Building a strong foundation for the path of spiritual enlightenment starts with Embryonic Breathing (Internal Elixir) qigong practice.

This third edition includes

Updated pinyin that includes diacritical tonal marks (for proper pronunciation of Chinese words).
Updated Chinese text character font (providing better readability).


Chinese Qigong can be generally categorized into external elixir (wai dan) and internal elixir (nei dan) qigong.
In order to reach the goal of longevity and spiritual enlightenment, the qigong practitioner must learn internal elixir qigong.
The first step to learning is to understand the theory and the method of embryonic breathing. Practicing this breathing technique will help you to establish your central energy system, conserve your energy, and store this energy to abundant levels. Once you have established this foundation, you will be able to practice small circulation /microcosmic orbit then grand circulation/macrocosmic orbit effectively. It is understood that without this foundation, the root of spiritual enlightenment will not be established and the study and the practice of spiritual enlightenment, through meditation, may be in vain.
Contents include

General concepts of qigong
Theoretical foundation of embryonic breathing
Translations and commentaries of ancient documents
The practice of embryonic breathing