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About Dao De Center

The Daoist Center “Dao De”, founded in St. Petersburg in 2005 by Dmitry Alexandrovich Artemyev, emerged from over 25 years of dedicated research into Chinese traditions, Daoism, and martial arts. Artemyev, a disciple of Professor E.A. Torchinov, sought authentic knowledge by consulting written sources and connecting with more than 200 masters of Qigong, internal alchemy, and martial arts during visits to China.

Expansion to the West

In 2014, the Center expanded beyond Russia when Master A.A. Khokhlov, the Chief Instructor, launched online classes on traditional Daoism, making these teachings accessible to students around the world. This initiative marked the beginning of a thriving global Daoist community centered around the Dao De philosophy.

Many students start their journey with Daoist Qigong (Dao-gong), known for its balancing effects on health and well-being. Then eventually also joined the advanced Yuxianpai Daoist Alchemy under Master A.A. Khokhlov.

Since March 2023, the Wu Liupai Daoist School has opened its doors to international students, becoming a cornerstone of the Daoist Center's offerings. Today, students often practice Wu Liupai as their primary focus and continue to engage with Yuxianpai as a complementary system.

You can learn with us the Broad Northern Method of Wu Liupai and the Ancient Northern Method of Wu Liupai

Traditional Daoist Qigong System

Learn to feel the Qi and develop it greatly!

Dynamic methods from special Masters in China used for the development of “Qi sensations” and the opening of energy channels in the body, balancing the system, calming emotions and heart.

Correct Attitude Toward Self-Cultivation in Daoist Practices

1. Enter Relaxation

Relaxation and comfort are the foundation of Daoist practices at Dao De. For beginners, these principles are often more important than mastering the exercises themselves. Many new practitioners start out feeling tense and self-conscious, as though they are being watched or judged, performing the exercises mechanically rather than flowing naturally from within.

This contrasts with practices like dance or gymnastics, which emphasize repeating movements based on external aesthetics. However, these forms can disrupt the natural flow of Qi energy. In Daoist practice, while it is essential to follow the instructor’s external form as closely as possible, there are key differences:

1. Instructors understand the structure of energy channels and can correct mistakes that affect Qi flow.
2. The primary goal in Daoism is to develop internal sensitivity to Qi energy and to build a stable structure over time. These internal changes appear gradually, emerging from consistent practice over months and years—not from external perfection alone.

2. Don’t Strain Yourself

Many people approach physical practices with the belief that they need to push through discomfort, strain, and effort to achieve results. While some effort is necessary to maintain proper alignment, overexerting during Qigong or Daoist alchemical practices is counterproductive.

• Straining the body strains the mind and blocks the natural flow of Qi energy.
• When Qi cannot circulate freely, it disrupts blood flow and energy movement, leading to imbalances.
• Prolonged tension can even cause deviations or illness over time. The practice should feel light, smooth, and effortless, creating conditions for energy to move freely throughout the body.

3. Cultivate Internal Harmony

A key goal of Daoist practice is to develop the ability to control one’s internal state, aligning mind and body into a harmonious flow. Practitioners learn to find comfort in every movement and situation. Through regular practice, this inner harmony extends beyond the training sessions into daily life.

Even without focusing on the power of the techniques or the instructor’s guidance, regular attendance builds character and cultivates patience, confidence, and self-awareness. These qualities gradually permeate every aspect of life, helping the practitioner feel at ease and balanced in both practice and daily activities.

"Dao is not a religion. It's scientific knowledge, verifiable and repeatable, accessible to anyone."

Our Lineages and Connections

The Dao De Center maintains deep connections with respected schools and lineages, including:

• Wu Liupai Daoist School
• Yuxianpai Daoist School
• Chinese Daoist Association
• Wu-Hao Lineage of Taijiquan
• Dai and Che Lineages of Xingyiquan
• Traditional Medical Qigong and other related practices

Join Us: Start Your Practice Today

For the first time, the Wuliupai Daoist School is offering an online group class focusing on the Broad Northern Method of traditional Daoist meditation and Qigong.

The class is led by Dean Taylor, a long-term disciple of Master A.A. Khokhlov, who began his practice in 2014 when the first Wuliupai classes were introduced in the West. With years of experience, Dean Taylor brings a deep understanding of both the foundations and advanced principles of Daoist practice, making these teachings accessible to students of all levels.

These live Skype classes will guide you through a carefully curated set of exercises designed to:

• Relax the body and mind
• Strengthen health and vitality
• Lay a foundation for advanced Daoist methods

Our approach combines joint gymnastics with seated meditation, suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Newcomers can quickly learn and keep pace with the group, while experienced students refine their techniques and deepen their practice.

