Taoist alchemy (道教炼金术) is one of the most esoteric traditions in Chinese history — the pursuit of immortality through the refinement of body and spirit using alchemical substances and meditation techniques.
Two Types of Alchemy
External Alchemy (外丹): The search for physical immortality through ingesting elixirs made from cinnabar, mercury, lead, and other substances. Many alchemists died from mercury poisoning.
Internal Alchemy (内丹): The cultivation of immortality through meditation, breathing exercises, and sexual practices — focusing on cultivating qi within the body.
The Goal
Becoming an immortal (仙人, xiānrén) — transcending death through the refinement of the spirit and body. Historical records describe individuals who allegedly achieved immortality through these practices.
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