Neidan

Inner alchemy, also known as neidan (内丹) in Chinese, is a Chinese spiritual practice that involves a combination of meditation, breathing exercises, and physical movements aimed at cultivating and transforming one's vital energy (or qi) to achieve spiritual enlightenment, longevity, and even immortality. The term "inner alchemy" is translated to Hebrew as כימיה פנימית. In Japanese, it is referred to as naiden (内丹), and in Korean, it is known as naedan (내단). This practice is deeply rooted in Taoist philosophy and is often associated with the broader tradition of Chinese alchemy, which also includes external alchemy (外丹, waidan) focused on the transformation of physical substances. Inner alchemy emphasizes the refinement and circulation of qi through specific energy pathways in the body, often visualized as the Microcosmic Orbit or Small Heavenly Circuit (小周天, xiaozhoutian). Practitioners aim to harmonize the body's energies, balance the yin and yang forces, and ultimately achieve a state of spiritual transcendence. The practice involves various techniques, including qigong, taiji quan (Tai Chi), and specific meditative visualizations. Inner alchemy has influenced other spiritual and martial arts traditions in East Asia and continues to be practiced today for both spiritual and health-related benefits.