Highlights • Electroacupuncture promotes swallowing by increasing expression of 5-HT1 A in the NTS. Abstract Somatic stimulation therapy, such as electroacupuncture (EA), has been widely applied in the clinic to treat dysphagia. However, its underlying mechanism has remained unknown. In the present study, the effect of EA at acupoints Fengfu (DU16) and Lianquan (RN23) on swallowing activities and the involvement of 5-HT 1A in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) were examined in anesthetized rats. EA at DU16 and RN23 significantly evoked myoelectric activity of the mylohyoid muscle, which was attenuated by injection of 10 nmol 5-HT 1A antagonist (WAY-100635) into the NTS. Meanwhile, 5-HT 1A expression in the NTS increased following EA. The results suggested that EA at DU16 and RN23 promotes swallowing activity, and 5-HT 1A in the NTS may play an important role in the excitatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]