In this month’s Ask the Doctors session, Dr. Dennis and Dr. Karen explored the Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), seasonal energetic shifts, and ways acupuncture points may be combined with phototherapy patches to support overall wellness.
Understanding the Five Elements & Seasonal Cycles
In Five Element theory, energy moves through five phases in a continuous cycle:
Fire → Earth → Metal → Water → Wood → Fire
Each element corresponds with a season and particular organ or meridian energies:
- Fire – Summer
- Earth – Late summer/early fall
- Metal – Fall
- Water – Winter
- Wood – Spring
As the seasons move from late summer into autumn, the energetic emphasis shifts from Earth into Metal. In Five Element theory:
- Earth is associated with the Spleen and Stomach.
- Metal is associated with the Lung and Large Intestine.
- Water is associated with the Kidney and Bladder.
- Wood is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder.
- Fire includes the Heart and Small Intestine, as well as the Pericardium and Triple Warmer.
Dr. Dennis explained that each phase has both yin and yang aspects. This concept is one reason yin-yang patch pairings are frequently discussed when working with acupuncture points.
Fire is somewhat unique because it contains two yin-yang pairs. In addition to the Heart and Small Intestine, Fire includes the Pericardium and Triple Warmer, or San Jiao. Dr. Dennis described these energetically as different layers of protection surrounding the Heart.
During the transition into fall, Dr. Karen shared that she sometimes incorporates Metal points into her patching routine. For example:
- Use a Lung point on the left.
- Pair it with Large Intestine 4 (LI4) on the right.
- This creates a yin-yang pairing within the Metal element.
She also discussed Gallbladder 20 (GB20), located near the back of the head/neck, as a point she sometimes uses when she feels particularly sensitive to seasonal changes and wind.
What points can be used to support joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and connective tissue?
In Five Element theory, the Wood element is associated with the joints, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues.
Dr. Dennis recommended:
- Gallbladder 34 (GB34), which he described as a command point for the sinews and connective tissues.
- GB34 is located on the outside of the lower leg near the knee.
- One option is to place X39 on left GB34 and X49 on right GB34.
- Energy Enhancer or another yin-yang patch pairing may also be used.
- When pairing Aeon and SP6 Complete, Dr. Dennis suggested SP6 Complete on the left as the yin patch and Aeon on the right as the yang patch.
For additional bone and cartilage support:
- Bladder 62 (BL62), located on the lateral aspect of the foot, was discussed as a bone-support point.
- The same yin-yang patching approach may be used on this point.
- Carnosine was also discussed for tissue support.
- Although Carnosine is normally considered a positive patch, Dr. Dennis explained that he may use it as the relatively yin patch when it is paired with a stronger positive patch such as Aeon, Glutathione, or X39.
How can we energetically support the brain, executive function, cognitive clarity, decisiveness, and the release of fear?
Within Five Element theory, fear is associated with the Water element, while courage represents the opposite end of that energetic spectrum. Kidney energy within the Water element is also traditionally associated with marrow, the brain, and the nervous system.
Dr. Dennis and Dr. Karen discussed several strategies:
- Begin with the Aeon Brain Balancing Strategy to support nervous system balance, relaxation, concentration, and mental clarity.
- Kidney 3 (KI3) may be used as a foundational Kidney point.
- KI3 may be patched on both sides or paired with Bladder 60 (BL60).
- When using Energy Enhancer, place the tan patch on left KI3 and the white patch on right BL60.
- Kidney 9 (KI9) was discussed as a point for resetting or balancing the yin aspects of Kidney energy.
- Energy Enhancer was Dr. Dennis’s suggested starting patch for these peripheral Kidney points.
Another option is Ming Men, or Life Gate:
- Ming Men is Governing Vessel 4 (GV4), located along the midline of the lower back.
- Dr. Dennis described GV4 as a point for “recharging” Kidney energy.
- X39 may be placed on GV4.
- Bladder 23 (BL23), located on either side of this area, is another option for supporting Kidney energy.
- It is not necessary to use all of these points at once. GV4 or BL23 may be selected depending on the strategy.
Dr. Karen also discussed X39 and X49 for nervous system support. These may be incorporated instead of, or in addition to, other patch combinations.
What points may support persistent low energy, sleepiness, brain fog, and changes in hearing?
In Five Element theory, Dr. Dennis connected this pattern primarily with the Water element and Kidney energy. He explained that the ears are traditionally considered a “window” for Kidney energy.
Several Kidney-supporting strategies discussed earlier may be considered:
- Bladder 23 (BL23)
- Kidney 3 (KI3)
- Ming Men/Life Gate (GV4)
- Aeon Brain Balancing Strategy
Dr. Dennis also recommended an Earth-element pairing that he compared energetically to the regulating or adaptogenic qualities traditionally associated with ginseng:
- Spleen 6 (SP6) on the left
- Stomach 36 (ST36) on the right
- Energy Enhancer may be used as the yin-yang patch pair.
- Other yin-yang combinations discussed included IceWave, SP6 Complete/Aeon, and X39/X49.
For patterns of especially depleted energy, another strategy discussed was:
- Kidney 27 (KI27)
- Conception Vessel 8 (CV8), located at the navel
- Together, these points create a triangular arrangement.
- Dr. Dennis discussed this in the context of what TCM describes as severe yang depletion or “yang collapse.”
What strategy may support the brain, spinal cord, and motor neurons?
Dr. Dennis recommended using the same Kidney/Water-element strategy discussed in the previous questions.
