Ci Shi (Magnetitum)

Ci Shi (磁石), magnetite, heavily anchors ascendant yang and calms the spirit, benefits the Kidney and aids it in grasping the qi, and improves the hearing and vision.

Cí Shí  ·  磁石

Latin / Pharmaceutical Name

Magnetitum (magnetite)

Common English Name

Magnetite

Taste

Salty

Temperature

Cold

Channels Entered

Liver, Heart, Kidney

Actions & Functions

  • Anchors ascendant yang and calms the spirit
  • Benefits the Kidney and aids the grasping of qi (wheezing)
  • Benefits the ears and eyes (tinnitus, deafness, blurred vision)

Indications

Palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and tremor with rising yang; tinnitus, deafness and blurred vision from Kidney deficiency; and wheezing from the Kidney failing to grasp the qi.

Dosage

15-30 g, decocted first.

Common Combinations

With Zhu Sha and Shen Qu (Ci Zhu Wan) for the spirit, ears and eyes.

Cautions & Contraindications

Heavy and difficult to digest; use with caution in Spleen-Stomach deficiency and only briefly.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

Check Also

PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.