Definition: Neidan is the Taoist practice of Inner Alchemy. In Inner Alchemy practice, the human body becomes a laboratory, in which the energetic elixirs of refined Jing, Qi and Shen (the "Three Treasures") are cultivated and circulated. It is contrasted with Waidan - Outer or External Alchemy - in which herbal or mineral formulas are ingested by the practitioner. In Inner Alchemy, the body, mind and breath of the Taoist practitioner are used to bring about internal transformations.
Neidan
By Elizabeth Reninger, About.com Guide
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