Welcome to the January 2026 Edition of Ask the Doctors with Dr. Karen Kan & Dr. Dennis Lobstein. In this month’s session, our experts explored energy medicine, phototherapy patching strategies, and Asian medicine approaches to address symptoms such as numbness, lightheadedness, fluid retention, and more.
Reminder: No claims to treat, cure, prevent, or mitigate disease are made. Patches discussed work through phototherapy to support the body’s natural systems.
Q1: Persistent Numbness in Feet After Long-Term Patching
One participant shared their 16-month journey using phototherapy patches such as X39, IceWave, and Energy Enhancer in various placements. While consistent, they still experience tingling and numbness in the feet.
Dr. Dennis explained that even when changes aren’t immediately perceived, subtle shifts may be occurring beneath the surface. Studies suggest that physiological changes begin right after applying the patches. Dr. Karen echoed this with examples of people who didn’t feel anything initially but had profound long-term improvements.
- Dr. Karen emphasized the importance of foundational wellness:
- Stay well-hydrated
- Consume enough minerals and quality protein
- Recognize the impact of dietary restrictions (e.g., vegan/vegetarian) on recovery
- Patch Strategy Suggestions:
- Aeon: behind the ear or third eye for brain balancing and stress support
- X39: on GV4 (Ming Men) to nourish kidney qi and nervous system
- KID1 (bottom of foot) and LIV3 (top of foot): to clear toxins and promote energy flow
- Additional Tips:
- Use hand movements over patches to stimulate energy flow
- Intend for the patch’s energy to reach paired acupuncture points
- Xitox or hydrogen peroxide foot soaks may help; ionic foot baths require discernment
Q2: Ear Congestion for 6+ Weeks
Another participant asked about persistent left ear congestion. Aeon patching around the ear hadn’t helped, and attempts to clean out earwax weren’t resolving the issue.
- Suggestions from Dr. Karen & Dr. Dennis:
- Be cautious with Q-Tips; consider Debrox or hydrogen peroxide drops with care
- Use Aeon and IceWave in a triangle across LI20 (sides of nose), third eye, and SI19 (near the ear) to support sinus drainage
- Add Spleen 9 (drains damp) and LI11 or LI4 (clears heat)
- Consider Glutathione to support drainage
- Avoid damp-forming foods: dairy, sweets, cold/fried foods
- Inspect for mold exposure or allergens in the environment
Q3: Post-Knee Surgery Recovery Support
A participant shared their experience 11 days post-knee replacement. They have been using patches consistently with noticeable benefits, but are now feeling ankle tenderness and bruising around the shin.
- Patch + Support Suggestions:
- Cut back to one X39/X49 per side to avoid energetic overload
- Patch KID27 (near collarbone) to assist lymph movement
- Use Aeon and white patches over lymph areas
- Explore vibration techniques (e.g., drum or peanut massager over groin or behind knees)
- Read “The Book of Lymph” by Lisa Levitt Gainsley for guidance
- Consider light beam therapy if offered by a physical therapist
Q4: Lightheadedness with No Known Cause
A regular patch user asked about sudden lightheadedness. Dr. Karen noted this may indicate dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, especially following long-term stress or mineral depletion.
- Patch Protocol:
- Aeon behind right ear (SJ17) and SP6C on the left
- X39 on the belly button (CV8) to complete the triangle
- Optional: Aeon at the top of the head to activate GV20
- Lifestyle Tips:
- Increase high-quality salt (e.g., Himalayan salt, Shilajit, Xerolyte)
- Consider Cellergize for mineral support
- Stay hydrated with structured, mineral-rich water
Q5: Bulging Leg Veins
A participant asked about bulging veins in the left leg. Dr. Dennis explained that weakened Spleen Qi can affect vessel integrity.
- Patch Protocol:
- SP6 bilaterally to strengthen spleen function
- Pair SP6 (left) and ST36 (right) to balance yin and yang
- Use patches in the hands and slowly dredge the spleen channel
- Nutrition Tip:
- Eat spleen-nourishing foods such as mulberries
- Avoid dairy, sweets, and damp-forming cold foods
Q6: What To Do for a Fresh Injury?
Another question focused on patching for new injuries involving swelling or discomfort.
- Dr. Karen & Dr. Dennis Recommend:
- IceWave immediately to manage excess energy and swelling
- Use Aeon for calming acute stress or potential head trauma
- Apply patches in a “Surround the Dragon” or bracketing method
- Gently move lymph by patching KID27, massaging groin or using light vibration tools
- Final Notes:
- The guidance shared is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and bioenergetic balance.
- Always consult your healthcare provider as needed.
- Trust your intuition and allow your patching practice to evolve.
- Helpful Links & Resources
🚫 DISCLAIMER 🚫
The advice included in this meeting, including using phototherapy products, does not claim to cure, treat, prevent, or mitigate medical conditions. The opinions shared in this Zoom meeting are based on personal and clinical experiences, so your results may vary. If you have a severe medical condition, please consult your trusted holistic healthcare provider and/or use your intuition to decide whether any of the recommendations would fit you.
Approximately 85% or more of individuals experience remarkable outcomes by using the acupuncture points highlighted in the LifeWave brochures, which have undergone thorough research. We recommend that these points be the primary areas to patch.
By engaging in our Zoom sessions or exploring the information provided on this website, you acknowledge that our discussion goes beyond phototherapy and accept full responsibility for any consequences of implementing our recommendations or suggestions. You agree to hold harmless LifeWave, Dr. Dennis Lobstein, Dr. Karen Kan G, her staff, and all members of the Patch Training Team.
This is advanced information and not essential for achieving excellent results with phototherapy. However, for those who enjoy delving into Chinese Medicine theory and want to maximize the benefits of their phototherapy patches, this information can be enlightening!
If you are unfamiliar with phototherapy tools and/or are not already working with a LifeWave Brand Partner, you may contact the Patch Training Team by clicking here to be contacted by a team member.