CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Breast augmentation: enhances small or underdeveloped breasts, maintains healthy breast shape and size

* Nursing: promotes lactation in nursing women

 

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Regulates the endocrine system to increase the production of sex hormones

* Stimulates the growth and development of breasts

* Improves blood circulation

* Increases the generation of new tissue

 

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Tonifies Kidney yang and jing (essence)

* Opens channels in the breasts

* Invigorates blood circulation

 

DOSAGE

* Breast augmentation: Take 2 to 4 capsules on an empty stomach three times daily to enhance healthy breasts. To achieve maximum effectiveness, the exercises listed under Clinical Notes should be done twice daily.

* Nursing: Take 2 capsules daily. Discontinue the formula if the baby has diarrhea.

 

INGREDIENTS

Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae)

Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)

Huang Qi (Radix Astragali)

Lu Rong (Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum)

Mu Tong (Caulis Akebiae)

Tong Cao (Medulla Tetrapanacis)

Wang Bu Liu Xing (Semen Vaccariae)

Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii)

 

BACKGROUND

Female breasts develop over several stages. During adolescence, the first outward signs of breast development begin to appear. As the ovaries begin to secrete estrogen, fat in the connective tissue begins to accumulate causing the breasts to enlarge and the duct system to grow. When ovulation and menstruation begin, the breasts continue to grow with the formation of secretory glands at the end of the milk ducts. With pregnancy and lactation, the breasts mature and are capable of producing milk. Finally, as a woman reaches menopause, the level of estrogen decreases dramatically, leading to a reduction in the size and shape of the breasts.

 

FORMULA EXPLANATION

Venus is designed for women with small and/or underdeveloped breasts due to various reasons, such as degeneration, aging, over-developed pectoris muscles, malnutrition and sudden weight loss. Small breasts in women are usually due to heredity, interruption of growth during adolescence, and nutritional deficiencies.

        Venus contains potent Kidney yang and jing (essence) tonics that will stimulate the growth of reproductive organs and increase libido. Lu Rong (Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum), the chief ingredient in Venus, is often medically used for developmental delays in children. It tonifies the ming men (life gate) fire, replenishes jing (essence) and blood. In Western medical terminology, it stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormones that will promote the growth of reproductive organs, including the breasts. When Kidney yang is restored, sex drive also increases. Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii) is also a well-known herb to tonify Kidney yang and enhance libido. The Spleen is the organ responsible for generating muscle and tissue, and Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) is used to tonify the Spleen and help with toning and firming the muscles around the breasts. Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) is well known as an herb that treats all types of obstetric and gynecologic disorders. It tonifies blood, promotes blood circulation, and regulates menstruation. Its phyto-estrogenic effect stimulates the estrogenic receptors of the breasts and helps them grow to their fullest potential. Mu Tong (Caulis Akebiae), Tong Cao (Medulla Tetrapanacis) and Wang Bu Liu Xing (Semen Vaccariae) invigorate blood circulation and promote lactation. Historically, they have been used on postpartum women to support mammary glands and promote lactation. In women who are not nursing, however, these herbs will simply enlarge the breast tissue. Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae), an herb that enters the Stomach channel and passes through the breasts, is used as a channel-guiding herb to draw nutrients from the other tonic herbs to the breast area.

        In conclusion, Venus contains many herbs that have remarkable influences on the hormones and development of the sex organs. In the past, these herbs were used mainly to promote lactation in nursing mothers. More recently, with the understanding of modern science, these herbs are known to have a great effect to enhance breast development to its fullest potential.

 

CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

* This formula is contraindicated during pregnancy.

* Menopausal patients should take this formula with caution, as it may be too warming.

* This formula should not be taken for more than six months as it has warming properties.

* This herbal formula contains herbs that invigorate blood circulation, such as Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis). Therefore, patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (warfarin), should use this formula with caution, or not at all, as there may be a higher risk of bleeding and bruising.[1]^,[2],[3]

* This formula is contraindicated in patients with acute infection or heat accumulation, fibrocystic disorders of the breast, hormone-dependent cancer, or have a personal or family history of breast cancer or cancer of any gynecological organs.

* The safety status of using Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) in individuals with hormone-dependent cancer is unclear.[4]^,[5],[6] According to one reference, use of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) is not associated with thickening of the endometrium or vaginal cell maturation, both of which would indicate an estrogenic effect. Furthermore, there is no confirmation of the presence of a phytoestrogen component or affect on hormone-dependent cancer, when ferulic acid is evaluated as the main component of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis).[7] According to another reference, the water extract of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) has a weak estrogen-agonistic activity to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells (MCF-7).[8] In summary, due to conflicting and insufficient data, use of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) in patients with hormone-dependent cancer warrants caution pending further study.

 

CLINICAL NOTES

* Exercises for the Breasts: Several exercises can be done to help promote healthier breast size and firmness. They help strengthen the connective tissues around the breasts and promote the growth of new cells. These exercises should be done twice daily in addition to taking the herbs for maximum shaping, toning, and lifting effects.

