Objective To explore the effects and mechanisms of the long-snake moxibustion on ankylosing spondylitis(AS) based on Th17/Treg/Th1 immune imbalance. Methods A total of 60 AS patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the observation group, the long-snake moxibustion therapy was used on the acupoints of the governor vessel from Dazhui(GV 14) to Yaoshu(GV 2) as well as the bilateral Jiaji(EX-B 2) alternatively. The moxibustion was given once a day, for 7 d...