What Is the Taoist-Lifestyle Academy
The Taoist-Lifestyle Academy offers a complete curriculum in Taoist Internal Alchemy (Neidan 內丹) within the living transmission of the Southern Alchemical Tradition (南宗 Nánzōng).
Its lineage unfolds from Zhang Boduan (張伯端) through Dr. Fu Qinglong (傅青龍) to Prof. Dr. Dan K. J. Vercammen — a sinologist, anthropologist, and scholar-practitioner whose lifelong research and embodied experience bring the Taoist arts into contemporary life. He is one of the few Western scholars who unites rigorous academic study with the direct practice of Internal Alchemy, bridging classical Taoist philosophy, philology, and embodied cultivation.
The Academy integrates textual study, embodied practice, and guided cultivation, offering students a structured yet personal way to refine Jing/Essence (精), Qi (氣), and Shen/Consciousness (神) until study and life flow as one movement.
The Three Stages of Study
Stage 1
RU 入
Internalization
RU marks the entry into alchemical study — the stage of transforming Jing (精) and restoring natural order in body and breath.
The work begins with Daoyin (導引), standing and seated meditation, and the cultivation of stillness within movement (靜中有動).
One learns to align body, breath, and awareness so that the Original Qi (元炁) may be produced again.
Goals
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Fulfil the main requirements of alchemical practice
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Acquire fundamental knowledge of Taoist Internal Alchemy (Neidan 內丹) and philosophy
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Develop the ability to practise independently
Key Studies
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Philosophy of Change (Yijing 易經)
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Taoist Philosophy: Daodejing 道德經 / Laozi 老子
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Introduction to the Taoist Alchemical and Medical Body
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Ming and Xing/Integration of Body and Mind (命·性) Fundamentals
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Internal Practice: Activation of the Dantian/Field of Cinnabar through Daoyin (導引), Yuanqigong (元氣功), Taijiquan (太極拳), Baguazhang (八卦掌), Xinyiliuhequan (心意六合拳)
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Quiet Practice/Jinggong (靜功)
Outcome: develop a firm foundation; discover stillness and relaxation; strengthen the body; learn to concentrate.
Stage 2
QIAO & JIAO 竅 / 交 Creating Apertures and Exchange
This is the alchemical phase of refining Qi (炁).
Through Yuanqigong (元氣功) practice, Minor Circulating Heaven (小周天), and related methods, the internal circulations harmonise. The alchemical pathways of the body open up and interconnect.
Thoughts and emotions withdraw and the mind returns to its natural clarity.
Goals
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Deepen alchemical practice and inner circulations to join with external circulations
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Advance understanding of the (Southern) Alchemical Tradition
Key Studies
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Taoist Philosophy: Zhuangzi 莊子 and related texts
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Advanced Alchemical Body Study: Neijingtu/Chart of the Inner Pathways 內經圖, Xiuzhentu/Chart of Restoring Authenticity 修真圖
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Ming & Xing (命·性) Integration
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Intensive Jing/Quietude (靜功) and Dong/Moving (動功) practice to further develop the Dantian and alchemical circulations
Outcome: the integrity and stability of body and person are enhanced; movement and stillness are no longer separate.
Stage 3
CHU 出
Externalization
CHU is the stage of refining Shen/Consciousness (神) and the return to the Origin (返本還原).
Through intensive alchemical practice, one's transformation becomes visible and clear; the practitioner learns to surpass the body's limitations and to unite with the Way (Dao 道) directly.
Goals
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Cultivate external integration and natural alignment with the world
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Study of the sources and applications of Southern Alchemy
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Live Taoist Alchemy (Daojia Xiulian 道家修煉) as an embodied way
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Be able to teach introductory practice (after obtaining permission)
Key Studies
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Personal guidance to reach refinement and unification of the alchemical process
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Dive deeper into the Southern Tradition
Outcome: the inner and outer are one; practice has become life itself.
Continuation After the Three Stages
The three stages form the foundation of the Taoist-Lifestyle Academy.
Those who complete them may apply to study as in-house disciples (室內弟子) under the personal guidance of Prof. Dr. Dan K. J. Vercammen.
End Evaluation
Before being considered for this advanced path, each candidate completes an end evaluation consisting of:
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Proof of Knowledge — demonstrating clear understanding of Taoist Internal Alchemy (Neidan 內丹) and its philosophy
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Proof of Practice — showing the embodied realisation of the Chu 出 stage
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In-Person Motivational Interview — held personally with Prof. Dr. Dan K. J. Vercammen.
Only upon successful completion of these steps a practitioner may be invited into the in-house Southern Tradition circle.
To preserve the depth and personal nature of the transmission, no more than two students are accepted as in-house disciples at the same time.
The In-House Path
This path unfolds in a hybrid rhythm of periodic in-person retreats and continuous online mentorship, deepening the alchemical process through direct supervision.
It continues the living current of the Southern Alchemical Tradition (南宗 Nánzōng) — sincere practice, lived refinement, and direct transmission.
Those who enter this stage cultivate the unity of study and life, where Taoist Alchemy (Neidan 內丹) becomes a living expression of the Way (Dao 道).
