Clay pot therapy combined with thunder-fire moxibustion improves sleep quality in orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds
In a randomized controlled trial of 60 orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds, those receiving clay pot therapy plus thunder-fire moxibustion (in addition to conventional treatment) showed significantly better Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (9.58 ± 1.56 vs 11.30 ± 2.15, P<0.05) compared to conventional treatment alone. The intervention also improved wound healing rates and reduced pain scores.
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Clay pot therapy combined with thunder-fire moxibustion improves sleep quality in orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Clay pot therapy combined with thunder-fire moxibustion improves sleep quality in orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds
This conclusion is most relevant to: 60 orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds from a class III hospital in Guangdong Province, China.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Clinical Study of Clay Pot Combined With Thunder Fire Moxibustion in the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Wounds in Department of Orthopedics. (Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026) — In a randomized controlled trial of 60 orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds, those receiving clay pot therapy plus thunder-fire moxibustion (in addition to conventional treatment) showed significantly better Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (9.58 ± 1.56 vs 11.30 ± 2.15, P<0.05) compared to conventional treatment alone. The intervention also improved wound healing rates and reduced pain scores.
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Clay pot therapy and thunder-fire moxibustion may reduce local inflammation and pain
- ▸Pain reduction decreases treatment-related anxiety
- ▸Lower anxiety and pain improve sleep quality
- ▸Result: Better PSQI scores and wound healing
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸60 orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds from a class III hospital in Guangdong Province, China
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Small sample size (n=60) from a single hospital limits generalizability
- ▸No blinding of patients or assessors, introducing potential bias
- ▸Short-term follow-up; long-term sleep quality effects not assessed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is thunder-fire moxibustion?▼
Thunder-fire moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving burning moxa (mugwort) near acupuncture points to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
How was sleep quality measured in this study?▼
Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated self-report questionnaire that evaluates sleep patterns and disturbances over the past month.
Did the intervention only improve sleep, or also wound healing?▼
The intervention improved both sleep quality and wound healing, with the observation group showing a significantly higher cure rate (26.67% vs 3.33%) and lower pain scores.
Is this treatment available outside of China?▼
Clay pot therapy and thunder-fire moxibustion are traditional Chinese medicine practices primarily available in China and some integrative medicine clinics globally, but not widely adopted in Western medicine.
References
- 1.Zhang G, Li FS, Lin M, Huang JS. “Clinical Study of Clay Pot Combined With Thunder Fire Moxibustion in the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Wounds in Department of Orthopedics..” Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026. PMID: 42394157 DOI: 10.12659/MSM.951574