What is the Huangya 黄芽?

Huangya is a term in Taoist health preservation.

Originally, it was used by external alchemists to refer to the bud-like substance generated in the alchemy tripod, which was regarded as a sign of the initial emergence of vitality. And because of its yellow color, it was named "Huangya". Internal alchemists borrowed it as a symbol of the sprouting of the innate vital energy.

*Wu Zhen Pian* (Awakening to Truth) states: "Only after the fire power is properly adjusted can the Huangya be gradually grown." This refers to the gradual generation and accumulation of innate vital energy during meditation, just like the newly sprouting yellow buds.