The model of adjuvant arthritis in the rat was established to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the moxibustion at "Shenshu"(BL 23)point and its effects on several inflammatory mediators. The result showed that the moxibustion alleviated the inflammatory reaction and significantly reduced the level of the chemical inflammatory mediator(Hm

5-HT) and the inflammatory cytokine (TNF

IL-1β) (P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01. comparing with control group). It indicates that the therapy can inhibit the formation and release of the chemical inflammation mediator and inflammatory cytokine in inflammatory cells

alleviate or stop inflammatory reaction

dissipate blood stasis and relieve the swelling

prevent and cure delayed polyarthritis

and thus it can produce an anti-inflammatory effect.