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Clay pot combined with thunder-fire moxibustion improves sleep quality and wound healing 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 vs 11.30) and higher wound cure rates (26.67% vs 3.33%) compared to conventional treatment alone. The intervention also reduced local symptom scores and pain scores.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Clinical Study of Clay Pot Combined With Thunder Fire Moxibustion in the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Wounds in Department of Orthopedics.

rct

Zhang G, Li FS, Lin M, Huang JS · Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research (2026)

Participants: 60
Duration: Not specified (study period June 2022 to December 2024)
Intervention: Clay pot therapy combined with thunder-fire moxibustion added to conventional treatment (anti-infective therapy, debridement, microcirculation improvement, neurotrophic support)
Outcome: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, wound healing rate, local symptom scores, pain scores
Effect Size: N/A (only mean differences reported)
Population: 60 orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds from a class III hospital in Guangdong Province, China

Result: 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.

PubMed: 42394157DOI: 10.12659/MSM.951574

Mechanism Graph

Clay pot therapy and thunder-fire moxibustion may improve local microcirculation and reduce inflammation
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Reduced pain and local symptoms alleviate treatment-related anxiety
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Improved comfort and reduced anxiety promote better sleep quality
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Result: Enhanced wound healing and improved sleep quality

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (n=60) from a single hospital limits generalizability
  • ⚠No blinding or sham control, increasing risk of placebo effect and performance bias

Frequently Asked Questions

What is thunder-fire moxibustion?▼

Thunder-fire moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique using a special moxa stick that produces heat and smoke, applied to acupoints to promote healing and reduce pain.

How was sleep quality measured in this study?▼

Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated self-report questionnaire assessing sleep patterns and disturbances over the past month.

Did the control group receive any treatment?▼

Yes, the control group received conventional treatment including anti-infective therapy, debridement, measures to improve microcirculation, and neurotrophic support.

What were the key differences between the two groups?▼

The observation group had significantly higher wound cure rate (26.67% vs 3.33%), lower pain scores (1.89 vs 2.97), and better PSQI scores (9.58 vs 11.30) compared to the control group.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.