 We may begin by mentioning exorcism, a set of diverse practices based on the belief that illnesses and various other disturbances are caused by malevolent entities, including demons. The officiant who takes charge of these phenomena is the wu, a term that denotes a male or female medium or healer but is often translated as “shaman”. The wu is capable of dealing with the realm of demonic creatures and administers proper remedies—for example, protective talismans (fu) and herbal medicines—to those affected by such creatures. While these and analogous practices have continued to exist throughout the history of Daoism, it should be noted that the typical shamanic “trance” has never been part of Daoist practices.