This study was designed to determine whether moxibustion at "Shenjue" plays a role in protecting gastric mucosa in rats. The areas and histological changes of gastric ulcer were examined. The results were as follows: 1. Moxibustion pretreatment within 3 weeks Aignificantly prevented the formation of gastric ulcer. 2. As gastric ulcer had formed

moxibustion couldn't shorten the period of recovery of gastric ulcer. The results suggested that moxibustion pretreatment at "Shenjue'' had a protective effect on gastric mucosa.After the experimental ulcer had formed

however

the moxibustion had little protective effect on it.