TAOIST ALCHEMY & BREATHING PRACTICE April 25 & May 30 2026
Details
A deep dive into Taoist breathwork, transformation, and internal alchemy through rare, classical teachings.
### What to Expect
A 2-day course that brings ancient Taoist breathing methods and alchemical insights into practical, embodied experience.
Delve into the realm of profound wisdom and holistic well-being with Taoist Alchemy and Breathing Practice. This enlightening 2-day course centers around the content of the intriguing manual, Wuxi Zhi Zhi or Direct Instructions for the Five Breathings, attributed to Bai Yunzhai, a Taoist figure from the 16th-17th century.
Researched and translated with meticulous attention by scholar-practitioner Dr. Dan Vercammen, this work is now an "open book", accessible to all. Originally published by the Internal Alchemy circle of the esteemed scholar and practitioner Chen Yingning (1880-1969), this translated text unveils the intriguing facets of Taoist breathing that are usually omitted in earlier texts. In this course we'll explore the culture of breathing both in theory and practice, in order to grasp the essence of this Taoist method and to provide a profound and comprehensive resource for your own practice.
#### Whether you're a qigong instructor, TCM practitioner, or simply curious, this series offers both theoretical depth and hands-on application—with direct guidance from the translator and practitioner himself.
Note: Best combined with the other Tao Series courses, but each part can also be followed independently. In September 2026, an advanced Taoist Internal Alchemy series begins. To participate, you best complete all Taoist courses from this year.
### Course Details
Location: East-West Room, House with the Heads
Language: English
Format: 2 full-day sessions (Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Lunch: A vegetarian lunch will be available at 12:00 AM.
Early Bird Price: €375 (until 25 March 2026)
Regular Price: €425 (from 26 March 2026)
* Combine & Save This course pairs perfectly with the Taoist Health, Healing & Prevention series. Register for both and receive a €50 discount.
Dates: April 25, 2026 & May 30, 2026
Tickets will be handled by the Embassy of the Free Mind
https://tickets.embassyofthefreemind.com/category/716/the-academy-of-the-free-mindProgram
1. Saturday April 25, 2026
Theory:
- From ordinary breath to embryonic breathing: the Taoist view of Qi and breath
- Qi and its role in health
- The transformation of Qi in Taoist Internal Alchemy
Practice:
- Experiencing the breath through awareness
- Foundational methods from the Wuxi Zhi Zhi manual
2. Saturday May 30 2026
Theory:
- Classical writings on breath: from early Qi circulation texts (Xingqi Ming), Heel Breathing (Zhongxi), and Embryonic Breathing (Taixi) to the Wuxi Zhi Zhi manual.
Practice:
- Tu gu na xin: Spitting out the old, taking in the new
- Listening to the breath; regulating Qi
- Closing and returning to Yuanxi (Original Breathing)
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### Optional Reading
The book Taoist Alchemy & Breathing Practice by Dan Vercammen is available on Amazon and other platforms. A limited number of copies (€20) will also be available for purchase during the workshop.
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### About the Hosts
A collaboration between the Academy of the Embassy of the Free Mind and [Taoist-Lifestyle.com](www.taoist-lifestyle.com), led by:
Dr. Dan K.J. Vercammen – Anthropologist-sinologist, Taoist physician, Chinese martial artist, and expert in Taoist internal alchemy. He is also an artist and author of over 30 publications on Chinese culture and martial arts.
Angela Verkade – Assistant and practitioner.
Want to know more? Please do not hesitate to reach out at anijs@efm.amsterdam.