What is Expelling the Stale and Inhaling the Fresh 吐故纳新?
Paul PengShare
Tu Na (Respiration), an ancient Taoist health-preserving technique. "Tu Na" refers to exhaling the stale qi from the chest through the mouth and then slowly inhaling fresh qi through the nose. *Zhuangzi·Ke Yi* states: "Blowing, breathing in and out, exhaling the stale and inhaling the fresh." That is to say, expel the stale qi and inhale the fresh qi. *Yunji Qiqian* holds that one can achieve immortality by absorbing vital qi and expelling dead qi.

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This article is part of our comprehensive guide covering all core Taoist philosophies, concepts, and practices — curated from the classic Encyclopedia of Taoism.
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About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
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