This paper reported our observation of the action of acupuncture on the change of gastric function induced by the excitation of the lateral hypothalamus area (LHA

the feeding center)

and research on the mechanism of the acupuncture to inhibiting excessive appetite and reduceing hunger in obese people. Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) or Neiting (ST 44) could inhibit the hyperactivity of the stornach induced by stimulation of LHA (P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01). The electroacupuncture effect on LHA remained statistically significant (P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01)0. 5

2. 5 hours after acupuncturing. The α-receptor blocking agent phentolamine (1mg/kg )was not distinctly affected (P

>

0.05) on the inhibition of electroacupuncturing Zusanli (ST 36)to restrain the hyperactivity of the stomach induced by stimulation on LHA; But β-receptor blocking agent propranolol (0. 3mg/kg) could obviously inhibit the effect of electroacupuncturing Zusanli (ST 36) to restrain hyperactivity of stomach triggered by excitation of the LHA. The result shows that electroacupuncture obviously inhibits gastric hyperfunction caused by exccitation of the LHA

for as long as over 3 hours

thus indicating the participation of the humoral factors. Since the electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) only inhibits gastric hyperfunction caused by excitation of the LHA

it is suggested that the electroacupuncture has an anticholinergic effect through the gastric β receptor

therefore it inhibits the appetite

relieves hunger and reduces body weight in obese people.