What is Internal Alchemy 内丹?
Paul Peng
Internal alchemy, as opposed to Waidan (external alchemy), takes the human body as the "furnace and cauldron", essence, qi and spirit as the "medicinal ingredients", the application of will as the "fire control", and the "sacred embryo" formed in the body as Neidan.
The fundamental requirement of Neidan is the dual cultivation of nature and life: nature refers to the mind and character, while life refers to essence and qi. The ultimate realm of Neidan is that the yang spirit leaves the body, merges with the void, and unites with the great Dao.
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