5 Common Mistakes People Make When Starting LifeWave Patches (And How to Avoid Them)
Last week I shared my best tips for getting started with LifeWave patches, but I get just as many questions about what not to do. After working with over 1,100 clients over the past two years, I've seen these mistakes over and over, and they're all easy to avoid when you have the right guidance.
Before we dive into the mistakes, let me give you some quick context about what these patches actually are and how they work.
Understanding LifeWave Phototherapy: The Science Behind the Patches
LifeWave patches use a form of light-based wellness support called phototherapy, which has been studied for over 100 years. Ancient Egyptians used colored glass to focus sunlight on specific areas of the body, and the ancient Greeks had entire centers dedicated to studying how different colored lights affected health.
The patches themselves are non-transdermal, meaning nothing enters your body. There are no drugs, no chemicals, no supplements being absorbed through your skin. Instead, the patches contain a proprietary crystal matrix that reflects your body's own infrared heat back into the skin at specific wavelengths.
Your body naturally emits heat in the infrared spectrum. When you place a patch on your skin, it traps this infrared energy and reflects it back to stimulate specific points, similar to how acupressure works. This process encourages natural biochemical responses in your body.
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human blood. Research shows this peptide plays important roles in supporting overall wellness, vitality, and healthy cellular activity. It's one of the body's own compounds that contributes to how we feel and function.
The X39 patch is the foundational patch most people start with because it provides broad-spectrum wellness support by working throughout the whole body..
Mistake #1: Wearing Too Many Patches Too Soon
X39 is the foundational patch most people start with, and for good reason. It provides broad-spectrum wellness support by working throughout the whole body. But when people feel how well it works, they want to add everything at once: X49 for fitness support, IceWave for discomfort, Aeon for healthy levels of stress, Glutathione for immune support.
Your body needs time to adjust to the phototherapy signals. Think of it like starting a new exercise program. You wouldn't go from the couch to running a marathon in a week.
What I do differently: I help my clients start with one or two patches and create a plan for their body to adjust. Each patch should be worn for up to 12 hours with 12 hours of rest (or less if your body needs extra healing time).
Why 12 hours? The patches work through phototherapy, and your body needs a break to process the light information properly. The clinical studies were conducted on people wearing patches for 12 hours during the day, though some people do wear them at night depending on their needs.
As we learn how your body responds together, we strategically layer on additional patches based on what you actually need. For example:
X39 + Aeon is one of the best starter combinations because most people are dealing with some level of stress and inflammation. The Aeon patch helps support healthy levels of inflammation, allowing X39 to work more effectively.
X39 + X49 creates a powerful combination for fitness and vitality support.
Multiple patches for specific issues can be added once you understand how your body responds to the foundational patches.
Mistake #2: Inconsistent Wear
The patches work best when you use them consistently. I've seen people get frustrated with results simply because they weren't wearing their patches daily.
This isn't like taking a pain reliever where you feel immediate relief and then stop. Phototherapy works subtly over time, giving your body gentle, consistent signals that encourage natural processes.
What I do differently: I help my clients build simple systems, like putting patches somewhere visible each morning (on your bathroom counter, next to your toothbrush, wherever works for you), so consistency becomes automatic. And when questions come up or you need support staying on track, I'm available to guide you.
Some people feel immediate results. Others notice changes gradually over weeks. The deeper benefits unfold over time as your body responds to the consistent phototherapy signals. Having someone to reach out to when you need reassurance makes all the difference.
Mistake #3: Not Tracking Your Progress
This is huge. Most people don't log their symptoms or take before photos, and then weeks later they can't remember where they started.
Because the changes can be gradual, it's easy to forget what your baseline was. You might not notice that you're sleeping better, moving with less stiffness, or have more sustained energy throughout the day unless you're actively tracking it.
What I do differently: I walk my clients through exactly what to document before they begin:
Current symptoms and their severity
Photos (especially if you're working on skin health, athletic performance, or visible wellness goals)
Energy levels throughout the day
Sleep quality
discomfort points and mobility issues
Any other specific concerns you're addressing
Then we revisit that baseline monthly so you can actually see your progression. It's incredible how much changes when you have a clear before-and-after picture.