Within Five Element theory, Kidney energy is associated with marrow and the nervous system. Strategies discussed included:
- Aeon Brain Balancing Strategy
- Kidney 3 (KI3)
- Bladder 23 (BL23)
- Ming Men/Life Gate (GV4)
- Other Kidney/Water support strategies described above
What points and patches may support skin wellness, particularly when blemishes appear on the face, shoulders, and upper back?
Dr. Karen shared her personal experience using Glutathione, Aeon, Carnosine, X39, and X49 as part of her skin-support routine.
From a Five Element perspective, Dr. Dennis recommended considering both Metal and Water. In TCM, the Metal element—and particularly Lung energy—is traditionally associated with the skin.
Strategies discussed included:
- Alavida on Ming Men/Life Gate (GV4).
- Dr. Dennis discussed Alavida in relation to endocrine support.
- He also suggested using intention when patching Ming Men, such as imagining what healthy skin would look like.
For Metal support:
- Lung 9 (LU9) is the Source point of the Lung meridian.
- One option is X39 on left LU9 and X49 on right LU9.
- Another option is LU9 on the left paired with Large Intestine 4 (LI4) or Large Intestine 11 (LI11) on the right.
In TCM terminology, redness and blemishes may sometimes be described as “heat” or “damp heat.” Several points were discussed within this framework:
- LI4 or LI11 may be used to help move excess heat from the upper body.
- Stomach 44 (ST44) was described as a strong heat-draining point, particularly for the face and front of the head.
- Spleen 9 (SP9) was discussed as a traditional “drain damp” point.
- Energy Enhancer or another yin-yang combination may be used on these points.
- Another pairing discussed was SP6 Complete on the left and Aeon on the right, particularly when hormonal balance, stress, and inflammatory patterns are considerations.
How might the five elements be used to support a young person with low muscle tone, strength, agility, & energy?
Dr. Dennis suggested beginning with the Aeon Brain Balancing Strategy to support the autonomic nervous system, then adding a Five Element rotation with Energy Enhancer patches.
The rotation discussed was:
- Fire: Pericardium 6 (PC6) on the left / Triple Warmer 5 (TW5) on the right
- Earth: Spleen 6 (SP6) on the left / Stomach 36 (ST36) on the right
- Metal: Lung 7 (LU7) on the left / Large Intestine 4 (LI4) or Large Intestine 11 (LI11) on the right
- Water: Kidney 3 (KI3) on the left / Bladder 60 (BL60) on the right
- Wood: Liver 3 (LV3) on the left / Gallbladder 41 (GB41) on the right
The Five Element rotation may be used regularly, moving through the elements sequentially.
Dr. Dennis also explained that:
- The rotation may be used approximately five to seven days per week.
- If a particular element appears to need additional energetic support, that element can be revisited more frequently.
- The goal is not necessarily to use every point at once, but to provide balanced support across the Five Elements.
Key Takeaways
Several recurring themes emerged from this month’s discussion:
- Five Element theory provides a framework for selecting acupuncture points based on energetic patterns and wellness goals.
- Seasonal transitions may be an opportunity to pay particular attention to the element associated with that season.
- Yin-yang patch pairings can be used to work with complementary acupuncture points.
- The Aeon Brain Balancing Strategy was recommended several times when nervous system support, clarity, and energetic regulation were goals.
- Kidney/Water points were a recurring theme for brain, nervous system, energy, and hearing-related support.
- Rather than using every suggested point simultaneously, Dr. Dennis and Dr. Karen encouraged selecting a focused strategy and observing the response.
Disclaimer: This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and may not fully capture the nuance or intent of the original speakers. Readers are encouraged to use their own judgment and discernment when interpreting the content.
Yin Yang Patch Pair
Please note that when we mention the Yin-Yang patch pair, we mean a pairing of two patches, whereby the one on the left is relatively yin compared to the patch on the right.
Examples of Yin / Yang phototherapy patching pairs are:
- Energy Enhancer: The Tan patch is yin, the White patch is yang
- IceWave: The Tan patch is yin, the White patch is yang
- SP6C + Aeon: SP6C on the left (yin), Aeon on the right (yang)
- Carnosine + Glutathione: Carnosine on the left (relatively yin), and Glutathione (yang) on the right
- X39 + X49: X39 on the left (yin), X49 on the right (yang)
Yin / Yang Meridians Pair also refers to patching a Yin acupuncture point on the left side of the body and a Yang acupuncture point on the right side, belonging to the same element.
Examples of Yin / Yang Element Pairings:
- Fire: Pericardium/Triple Burner (more emotional) or Heart/Small Intestine (more physical)
- Earth: Spleen/Stomach
- Metal: Lung/Large Intestine
- Water: Kidney/Bladder
- Wood: Liver/Gallbladder
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 participating in our Zoom sessions or exploring the information provided on this website, you acknowledge that our discussion extends beyond phototherapy and accept full responsibility for any consequences resulting from implementing our recommendations or suggestions. You agree to hold harmless LifeWave, Dr. Dennis Lobstein, Dr. Karen Kan G., her team, 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 or are not already working with a LifeWave Brand Partner, you can contact the Patch Training Team by clicking here to be connected with a team member.
Helpful Links:
- Acupoint Reference Chart — Download the Chart for Free!
HEALTHWISE WITH DR. DENNIS LOBSTEIN
Dr. Dennis would like everyone to know that he will begin his Healthwise Clinic Zoom room on the third Monday at 2:00 PM Arizona (Mountain Standard Time). The Zoom room link is available through the PDF on this page.
Email HeidiLobsteinNurse@gmail.com with any questions related to Healthwise or the website, and to join Dr. Dennis’ email list.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is intended to support general wellness. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual experiences may vary. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional when appropriate and trust your own intuition when applying these practices.