Studies have shown that pre-moxibustion protects the gastric mucosa by up-regulating the expression of heat shock protein 70. However, the signaling pathway underlying this effect remains unclear. Rats were intragastrically administered absolute alcohol, causing obvious lesion of the gastric mucosa. Following pre-moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36) for 8 days, the ulcer index decreased to different degrees. The results of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting showed significant upregulation of heat shock protein 70 expression in the gastric mucosa and serum. None out of transecti...