arthritis of the knee
  • Pain in the waist and groin
  • Numbness of the lower limb
  • Bi and Wei syndromes of the lower limb
  • Pain, numbness and contraction of the muscles of the thigh
  • Shan disorder
  • Diseases of the eight regions in women
  • Ghost talk

Combinations

PointsIndications
N-LE-23 Maibu, GB-31 Fengshi, M-LE-24 LinghouParalysis or numbness of the lower limb
GB-31 FengshiMoxa both points for Wind leg qi; moxa GB-31 Fengshi first

Notes

The eight regions in women are: the external genitalia, the breasts, disorders of pregnancy, postpartum disorders, uterine bleeding, leukorrhea, menstruation, and abdominal masses. This point mildly expels Wind-Heat affecting the Blood and can be used to treat certain skin rashes such as urticaria.

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Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

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