Alkahestry

Alkahestry (also called "Rentanjutsu", "Rendanshu" or "Purification Arts") refers to the slightly different form of Alchemy used in the country of Xing. Alkahestry differs from Alchemy in both its practice and its goal. Whereas Amestrian Alchemy claims to have its roots in the energy of tectonic shifts and practices manipulation of matter toward scientifically practical ends, Alkahestry operates on the principle that the very earth has a constant flow of chi which is said to flow through its "veins" from the tops of mountains down to the land, nourishing everything it passes. The term "Alkahestry" is built on the concept of fashioning elixirs and, therefore, the art is focused on mainly medicinal purposes, transmitting chi through the pathways of the human body to cure mild ailments. By using these pathways through earth and body, Alkahestry is able to conduct long range transmutations by way of Alkahestry circles and markers, a function of which Amestrian Alchemy is incapable. While the epitome of Amestrian Alchemy is the discovery of the Philosopher's Stone and its properties of alchemical augmentation, Xingese Alkahestry focuses on the discovery of the Elixir of Life and the key to immortality and eternal vigor.

Four hundred years ago, the practices which would give rise to this Xingese alchemy could not be truly called "alchemy" at all, but a series of misguided attempts at mystical healing through the ingestion of various substances. In fact, it is said that three whole generations of the imperial family died from ingesting mercury because they believed that it promoted longevity. It wasn't until a mysterious figure they call "The Philosopher of the West", who had supposedly come from Xerxes, appeared in Xing with his alchemical teachings that Xingese Alkahestry was born - created from a melding of the new teachings and the old metaphysical healing practices.

The tattoo on Scar's right arm uses Xingese Alkahestry symbols known as the Dragon Waves due to his brother's research into both Alchemy and Alkahestry.

Mei Chan is the only character shown in the series to use Alkahestry, though Scar's alchemy uses alkahestry principles. Because of their differing origins, Father cannot control Alkahestry as he does Alchemy.