Objective To study the effect and mechanism of warming-needle moxibustion for depression.Methods The 60 depression patients were randomized into treatment group and control group with 30 in each.The treatment group was treated by warming-needle moxibustion and the control group administered amitriptyline

po.Duration of treatment was 6 six weeks.The effect and changes of α wave of EEG were recorded for comparing with before treatment.Six months later

the long-term effect was evaluated.Results The effect of treatment group was much better than that of control group （P<0.05）.The difference in frequency and amplitude of α wave of EEG was significant （P<0.01）.No side effect in treatment group was found.Comparison of long-term effect of two groups showed a significant difference （P<0.01）.Conclusion The long-term and short-term effect of warming-needle moxibustion for depression was good

and the therapy was able to regulate the frequency and amplitude of α wave of EEG to relieve the state of depression.