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Chi Tong Xie (Red Copper Filings): Bitter and pungent in taste, slightly toxic. It can also set bones and heal injuries, with efficacy equal to that of Zi Ran Tong (Natural Pyrite), but its nature is toxic. *Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing* records it as the primary treatment for "zei feng" (thief wind) causing limb spasms and reversal, because wind qi communicates with the Liver; the Liver belongs to Wood, and Metal can subdue Wood. Its power is sufficient to weld human bones. For any injury to livestock, when finely ground and taken with wine, the medicinal force enters directly to the site of bone damage. After the animal dies, if the bones are examined, welding marks remain as verification. Cui Wu from Dingzhou fell from a horse and fractured his leg. The physician took copper filings mixed with wine for him to ingest, and he recovered. Ten years after his death, during exhumation, the fracture site of his tibia still showed traces of copper binding. However, repeatedly hammered soft copper is unsuitable for use. Chi Tong Xie primarily treats thief wind causing limb spasms. Heat red copper until red-hot, place five jin into two dou of wine, let it steep for a hundred cycles, then take orally.

Zi Ran Tong (Natural Pyrite): Born inheriting the qi of Earth and Metal, therefore its taste is pungent, nature is neutral, and it is non-toxic. It is produced in mountains containing copper. The collected pieces vary in shape and size, appearing greenish-yellow like copper. Since it is not smelted from ore, it is called Zi Ran Tong. For medicinal use, it must be calcined by fire and quenched in vinegar seven times, ground into fine powder, and processed by water flotation before use. It is a miraculous herb for entering the blood level, promoting blood circulation, reconnecting tendons, and setting broken bones. In cases of fractures or trauma, blood stasis causes pain. The pungent flavor can dissipate stagnant blood and break up accumulated qi, thereby stopping pain and allowing the injury to heal naturally. Thus, it eliminates blood stasis, expels pus, reconnects bones and tendons, and treats postpartum blood pathogenic factors. It stops palpitations and calms the mind. Taking it prepared with wine fully utilizes its properties. Once, someone fed Zi Ran Tong to a wild goose with a broken wing, and the goose subsequently flew away. Currently, for people suffering from contusions and injuries, Zi Ran Tong is finely ground and water-flown, then combined with equal parts (half qian each) of Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) and Mo Yao (Myrrh). It is taken with wine while massaging the painful area, yielding immediate results. Another prescription combines Zi Ran Tong with Ru Xiang (Frankincense), Mo Yao (Myrrh), E Chong (Asellus), ancient coins, hemp husk ash, Xue Jie (Dragon's Blood), and fetal bone, formed into pills. These are taken down with a strong decoction of Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root), Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root), Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), and Hong Hua (Carthamus Flower). This is most effective for treating contusions and injuries, or tendon severance and bone fractures caused by sharp weapons. However, discontinue use once the disease is cured; do not overdose, as it contains the toxicity of Fire and Metal. It works by using the drug's toxicity to attack the pathogen; if taken excessively after symptoms subside, it may cause the loss of healthy qi.

Zi Ran Tong treats contusions and injuries, sets bones, reconnects tendons, disperses blood stasis, and relieves pain from fractures. Calcined and quenched in vinegar, taken with warm wine, it achieves remarkable results instantly. However, in treating postpartum conditions, where qi and blood are often severely deficient, metallic minerals are generally inappropriate.