What You’ll Experience in Our Classes

During your first session, you’ll likely notice:

• A warmth spreading through your body
• Mental relaxation and emotional peace
• Improved sleep and recovery from daily stress
• A sense of calm and focus

Key Features of Our Method:

• Simple and easy-to-learn practices
• Joint gymnastics to strengthen the body and open the joints and channels
• Differentiation of the methods for men and women
• Three types of seated meditation

Class Details

• Platform: Skype
• Duration: 50 minutes to 1 hour
• Access: Participants receive access immediately after payment by joining the appropriate Skype group.

Opportunities to Train in China

In 2024, many of our students had the opportunity to travel to China and participate in events organized by the Chinese Daoist Association. This year, we attended Laozi's birthday celebration in Liuyi, China, and took part in an intensive training session in the Daoist Mountains led by Master A.A. Khokhlov.

"A teacher can transmit methods, but its up to the student to do their own practice, in Daoism it’s called self-cultivation."

Daoist Inner Alchemy System – Yuxianpai

Ancient Northern Inner Alchemy

Ancient Northern Method of Daoist Inner Alchemy, includes special methods from Ma Dan Yang to restore the major 5 organs and open 8 Extraordinary channels in preparation for gathering Yuan Qi (Original Energy).

Meditation Not Working?

Why isn’t meditation working? Does consciousness weaken and drift off into sleep? Does your body ache after just a few minutes of sitting? You’re not alone—many people struggle with these issues, yet clear explanations of how to overcome them are hard to find.

What Happens to the Body During Meditation?

Discussions about the physical effects of meditation are often limited to surface-level observations, like a decrease in heart rate, slower breathing, reduced circulation, cooling of the body, and eventual stiffness or discomfort. However, Daoist tradition offers deeper insights into these challenges.

The Daoist View on Meditation

In Daoism, meditation is recognised but not central—it is one tool among many, and its purpose is clearly defined  The principle behind meditation is that "sitting produces Yin." This means that prolonged sitting shifts the balance toward passivity and rest, which can become excessive if not balanced by activity.

Modern practitioners often face difficulties because their bodies lack sufficient Yang energy—the force of activity and vitality necessary for balanced meditation. Without enough Yang, meditation becomes uncomfortable, with wandering thoughts and physical discomfort.

The Secret: Adding Yang

Success in meditation requires Yang energy—strength and vitality. This is the core secret across all Daoist traditions:

Dao is the balance of Yin and Yang.

Unfortunately, most modern approaches fail to address this, leaning too far toward either complete rest or maximum activity. Neither extreme leads to sustainable balance or harmony.

Signs of Incorrect Practice in Sitting Meditation

Many meditation systems emphasize correct posture—typically seated in lotus position with hands together, practicing special internal techniques. Proper meditation develops key skills, such as:

• Entering a state of peace
• Clearing the mind of thoughts
• Stabilizing emotions
• Slowing and calming the breath
• Relaxing the body
• Releasing tension and muscular tightness
• Calming the nervous system and psyche

However, if your practice shows any of the following signs, it may indicate that your method is flawed or needs correction.

Common Signs of Incorrect Meditation Practice

1. Headaches

   • Headaches during or after meditation can occur due to poor preparation, mental strain, or unresolved tension in the body.
   • An excess of thoughts or stress during meditation can also trigger headaches.

2. Pressure in the Head or Neck

   • Some modern meditation systems mistakenly interpret this as a sign of “purification,” but it’s usually a symptom of tension and poor relaxation techniques.

3. Fatigue After Practice

   • Feeling tired after meditation often indicates improper body preparation. Entering meditation without physical readiness can drain your energy instead of rejuvenating it.
   • Adjusting your practice under the guidance of an experienced instructor is essential to correct this.

4. Aggressiveness or Irritability

   • If blood and Qi do not flow smoothly due to poor preparation, you may feel agitated after meditation. This is not a sign of emotional purification but rather improper circulation and preparation.

5. Body Pain and Discomfort

   • Meditation without adequate physical preparation can cause pain, particularly in the joints and muscles. A good meditation system incorporates practices to prepare the body in advance.

6. Abundant Thoughts

   • Persistent thinking during meditation suggests that the body and mind are not prepared for deep stillness. With correct practice, thoughts should gradually diminish, eventually reaching complete stillness.

7. Trembling Muscles

• Muscle tremors can occur when the tendons and muscles are not properly trained or when essential factors of the practice are overlooked. A well-balanced meditation practice should feel harmonious and pleasant, without these disruptions.