"A general orthodoxy can be seen in Taoism, and the Pill and Cauldron Sect falls outside it," points out Li Feng-mo, Orthodox Taoism takes talismanic writing as most important, while the Pill and Cauldron Sect sees alchemy as being paramount. Alchemy is also divided into outer practice, including converting cinnabar and physical exercise, and inner practice, including disciplining of the vital ch'i essence of life.
「道教可概分成正一、丹鼎兩大派別」，李豐楙指出，正一派以符籙為主，丹鼎派則以練丹為主。練丹又分外丹﹘﹘包括丹藥和導引術（即體操），和內丹﹘﹘練氣。