Traditional Medicine and Ethnomedicine World Conference 2026

Abstract

Venous leg ulcer (VLU), the most advanced clinical manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency, is one of the most prevalent and challenging chronic wounds worldwide. It is characterized by delayed healing, frequent recurrence, persistent symptoms, and substantial deterioration in functional status and quality of life, thereby imposing a considerable burden on patients, healthcare systems, and society. The pathophysiology of VLU is complex and multifactorial, with sustained venous hypertension, microcirculatory dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and impaired tissue regeneration acting in concert to hinder wound healing. Although contemporary management strategies, including compression therapy, wound debridement, advanced dressings, and endovenous interventions, have improved clinical outcomes, major limitations remain, particularly with respect to prolonged treatment courses, high healthcare costs, and suboptimal patient adherence. In this context, the development of effective, safe, and accessible adjunctive therapies remains a pressing clinical priority.

Rooted in the traditional Chinese medicine principles of warming the meridians, promoting blood circulation, and strengthening vital qi, moxibustion has shown promising potential in the management of chronic wounds. This study aims to investigate both the clinical efficacy and the biological mechanisms of moxibustion in promoting wound healing in patients with VLU. A prospective, single center, single blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted, in which patients with VLU will be allocated to either a conventional treatment group or a moxibustion combined with conventional treatment group. Clinical outcomes will include wound healing rate, healing time, overall therapeutic response, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, Venous Clinical Severity Score, and Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life Questionnaire score.