* Breast Massage: The purpose of this massage is to maintain and achieve a healthy breast shape and firmness. There are two steps for this breast massage exercise.

§ Step 1: This exercise prevents ligament laxity that causes drooping of the breast. Massage the breasts in a circular motion going outwards. Gradually increase the size of the circular motion to cover the neck and shoulder. Repeat for three to five minutes (Picture 1).

§ Step 2: Stroke the bottom of one breast upward using right and left hands in alternating motion. Repeat 50 times for each breast and make sure to cover the entire bottom curve (Picture 2).

* Praying Style Exercise: The purpose of this exercise is to strengthen the pectoral muscles to help bring circulation to the chest. First, stand up straight with palms together in a prayer position in front of chest. Make sure both elbows form a straight horizontal line across the chest (Picture 3). Next, push palms together to feel the muscles under the breasts contracting. While pushing the palms together, raise the arms up to forehead with the elbows still in a straight line and hold for two to three seconds (Picture 4). After two to three seconds, release contraction and bring back to the original position in middle of chest. Repeat this exercise ten times.

* Expand the Chest Exercise: The purpose of this exercise is to strengthen the upper chest muscles to enhance breast firmness to prevent drooping. This exercise helps open the Ren (conception) channel, as per Shizuto Masunaga's meridian exercises First, clasp hands behind your back with palms facing down (Picture 5). Next, take a deep breath in, thrust chest outward and lift clasped hands behind your back. Tighten your lower back muscles and arch your whole body including your neck (Picture 6). Return to a relaxed position with hands clasped behind the back. Repeat this procedure ten times.

      (Picture 1)                 (Picture 2)                (Picture 3)                 (Picture 4)                 (Picture 5)               (Picture 6)

 

Some patients may notice breast tenderness after taking these herbs. That is an indication of growth and the patient should not be worried. Along with the exercises, patients should notice a difference in tone after 4 to 6 weeks, while actual growth may begin after 3 to 6 months. Full growth potential and desired results depend on body constitution, genetics, consistent intake of herbs, diet, and exercise. As is the case in not achieving desired weight loss, the main reason for lack of response to the herbs is from lapses in taking the herbs or doing exercise. Finally, patients should be advised that this formula and exercise could only enhance breasts to their maximum genetic potential and not beyond. A small-breasted woman from a family of small-breasted women may see improvement in the tone and shape of her breasts, but should not expect to greatly exceed her genetic inheritance.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS

* For healthy, shiny hair, add Polygonum 14.

* For vaginal dryness, add Balance Spring.

* For weight loss and to control the appetite, add Herbalite.

* For fatigue and weakness or decrease in libido due to qi and blood deficiencies, add Imperial Tonic.

* For postpartum recovery, add Imperial Tonic.

* For anemia, dizziness or blood deficiency, add Schisandra ZZZ.

* For low libido, add Vitality.

* For decrease in libido due stress, add Calm.

* For menopause, add Balance (Heat) or Nourish.

* For adrenal burnout, add Adrenal +.

* For osteoporosis, add Osteo 8.

* For Kidney yang deficiency, add Kidney Tonic (Yang).

* For Kidney yin deficiency, add Kidney Tonic (Yin).

* For infertility, add Blossom (Phase 1-4).

 

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Traditional Points:

* Needle Shanzhong (CV 17).

* Apply moxa to Zusanli (ST 36).

* Massage Qihai (CV 6), Geshu (BL 17), Shanzhong (CV 17), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Qimen (LR 14), Rugen (ST 18), and Shaoze (SI 1).

 

Classic Master Tung's Points:

* Breast augmentation: Yizhong (T 77.05), Erzhong (T 77.06), Sanzhong (T 77.07), Waisanguan (T 77.27), Shuanglongyi (T 77.29)*, Shuanglonger (T 77.30)*. Moxa the LU, HT, SP and ST areas in the back. Massage the breasts.

* Insufficient lactation: Linggu (T 22.05), Fuke (T 11.24), Shaoze (SI 1), Tongwei (T 88.10), Tongshen (T 88.09).

§ Excess type: Bleed the LR area in the back. Bleed before needling for best result.

§ Deficiency type: Moxa Shanzhong (CV 17)

 

Master Tung’s Points by Dr. Chuan-Min Wang:

* Breast enhancement: Bleed Fenzhixia (T DT.02). Needle Jianzhong (T 44.06), Yizhong (T 77.05), Erzhong (T 77.06), Sanzhong (T 77.07).

* Insufficient lactation: Jiemeiyi (T 88.04), Jiemeier (T 88.05), Jiemeisan (T 88.06)

 

Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan:

* Left side: Yinlingquan (SP 9), Lougu (SP 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Sanjian (LI 3), Waiguan (TH 5), the Breast point on the ear

* Right side: Lieque (LU 7), Zusanli (ST 36), Xiajuxu (ST 39)

* Left and right sides can be alternated from treatment to treatment.

