Step into the Path of Alchemy
We are dedicated to promoting Inner Alchemy to empower, inform, and motivate people toward the path of living authentically. Teaching from the Daoist Alchemy tradition, we focus on living an authentic and true-to-self life from the understandings of the ancient Chinese Five Elements, the Thirteen Ghost Points, the Starry Sky points, and the esoteric wisdom of Alchemical spiritual cultivation (a path that encompasses Nine Stages). We do this for both self-cultivators and practitioners who want to guide others.
Why Alchemy?
In ancient times, Alchemists chose a different way — not to be tossed by life’s storms, but to navigate with intention and wisdom. They sought something greater than success or status: to become a “Zhen Ren,” a realized human being who embodies all Five Elements in harmony.
This is the path of transformation — and we believe it’s a road truly worth taking.
Explore Your Alchemical Journey
Alchemy is not a one-size-fits-all journey. That’s why we offer two distinct paths—one for self-cultivators and one for healing practitioners. Both begin with the same powerful foundations of Alchemical wisdom, then unfold in ways that support your unique intentions, whether you’re seeking personal transformation or deepening your work with others.
The Self-Cultivator Path is designed for those wanting to develop emotional awareness, spiritual connection, and energetic balance through embodied practice and insight.
The Practitioner Path is for acupuncturists, bodyworkers, energy workers, and healing professionals ready to move beyond protocols into the deeper energetic, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of healing—transforming not only how you work, but who you are within the work.
Everyone Starts Here…
Our Alchemy Introduction package provides a foundational education for personal transformation and growth. Choose the payment option that works for your life right now. We want the investment to support your practice, not create stress.
Self-Cultivator Path
For those called to deepen their inner world—this path supports emotional awareness, energetic balance, and spiritual growth through Alchemical practice.
Understand Our Approach
- Five Elements primer free book
- Intro to Alchemy
- Intro to Alchemical Meditation
- Podcast teaching for modern life
- Discover Heart-Centered Alchemy
Essential Foundations
- Five Elements
- Nine Palaces
Personal Exploration
Ongoing Practice
Deep-Dive Programs
12-week Programs
- Alchemy Immersion (begins in March!)
- Alchemy Stone Medicine
- Five Spirits (coming soon)
- Alchemy Plant Spirit Medicine (coming in May)
Mastery Level
6-10 Month Programs
- Master Alchemy Apprenticeship Program
- Facilitating transformation for self & others
Practitioner Path
For healers ready to move beyond technique—this path reveals the deeper energetic and spiritual layers that transform both your practice and yourself.
Understand Our Approach
- Five Element primer – Connecting Your Circle Book
- Intro to Alchemical Meditations
- What is Alchemical Chinese Medicine
- Thirteen Ghost Points
Essential Foundations
Core Courses
Clinical Exploration
Clinical Techniques
- Alchemy & Ghost Points
- Advanced Alchemical Five Element Energetics
- Alchemical Rapport and Professional Intimacy
- Removing Obstacles with the Nine Palaces
- And many other techniques!
Deep-Dive Programs
12-Week Immersions
- Alchemy Immersion (enrolling now!)
- Alchemy Plant Spirit Medicine (coming in May)
- Alchemy Stone Medicine (coming in September
- Five Spirits (coming soon)
Mastery Level
6-10 Month Programs
- Master Alchemy Apprenticeship Program
- Facilitating transformation for self & others
What Our Students & Alumni Say…
“I feel like it’s really changing how I interface with the world. I feel like it’s giving me the tools that I need to develop my relationships and my passions. It’s allowing me to just live the life I really want to live. I think if you’re ready for change, that it’s the perfect thing. Sometimes it’s a little scary – change always is. But if you’re ready to do it and want to experience more out of life, I think it’s a perfect way to get that.”
“Leta and Jaye have a wonderful ability to create sacred space and hold the container for everyone. I felt completely at ease, and I learned SO MUCH!! This medicine is amazing, and I am so grateful they are sharing it.”
“I’ve done other trainings in other alternative healing methods, but I’ve never been in a program like this where I felt so held and where I could really have a personal relationship with my mentors.”
Upcoming Events
Meditation Mondays
Every 2 weeks from 6:00p – 7:00p
Five elements Friday
Every 2 weeks from 5:00p – 6:00p
Alchemical Chinese Medicine Protocols for Shen Disturbances, Pain, and Neurological Disorders
Every 2 weeks from 5:00p – 6:00p
Who We Are
We’re Leta Herman and Jaye McElroy. We run the Alchemy Healing Center in Northampton, Massachusetts, where we practice what we teach. And we created the Alchemy Learning Center because Daoist Inner Alchemy changed our lives completely.
For over two decades, we’ve immersed ourselves in esoteric traditions—studying with teachers in the Shang Qing lineage of Daoist alchemy, plant spirit medicine practitioners, and bodywork masters. We’ve synthesized all of this into a comprehensive teaching system that honors the ancient wisdom while making it accessible for modern seekers and practitioners.
This isn’t about collecting more techniques. It’s about transformation—yours first, then maybe helping others with theirs.