Practising in the Southern Tradition
The Taoist-Lifestyle Academy follows the Southern Alchemical Tradition (南宗 Nánzōng) — a path of balance, sincerity, and gradual transformation.
It emphasizes living Taoist Alchemy (Neidan 內丹) as a transforming way of be(com)ing — uniting body, energy, and consciousness through daily practice.
The Way of Yin and Yang
The Southern Tradition places equal importance on movement and stillness, Yin and Yang, study and embodied experience.
Cultivation unfolds through rhythm — breath, awareness, and the natural cycles of life.
Because this lineage arises from an embodied tradition, which emphasises equality, it is most complete when practised as a cultivation couple (修煉伴侶) — partners cultivating harmony through mutual refinement.
However, sincere practitioners can also walk this path individually, guided by harmonising their personal rhythm of study and practice with the flow of Nature.
The Living Lineage
Within the Academy, students engage in practices of Daoyin (導引), Yuanqigong (元氣功), and the Internal Martial Arts (Taijiquan 太極拳, Baguazhang 八卦掌 and Xinyiliuhequan 心意六合拳) along clear lineages, combined with the study of Taoist philosophy and alchemy.
Together, these form a complete path of refinement: from movement and breath to the transformation of the body and consciousness.
Learning Rhythm & Format
Each stage of the Academy follows the natural rhythm of cultivation — steady, sincere, and guided.
The program unfolds through a combination of online guidance, personal mentorship, and seasonal in-person retreats in Europe.
The Academy Rhythm
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Online Guidance Sessions — small group sessions to refine practice and understanding.
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Seasonal Retreats in France (or elsewhere in Europe) — opportunities for in-depth study and embodied alchemical work close to nature.
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Reflections & Dialogue — written or live discussions to deepen awareness and insight.
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Access to Recorded Teachings & Classical (translated) Texts — for ongoing study and review.
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Personal Mentorship Throughout Each Stage — direct supervision to align practice and comprehension.
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Minimum of One Year per Stage — each stage is self-paced yet guided, allowing time for natural integration and transformation; your personal development steers the study
This rhythm preserves the balance between continuity and spaciousness, supporting each practitioner’s individual process while maintaining connection to the living lineage.
Through this flow of study, reflection, and practice, Taoist Internal Alchemy (Neidan 內丹) becomes a lived rhythm — woven into life itself.
Faculty & Lineage
Prof. dr. Dan K. J. Vercammen — sinologist, anthropologist, and scholar-practitioner of Taoist Internal Alchemy (Neidan 內丹); founder of China Arts College and TASC (Taoist Alchemical Studies Centre).
Dan unites academic depth with five decades of embodied practice. Having lived, practised, and researched in Shanghai from the 1980s onwards, he trained mainly under Dr. Fu Qinglong (傅青龍) to become his foremost in-house and last disciple.
He has devoted fifty years to Taoist studies, Chinese philosophy, Internal Alchemy, and the Internal Martial Arts Taijiquan (太極拳), Baguazhang (八卦掌), and Xinyiliuhequan (心意六合拳), and almost forty years to continuing the Southern Alchemical Lineage (南宗).
Angela J. H. Verkade — founder and owner of Taoist-Lifestyle.com, Taoist Lifestyle Coach and Practitioner.
Specialized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Tuina, Foot Reflexology, and Chinese Internal Martial Arts, she integrates over twenty years of experience in movement arts and holistic health.
After an early background in gymnastics, dance, and martial arts, she built a successful career in ICT before returning to her true path of Traditional Chinese practices.
She was already practising Taijiquan and Medical Qigong when she met Prof. Dr. Dan K. J. Vercammen in 2017 — her teacher and later life partner. Under his guidance, she deepened her studies in Internal Alchemy (Neidan 內丹) and Dong and Yue Style Taijiquan.
Together, they guide Taoist-Lifestyle.com and the Taoist-Lifestyle Academy, continuing the living Southern Alchemical Lineage:
Zhang Boduan (張伯端) → Shi Tai (石泰) → Fu Ziling (傅子靈) → Fu Qinglong (傅青龍) → Dan K. J. Vercammen/An Woestenborghs/Angela Verkade → Taoist-Lifestyle Academy.
Eligibility & Application Process
The Taoist-Lifestyle Academy welcomes sincere practitioners who wish to learn or deepen their understanding of Taoist Internal Alchemy (Neidan 內丹) through dedicated, long-term study.
Admission is selective and based on motivation, readiness, sincerity, and alignment with the Academy’s rhythm and values.
Eligibility
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Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
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A foundation in Qigong, Taijiquan, or related internal practice is required.
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Previous completion of one or more Taoist-Lifestyle short programs is recommended.
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Applicants should demonstrate a consistent personal practice and genuine motivation for Taoist cultivation.
Application Process
The application process consists of three steps:
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Motivation & Background — describe your practice experience, Taoist interest, and reasons for applying.
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Short Online Interview — to clarify expectations and orientation within the faculty.
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Acceptance & Orientation Materials — successful applicants receive a welcome letter and study guidance.
All information is handled with discretion and sincerity.
Each applicant is personally reviewed by Prof. Dr. Dan K. J. Vercammen and/or Angela J. H. Verkade.
Only a limited number of students are accepted to ensure individual guidance and depth of study.