 

Ear Acupuncture:

* Tender point on the Chest and Endocrine.

* Embed ear seeds.

 

Auricular Medicine by Dr. Li-Chun Huang:

* Promoting secretion of milk: Breast, Liver, Stomach, Pituitary, Endocrine, Thalamus, San Jiao

 

NUTRITION

* Patients are advised to eat a nutritious diet and increase the consumption of lamb because it is an excellent Kidney tonic. Intake of protein (such as beans and eggs) and foods high in collagen such as tendons, chicken wings, and animal skin can be increased. Other recommendations include lotus seeds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, strawberries, dates, yam, papaya, taro, onions, celery, chives, spinach, oranges, carrots, milk, and cheese.

* Fried, fatty food, sugar, dairy and caffeine should be avoided as much as possible.

* For low libido, intake of vitamin E can be increased. Foods high in vitamin E include wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds or oil, peanuts, soybeans, whole-wheat products and asparagus.

* Foods that are galactagogues that promote and increase production of breast milk include:

·   Grains, such as oats, barley, millet and brown rice.

·   Vegetables, including all the green, leafy vegetables.

·   Root vegetables such as carrot, beet and yam.

·   Garlic and ginger, to be used from the second week onwards and in moderation.

·   Green papaya, which is rich in oxytocin.

·   Salmon, a great source of essential fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids.

·   Fenugreek and fennel, both of which have galactagogue effects.

·   Raw nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, macadamia and cashews.

·   Healthy fats from sources such as sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil.

·   Legumes and beans, including red beans (adzuki beans), black beans, kidney beans and tofu (made from soy beans).

 

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

* Tight bras are not recommended since the constriction impairs proper circulation to the breasts.

* It is helpful to use cold water to shower the breasts to achieve a firming and massaging effect. Avoid using water that is too hot on the breasts as that may loosen surrounding tissue.

* Proper posture is important to prevent breasts from sagging. Swimming is recommended. Exercises that involve excessive vertical (up and down) movement of the breasts are not recommended as they might cause stretching or lengthening of the surrounding tendons and ligaments that support the breasts.

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Similar to the rest of the body, optimal development of the breasts is dependent on proper diet and nutrition. Just as bones require calcium and muscles need protein to grow, breasts need adequate nutrition and the proper environment to develop to their full potential. Most women never achieve their full potential because of interruptions during the developmental process, such as poor diet, hormonal imbalances, stress during adolescence, exposure to pollutants, pesticides and chemicals, and lack of certain vitamins and minerals during puberty. In reality, such interruptions are common events in daily life that affect many, many women.

        To achieve the desired shape and size of the breast, Venus uses herbs that act to achieve the breasts’ natural potential and stimulate additional growth. Herbs in Venus have been shown to have remarkable effects to regulate the endocrine system, increase the production of sex hormones and enhance the growth of the breasts.

        To fulfill the natural growth potential of the breasts, Lu Rong (Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum) is used to stimulate the endocrine system and increase hormone production. Historically, it was used with great success to treat children with slow growth and development. More recently, it has been documented through in vitro and in vivo studies that it increases the production of hormones responsible for developing secondary sex characteristics.[9] In addition, Wang Bu Liu Xing (Semen Vaccariae) and Mu Tong (Caulis Akebiae) are commonly used together to stimulate the growth of the sex organs.[10] In fact, it has been found that Wang Bu Liu Xing (Semen Vaccariae) given on a daily basis was effective in promoting the growth and metabolism of breast tissue.[11]^,[12] Furthermore, Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) is used in Venus to awaken the estrogen receptors in the breast to stimulate additional growth. One study found that Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) has an estrogen-like action and its use was associated with an increase in the sex organs.[13] In short, the use of these herbs restores natural growth potential and stimulates additional growth of the breasts.

        In addition, many herbs are added to improve blood circulation and promote the generation of tissues. Lu Rong (Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum) and Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) are used to improve blood circulation throughout the body.[14] Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) is used to stimulate the growth of new tissues.[15] These herbs provide the essential nutrients and the optimal environment for proper and optimal development of the breasts.

        In summary, the size and shape of the breasts are not predetermined solely by genetics. Various factors affect the growth and development of the breasts, and numerous methods can be employed to achieve the natural potential and to stimulate additional growth. Venus contains herbs that have been documented through research studies to regulate the endocrine system, increase the production of sex hormones, and enhance the growth of breasts.

 

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

In Western medicine, there is no drug treatment for insufficient lactation and breast enhancement.

        This herbal formula has been used historically to address insufficient lactation, and is currently used for breast enhancement. This formula nourishes the body and promotes blood circulation to breast tissues. Historically, it has been used with great success to relieve pain and resolve insufficient lactation. Today, it is most useful to nourish breast tissues and increase their size. For insufficient lactation, improvement will be noted within days when Venus is combined with dietary recommendations listed above. For breast enhancement, improvement will be visible after three to six months of taking Venus combined with daily breast exercise.