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According to the *Zhubing Yuanhou Lun* (Treatise on the Pathogenesis and Manifestations of All Diseases): In mountains and near waters, there are sand mites (*shashi*), which are extremely tiny insects invisible to the naked eye. When bathing in water or drawing water for washing, these insects attach to the body; walking through grass on rainy days also leads to attachment. They then burrow into the skin. Initially, a bright red spot appears on the skin, resembling a small bean or millet grain. Rubbing the red area causes pain like a needle prick. After three days, it causes stiffness and pain in all joints, accompanied by alternating chills and fever, and the red area develops sores. If the insect gradually penetrates to the bone, it can be fatal. After bathing in mountain streams, if one feels a prickling sensation like bristles when drying with a towel, careful inspection may reveal the insect, which can be picked out and brushed away with a bamboo pin. If the insect has burrowed deep, use a needle to extract it, similar to treating scabies mites; if it cannot be extracted, apply moxibustion (three to four cones) to the affected area, which is said to kill the insect.

According to the *Baopuzi*: Sand mites exist both in water and on land. People are inevitably infested when treading or wading immediately after heavy rain or during early morning and dusk. Infestation only ceases when the sun is intense and vegetation is dry. The mite is as large as the tip of a hair. Upon attaching to a person, it burrows into the skin. The site feels like a thorn; slight contact causes severe pain, and it can be extracted with a needle. It is bright red like cinnabar and can move while attached to fingernails. If not extracted promptly, the mite burrows to the bone and wanders throughout the body. Its pathology is similar to that of the "Shexiang" (a mythical venomous creature), and both can be fatal. After passing through areas inhabited by these insects, upon returning home, one should perform full-body self-moxibustion with fire; this heat causes the insects to fall off. Carrying pills such as Shexiang Wan (Musk Pill), Yu Hu Wan (Jade Pot Pill), or Xijiao Wan (Rhinoceros Horn Pill) provides protection against sand mites and Duahu (another venomous creature). If these medicines are unavailable, wearing fresh Musk is also beneficial. Mixing realgar (*Xionghuang*) and garlic in equal parts, pounding them into a pill the size of a chicken egg, and carrying it is also effective. Applying this medicine to the sores also leads to recovery. Additionally, chewing and drinking the juice of *Amaranthus tricolor* root (*Chixian Gen*) is curative.

The *Ge Shi Fang* (Prescriptions by Master Ge) for treating sand mite toxicity:
Take ten jin (approx. 5 kg) of garlic, place it in hot ashes to warm until hot. Cut the garlic and apply the hot pieces to the sores. After using all ten jin, apply seven cones of moxibustion to the sores.

Another prescription:
Two *Mylabris* beetles (*Banmao*). Roast one, powder it, and administer orally. Burn the other until it turns to ash, powder it, and apply the ash into the sore; immediate recovery occurs.

Yet another prescription:
When traveling in mountains, carry salt in a bamboo tube. Frequently inspect the body for infestation. If found, apply salt to the affected area.

The *Ji Yao Fang* (Essential Prescriptions) for treating sand mite toxicity:
Mix musk and garlic, pound them together, blend with sheep fat, and carry the mixture in a tube. This is highly effective.

Su Jing’s commentary on the *Bencao* notes: Boil green onion stems, soak them, pound them, or prepare a decoction, and apply externally as a poultice; this yields great efficacy.