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The cultivation practice for women is more convenient and expedient than that for men. For women, from "Nourishing the True" (Yang Zhen) to "Fetal Breathing" (Tai Xi), two-thirds of the cultivation has already been achieved; unlike men's practice, which requires many stages of transformation before reaching the level of "Regulating the Spirit" (Tiao Shen). Therefore, in female-specific Daoist alchemy texts, after the completion of practices from "Nourishing the True" up to "Fetal Breathing," the records continue with external conduct cultivation (Wai Xing Gong). Only when there is surplus capacity in external conduct can one proceed to the matter of refining and regulating the spirit.

Why must the spirit be regulated? Because during the previous operation of circulating and refining Qi and Blood, the blood had already been transformed into Qi, and since Qi resides due to Blood, the Qi transforms into Spirit (Shen). At this stage, if one does not temper one's character and establish external conduct (moral and behavioral discipline), it is feared that the condensed Spirit will not remain stable, thereby losing the essence of Daoist alchemy and wasting prior efforts. Thus, upon reaching this stage of cultivation, one must adhere strictly to precepts and rules, refining one's nature and mind until they become as firm as a stubborn stone. One must refine repeatedly and polish repeatedly, until the Dao-heart blooms like a flower and the original substance shines brightly. At this point, the nature is purely nourished, the Spirit enters Samadhi (Ding), internal and external are pure and white, and inside and outside are transparent and exquisite. This is truly what is meant by: "A vast ice pot reflects light in the eyes, a bright moon mirrors in the deep pool," free from even a speck of dust, where form and appearance are empty. Upon reaching this state, during the operation of refinement, there naturally arises a mechanism of clarity, spiritual agility, and subtle transformation, illuminating the cavity of the heart. During prolonged stillness, one appears浑然 (hunran - completely integrated/unconscious) like a dead person, neither moving nor speaking, neither eating nor feeling hunger. At this time, one must be supported and cared for by others; one must not rashly shout or startle her because she has entered Samadhi. If startled rashly, it may damage the Spirit body, leading inevitably into demonic realms, causing significant harm.

Female cultivators at this stage must pay close attention and avoid errors. After entering Samadhi, one observes that her breath seems non-existent and her complexion unchanged, allowing it to gather and disperse naturally. Whether for one or two days, five or seven days, or over ten days, she must not be disturbed; day and night guardianship by others is required. Only when her nasal breath becomes faint and the light of the Spirit half-reveals itself, should one call her softly.

If, after exiting Samadhi, she immediately resumes ordinary diet and clothing according to her preferences, thereafter one must vigilantly guard against dangers at every step to prevent loss of the Dan Yuan (Elixir Origin). The subsequent practice continues until the cultivation reaches the stage of "Spirit Exiting the Body" (Chu Shen), after which there is no danger. Students of the Dao must remember this, exercise caution, and never neglect it.