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Clay pot therapy combined with thunder-fire moxibustion improves sleep quality in orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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.

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

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100

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: 42394157 DOI: 10.12659/MSM.951574

Mechanism Graph

Clay pot therapy and thunder-fire moxibustion may reduce local inflammation and pain

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Pain reduction decreases treatment-related anxiety

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Lower anxiety and pain improve sleep quality

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Result: Better PSQI scores and wound healing

Limitations

⚠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.

Products

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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

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.