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The Tao can be understood in three ways: "the way of ultimate reality…

- - - - this goal is often referred to as "aligning with the Tao," which relies on the idea of wu wei
        
        wu wei when translated for effective meaning instead of literal translation refers to "pure effectiveness and creative quietude" (H1196-197)
        
        creative quietude is the practice of setting "the foundations of the self in tune with Tao and [letting] behavior flow spontaneously" (H196). Water is considered the best teacher and model of this action H197
        
        Taoism comprehensively relies on certain concepts, including the relationship between the "traditional Chinese" Yin and Yang energies. The outer ring is meant to represent the Tao, while Yin and Yang comprise the center, or the "ultimate reality." Yin and Yang are opposites, but Taoists regard them simultaneously and with equal importance.
        
        A notable system of study based on this relationship of Yin and Yang is known as alchemy. The goal of this practice or study is to change one of the 5 elements, better thought of as "the five forces of earthly life," into another.
        
        These 5 forces are referred to as "the Wu Xing system," and include "Fire, Water, Wood, Metal, and Earth." They're referred to as forces because the concept does not pertain to physical matter so much as the "vital essence" of it. This concept is integral to "many traditional Chinese fields of study[, ... explaining] a wide array of phenomena "Wikipedia "Chinese Alchemy" and "Wu Xing"
        
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        Yin and Yang (H202)
  - - - This sort of tao which vitalizing Taoists believe "courses through them" unless it is "blocked" for some reason, is called ch'i-- "vital energy" or or more literally, "breath" (H191).
        
        In order to "maximize" this ch'i, vitalizing "Taoists worked with three things: matter, movement, and their minds" (H191)
        
        Vitalizing Taoists attempted many experiments in the effort to "maximize ch'i," including ritual dieting, meditation, and sexual encounters (H191)