AIM To observe whether there are differences in the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) and moxibustion (Mox) in rats with visceral hypersensitivity. METHODS EA at 1 mA and 3 mA and Mox at 43 degrees C and 46 degrees C were applied to the Shangjuxu (ST37, bilateral) acupoints in model rats with visceral hypersensitivity. Responses of wide dynamic range neurons in dorsal horns of the spinal cord were observed through the extracellular recordings. Mast cells (MC) activity in the colons of rats were assessed, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor (5-HT3R) and 5-HT4R expressions in the colons were measured. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, responses of wide dynamic range neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord were increased in the EA at 1 mA and 3 mA groups (1 mA: 0.84 +/- 0.74 vs 2.73 +/- 0.65, P < 0.001; 3 mA: 1.91 +/- 1.48 vs 6.44 +/- 1.26, P < 0.001) and Mox at 43 degrees C and 46 degrees C groups (43 degrees C: 1.76 +/- 0.81 vs 4.14 +/- 1.83, P = 0.001; 46 degrees C: 5.19 +/- 2.03 vs 7.91 +/- 2.27, P = 0.01). MC degranulation rates and the expression of 5-HT, 5-HT3R and 5-HT4R in the colon of Mox 46 degrees C group were decreased compared with model group (MC degranulation rates: 0.47 +/- 0.56 vs 0.28 +/- 0.78, P < 0.001; 5-HT: 1.42 +/- 0.65 vs 7.38 +/- 1.12, P < 0.001; 5-HT3R: 6.62 +/- 0.77 vs 2.86 +/- 0.88, P < 0.001; 5-HT4R: 4.62 +/- 0.65 vs 2.22 +/- 0.97, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The analgesic effects of Mox at 46 degrees C are greater than those of Mox at 43 degrees C, EA 1 mA and EA 3 mA.