Objective The present study aimed to investigate the effects of “smoothen meridian and clear turbid dampness” (SMCTD) acupuncture on a model of acute gouty arthritis and explore its underlying mechanisms. Methods The model of acute gouty arthritis was induced in rats by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal injection. Next, the rats were treated with SMCTD acupuncture for 7 d or orally administered colchicine ( 1 mg / kg) for 7 d. Results MSU crystal injection induced a significant elevation in the concentrations of the serum proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Treatment with SMCTD acupuncture significantly reversed these MSU crystal- induced alterations (P<0. 05). The therapeutic effects of SMCTD acupuncture were further examined by histopathological examination. Exploration of the underlying mechanisms of its actions revealed that SMCTD acupuncture inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) pathway, which was induced by MSU crystal injection. SMCTD acupuncture also significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB p65 and the degradation of protein κB-α (IκBα) after the MSU crystal challenge. Conclusions Taken together, our findings demonstrate that SMCTD acupuncture has beneficial effects on MSU crystal-induced acute gouty arthritis, probably by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB/ IκBα signaling pathway.