The vocabulary surrounding internal alchemy needs to be clarified. What’s the difference between Neigong, Neidan, Waidan, and Waigong?
Nei refers to the internal, and Wai refers to the external. Neidan is known as inner alchemy, and Neigong is known as inner work. While these terms may share some of the same practices, Neidan usually refers to the alchemy of the Three Treasures: Qi, Jing, and Shen. The same can be said for Waidan and Waigong. Waigong usually strengthens the physical self, and Waidan strengthens the external through a transformation (alchemy) process (mostly diet or herbs).
🌀 Neidan and Waidan
Transformation (alchemical) process of Qi, Jing and Shen.
🌀 Neigong and Waigong
Skill for working internally (Nei) or externally (Wai).
Some teachings or methods related to these terms:
- Neigong: Qigong, Taiji, Zhan Zhuang, Wuxing, Taiyi, Xingyi, Baguazhang.
- Neidan: Wuji, Zhan Zhuang, Baguazhang.
- Waigong: Hard Qigong, Iron Shirt, Sanda (Chinese Boxing).
- Waidan: Some Daoist Meditations, Herbal Medicine and Daoist Diet.
