Internal Alchemy Q&A

Internal Alchemy or Nei Dan (內丹) is China’s most important contribution to the world. Internal Alchemy provides a set of principles and techniques for the sincere practitioner to transcend the mundane and realize perfection in this lifetime.

Stated classically, the Nei Dan practitioner transmutes the three treasures of the body, Jing (精) Qi (氣) and Shen (神) to reunite with the Dao (道). For this reason, Nei Dan is also sometimes called “Immortality Training.”

Many forms of Qigong (氣功), also called Nei Gong (內功) are influenced by Nei Dan. However, even if Nei Dan can be called the highest the form of Qigong, all Qigong is not Nei Dan. Qigong, however, can be very good preparation for beginning Nei Dan practice.

Here are a few questions we have recently answered about Internal Alchemy.

I’ve read some books on Sexual Alchemy. They say the Chinese Southern School of Taoist Nei Dan is based on Sex. How can I learn these techniques?

Why do practitioners call the Dao De Jing a Nei Dan classic when the academics say Nei Dan was invented much later?

I have heard that there are various stages of realization in Internal Alchemy 100, 10 month, 9 years. On the other hand I have heard that it happens instantly. Which one is it?

Does Nei Dan require work?

What do Virgins have to do with Internal Alchemy?

How do I start learning Internal Alchemy?

Can anyone prove the theory of Internal Alchemy?

Why are there so many different schools and techniques in Internal Alchemy? Which one is best?

Could you tell us a little more about your Chinese Internal Alchemy teachers?

What is Zhao Bi Chen’s system of Internal Alchemy? 赵避尘