Chinese medicine and other natural healing techniques are very much related to Taoism's concern for longevity and good health. This concern has been expressed in various ways:

• Chemical alchemy and the search for the "elixir of life" - an actual chemical/mineral substance to be ingested (the "fountain of youth"). More typical pursuit in ancient and medieval China.

• Also includes various physical disciplines involving the foods we eat, control of sexual energies and other yogic techniques.

Meditation: Alchemy was also interpreted metaphorically to become "inner alchemy" (spiritual transformation)

• Alchemy attempts to transform minerals (e.g., lead into gold). Inner Alchemy meditation seeks to transform the practitioner.

• Taoist meditation attempts to harness the Chi energy and free or extend the spirit beyond this life. Transformation from material to spiritual life.

• Involves visualization and breathing techniques focused on the solar plexus (just below the navel).

Healing techniques: the desire and search for long life is also expressed in a general concern for good health: herbal medicines and healing techniques, natural (holistic) health (e.g., acupressure, acupuncture, Chi Gong) and exercise (especially Tai Chi Chuan).

• All of this is based on an understanding of the underlying cosmic forces pervading all of life and the cosmos and expresses a positive view of life in this world - a view, however, which is not entirely materialistic in nature (since metaphysical or spiritual forces are seen to pervade this life).

Religious Taoism: (in response to Buddhism’s entry into China)

• Various sects organize from 1st - 5th cent. CE

• As much Chinese folk religion as "Taoist", draws on belief in spirits.

• A parallel is seen between the microcosmic realm of "inner alchemy" mediation and the macrocosmic realm wherein the effects of inner transformation also effect a transformation in the outer cosmos.

• Priests, trained in and prepared by this meditation, perform rituals to placate the spirits, to protect from or ward off evil spirits (exorcisms), perform blessings, funerals and other rites.

• Various sects arose over time in different geographical areas, each providing its own scriptural sources. Over 1000 separate texts developed and accepted by 15th cent. with later supplements added.

• Deification of local and cultural heroes including Lao Tzu - the "Immortals" residing in a heavenly court ruled by the legendary "Jade Emperor" (perhaps influenced by Mahayana Buddhism’s tendency to deify Bodhisattvas)

• Home shrines and domestic ritual also abound.