Mistake #4: Neglecting Proper Placement
One of the most overlooked aspects of using LifeWave patches effectively is understanding placement. These patches are designed to work with your body's energy meridians, similar to acupuncture points.
The most commonly recommended placement points for X39 are:
Base of the neck (between the shoulders, midline of the body)
Below the belly button (about two finger widths down, on the midline)
But depending on what you're addressing, different placement can be beneficial. For example, patches can be placed on specific acupuncture points for targeted support, which is why many chiropractors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists incorporate LifeWave patches into their practices.
The patches are ionically charged, and that charge dissipates through exposure to the infrared light of your body. This is why using a patch again won't be as effective as a new patch, and why proper initial placement matters.
What I do differently: Because I've worked extensively with these patches and understand the protocols, I can guide you on optimal placement for your specific wellness goals. Whether you're focused on recovery, energy, sleep, or overall vitality, placement strategy matters.
Mistake #5: Not Supporting Your Body Properly
The patches are powerful, but they can't override poor nutrition, chronic dehydration, lack of sleep, or a toxic home environment.
One of the most common reasons people don't get optimal results with the patches is dehydration. Your body needs adequate water to process the signals the patches are sending. If you experience any discomfort when wearing patches, the first thing to check is your hydration. Drink one or two glasses of water and wait 20 to 30 minutes before reapplying.
What I do differently: Because I focus on low-tox living and have worked through my own complex health challenges (including mast cell activation, Lyme disease, and chemical sensitivities), I help my clients understand how to support their bodies holistically.
The patches amplify what you're already doing right:
Clean, filtered water
Real, nutrient-dense food
Fresh air and movement
A low-tox home environment
Adequate rest and recovery time
Think of the patches as a powerful tool that works best when the foundation is solid.
Mistake #6 (Bonus): Writing Them Off Before Trying Them
I almost made this mistake myself. I heard about LifeWave multiple times and thought it sounded too good to be true. Patches that use light therapy to support wellness? It seemed far-fetched.
Two people tried to tell me about them, and I was skeptical. What changed my mind? My best friend, who isn't even a Brand Partner, decided to test them for herself. She wore the patches consistently for four months, and what she experienced genuinely astonished her. I could see the changes with my own eyes.
That's when I decided to try them. Now, two years later, I've done the research, learned from experts, worked with over 1,100 clients, and figured out what works.
What I do differently: What took me months to learn on my own through trial and error, I can now walk you through step-by-step. You don't have to figure this out alone.
I've seen these patches support people dealing with:
Energy and stamina challenges
Recovery from exercise
Sleep quality issues
Overall vitality and wellness
And so much more
Professional athletes use these patches. Olympians use them. Chiropractors and wellness practitioners recommend them to their clients. This isn't fringe science, it's phototherapy that's been studied for over a century, now available in an easy-to-use patch format.
Ready to Start Patching Right?
I've helped over 1,100 clients navigate their patch journey with personalized support and guidance. Not only do I use X39 every day, but so does my husband. Even my tiny Yorkshire Terrier wears them (though they're not tested or approved for pets, that's how much I believe in this technology).
Start here: https://startpatchingright.com/start
You'll get access to my protocols, expert guidance, and personal support as we figure out what works for your body together.
Or if you have questions first, email me at MeganGrahamBeauty@gmail.com.
Already know you want X39? Shop here.
Legal Disclaimer: This blog post contains my personal opinions and experiences with phototherapy patches. I am currently a LifeWave Independent Brand Partner and may earn commission from product sales. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. LifeWave patches are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new health regimen.
Click here to shop for X39 patches.
Stay healthy and beautiful!
Megan
Lifewave Brand Partner
DISCLAIMER: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows us to continue to make posts like this. Thank you for the support! LiveWave products are for general wellness and intended to maintain and encourage health. Consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting a new health regimen, diet, or fitness program. Do not disregard any medical advice or delay in seeking it.