OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of different duration of mild moxibustion in superficial gastritis patients with deficiency cold pattern of spleen and stomach. METHODS: A total of 84 superficial gastritis patients were randomly divided into moxibustion-20 min group, moxibustion-40 min group and medication (Ranitidine) group, with 28 cases in each group. Mild moxibustion was applied to bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12, odd days), Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21, even-numbered days) for 20 min and 40 min respectively, once daily for 20 days. The symptom integrative score o...