Objective To observe the effect of moxibustion or acupuncture in Dazhui（GV14） acupoint on behavior and positive neuron numbers of arginine vasopressin（AVP） in nucleus paraventricularis hypothalami（NPH） in rats with chronic stress disturbance. Methods To divide randomly SD rats into the normal group

model group

moxibustion group and acupuncture group according to the Random Number Table. The model of chronic stress disturbance was established through single housed and long-term mild unpredictable stimulation.Some ethology indexes

such as mental status

weight

sucrotropic degree

wide-field test result were observed in different groups.The numbers of positive neuron of AVP in NPH in different groups were compared by using immunohistochemistry and imag analysis.Results The chronic stimulation resulted in the decrease of rat activity

inappetence

dispiritedness

weight

sucrotropic degree

and activity numbers in wide-field test.The positive neuron numbers of AVP in NPH in the model group was higher obviously that that of the normal group.In the moxibustion and acupuncture groups the above behaviors of rats were relieved and the positive neuron numbers of AVP were decreased（P<0.05-P<0.01）.There was no significant difference between the moxibustion group and acupuncture group.Conclusion Moxibustion or acupuncture in Dazhui（GV14） acupoint all can improve obviously the behaviors of depressed rats.The mechanism maybe related to the regulation of AVP in NPH by moxibustion or acupuncture.Moxibustion differed insignificantly from acupuncture.