**7. Silicosis and Qi deficiency**

ATP, mitochondrial dysfunction is at the centre of understanding many metabolic disorders, such as obesity and T2DM [8, 9]. Imbalanced energy homeostasis is characteristic of obese and T2DM patients [10]. This suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction might contribute to metabolic inflexibility and insulin resistance [11]. The ability of pancreatic β-cells to regulate blood glucose levels relies on mitochondrial ATP generation. Adenylate energy charge was decreased in prediabetic rats, as were ATP and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) levels. Conversely, adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels were increased, evidencing a decreased

Qigong is one of the major Chinese medical therapies used to strengthen Qi through self-practice and to manage the state of Qi to prevent and cure disease. Qigong therapies are popular in China as Qi therapies are in Asia. Medical Qigong is defined as the system of authentic Qi (vital energy) practice, which empowers the body to heal itself and to facilitate the healing process of others. Qigong exercises that focus on boosting Kidney and Spleen Qi can be

Genetic, dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors play a role in T2DM. Improper diet, overeating of certain foods, and overtaxing the body can weaken the Qi energy and disrupt the balance of the Zang (organs). Likewise, a sedentary lifestyle can weaken the Qi because not enough Qi is generated to invest in the strengthening of the body. Medical Qigong involves appropriate management and regulation of all energetic and informational communications. Receiving acupuncture treatments from an experienced Chinese medical practitioner supports the management of T2DM by improving the energetic function of the

The kidney is central to the understanding of the pathogenesis of T2DM in Chinese medicine. Kidney is the root of Qi and the foundation of Yin and Yang in the body. The Kidney stores the Essence or one's inherited original reserves of vital energy. If one has constitutional kidney deficiency, one may already be deficient in Yin and may be predisposed to other organ imbalances. In the view of TCM, the etiology of diabetes can originate with pre-heaven Kidney Essence or Kidney Yin deficiency and weakness of the five Zang organs that predispose a person to further imbalances such as Spleen Qi deficiency. Congenital Kidney Essence and vital Qi deficiency are the intrinsic factors to diabetes. In addition, chronic Kidney Yin deficiency can diminish the generation of Kidney Yang. Combined Kidney Yin and Yang deficiency can in the long run lead to Kidney Qi failure, making the kidney unable to regulate the exiting of body fluids and manifesting as the need to urinate directly after drinking [16]. In Chapter 3, Guan-Cheng Sun et al. look at how TCM views diabetes as well as new understandings of how Qigong can support the management of T2DM and discuss the changes of mitochondrial

Infertility is a worldwide problem affecting people of all communities; infertility has a wide range of causes stemming from three general sources: physiological dysfunctions, preventable causes, and unexplained issues [17]. It is an important medical and social problem in

energy metabolism and bioenergetics in the process of T2DM onset.

**6. Kidney Essence and reproduction**

ATP/AMP ratio [12].

internal organs.

particularly beneficial in managing T2DM [13–15].

6 Chinese Medical Therapies for Diabetes, Infertility, Silicosis and the Theoretical Basis

Silicosis is the most common pneumoconiosis globally, with higher prevalence and incidence in developing countries. To date, there is no effective treatment to halt or reverse the disease progression caused by silica-induced lung injury [19]. Effective therapies have to be found in order to reduce morbidity and mortality related to silicosis. In TCM, the lung dominates Qi of the body, the kidney is the root of Qi, and silicosis has close relations with the lung and kidney. The occurrence and development of silicosis are a chronic evolution process from the lung to the spleen and from the spleen to the kidney; finally, the lung, spleen, and kidney were all injured. Both Qi and Yin were injured, and vital Qi was depleted gradually. In Chapter 5, Shengjun Jiang et al. propose a novel treatment method of silicosis by spraying with Chinese herbal kombucha, which is made by fermenting extracts of Chinese herbs with a kombucha culture.

In summary, diabetes, infertility, and silicosis are either caused by or related to Kidney Essence and/or Qi deficiency in TCM, therefore, the introductory chapter subtitled "Therapies Based on Kidney Essence and Qi in Chinese Medicine." We hope you are interested in this book.
