Inner Alchemy

The concept of “alchemy” presupposes changes that occur in a person and ensure the transformation of one substance into another. In the context of this chapter, the word "internal" means what happens within. Thus, we will talk about the changes occurring within a person.

Internal alchemy has not become as famous as "external alchemy". In the West, the understanding of external alchemy is associated with the transformation of base metals into gold, such as lead into gold. The alchemist's goal is to change the structure of matter. In the example given, this means the transformation of one metal into another. In modern scientific laboratories, such transmutations are not achievable (theoretically, this is possible with the explosion of a hydrogen bomb). If any of the alchemists had succeeded in this endeavor, and there is evidence that this happened, then the world's leading corporations would hardly have made such a discovery public, since the fear of losing super-profits would have kept them from taking this step. For example, oil tycoons would most likely bury the secret of turning water into gasoline. In the West, external alchemy is associated with the birth of modern chemistry, which developed in the late eighteenth century. However, if you try, even today you can find alchemists still trying to turn lead into gold.

In ancient China, attempts were also made to turn lead or cinnabar into gold. However, the main focus was on finding the elixir of immortality. By ingesting various substances, especially gold and cinnabar, people thought that they were taking the elixir of immortality. Many historical chronicles, legends and myths are devoted to this topic. The most ancient text dedicated to the research of Chinese alchemists is rightfully considered “Pao Pu Jiu” (the first part of the book is known as “Ney Pien”). The text is dated 320 BC and was written by Ko Han.

Despite the lack of historical evidence, there is reason to believe that external alchemy originated in the Bronze Age. The methods of smelting bronze from copper and tin must have been kept in the strictest confidence. Bronze weapons gave their owners an undeniable advantage over those who used weapons made of wood and stone. The Bronze Age was replaced by the Iron Age people began to use iron, and then steel. This phenomenon marked the next stage of technological progress. Considering the fact that until now knowledge about the structure of matter is very limited, one can hardly consider the faith of the alchemists devoid of meaning.

Ko Han not only searched for the elixir of immortality and methods of treatment using herbs and minerals, but also paid attention to breathing exercises, gymnastics, and correction of sexual functions, including delayed ejaculation to stimulate mental activity and sexual intercourse for health purposes. These techniques are based on knowledge about the five elements (elements - Translator's note) and the movement of energy within the body. Subsequently they became known as internal alchemy.
There are even more ancient books than Ney Pien, which describe the changes occurring within a person. However, they are so complex for the modern reader that there is no need to refer to them. There have been several English translations of these books over the past 20 years, but most are obscure, rendering them virtually useless.
As already mentioned, internal alchemy studies the changes that occur within a person. First, the unification of the energies of the five main internal organs is practiced, followed by harmonization of the energy flow and transformation of negative energy into positive energy. This is called the fusion of the five elements.

The ancient Taoists sought to find unity with the surrounding nature and the universe. According to their beliefs, man is a miniature model of the universe, or microcosm. In their opinion, in order to “connect” to the energy of the cosmos, you need to learn to manage the energy of your own inner universe. The process itself implied internal cleansing, freeing up space for the perception of the energy of the environment, the Earth, planets, stars and constellations. This is how the universe is created in miniature.
Much of Taoist concepts are inextricably linked to the concept of unity with the universe. This position often puzzles Western thinkers. I hope that after reading this book they will have a different perspective on the theory of wholeness and unity. Initially, internal alchemy exercises have proven to be effective they are associated primarily with the transformation of negative energy into positive energy, and it is this process that is fundamental.

The book will teach you Taoist exercises aimed at improving health, harmonizing sex life, rejuvenating the body and achieving longevity. It presents authentic Taoist exercises for inner transformation. First of all, you will learn to combine the energies of the body into a single energy flow, then harmonize it and, finally, transform it into positive energy. My statement may seem strange, but with the practice of inner alchemy you will see the truth of the above.