The Science Behind LifeWave Phototherapy
LifeWave Research & Clinical Evidence
Research. Measurement. Physiology. Evidence.
By Dr. Staci Holweger · Last updated October 2026
Written by
Dr. Staci HolwegerPhD in Quantum Integrative Medicine, PhD in Functional Medicine, 20+ years in clinical practice
What this page does
LifeWave technology has been investigated across a body of research involving several products and physiological outcomes. The research varies substantially in quality, methodology, sample size, controls, publication status, and clinical relevance.
The purpose of this page is to help you understand what has actually been studied, how each study was designed, what researchers found, and where the limitations remain, rather than simply presenting a study count.
Not all studies are equal. A small pilot without a control group, a manufacturer-hosted document, and an independent randomized controlled trial each carry different evidentiary weight. This page distinguishes them.
What is LifeWave phototherapy?
LifeWave patches are described by the manufacturer as wearable, non-transdermal devices that reflect specific wavelengths of light at the skin. The manufacturer states that the patches do not deliver drugs, chemicals, or cells into the body. You can browse the full lineup on our LifeWave products page or read the overview on the LifeWave page.
Manufacturer-described mechanism: The company describes the patches as reflecting light to stimulate skin receptors and influence physiological signaling. This is a proposed mechanism, not an independently established one.
Experimentally measured outcomes: Some studies report measurable physiological changes, such as shifts in circulating peptides, HRV parameters, or pain reports. These are measured outcomes, not proof of the proposed mechanism.
A measured physiological change and a proven mechanism are not the same thing. This page reports what was measured, not what the patch is claimed to do.
How to read the research
Studies are categorized by evidence level. A Level A study carries more weight than a Level C or Level E study. Understanding this hierarchy is essential to evaluating what the research does and does not show.
Controlled Human Evidence
Randomized, blinded and/or placebo-controlled human research.
Published Human Evidence
Human studies with objective measurements but methodological limitations.
Pilot / Exploratory Human Evidence
Small or preliminary investigations.
Mechanistic / Laboratory Evidence
Research examining biological mechanisms rather than clinical outcomes.
Veterinary / Translational Evidence
Animal studies that may demonstrate measurable physiological effects but cannot establish human efficacy.
Ongoing Registered Research
Registered trials for which results are not yet available.
What the public record shows
X39 is the most studied LifeWave product in the public record. The available research includes one published double-blind, placebo-controlled trial measuring circulating GHK-Cu, and one registered clinical trial for which results have not yet been published.
The published X39 trial reported a change in circulating GHK-Cu. It did not measure clinical outcomes, stem-cell activation, or long-term effects. It was manufacturer-associated and published in an open-access journal.
Double-Blind Testing of the LifeWave X39 Patch to Determine GHK-Cu Production Levels
Key Findings
Reported a statistically significant increase in GHK-Cu in the active group compared with control. Comparing changes from Day 2 to Day 7 between Active (Group A) and Control (Group B): GHK-Cu concentration (ng/ml) p < 0.035; Total GHK-Cu (ng) p < 0.03.
Supports
An association between X39 patch use and changes in circulating GHK-Cu over 1 week in a small sample.
Does NOT Establish
Clinical benefit, stem-cell activation, rejuvenation, disease treatment, gene-expression changes caused by X39, causation, or long-term effects.
Two-Part Study of the Effects of the X39 Patch on Circulating GHK and GHK-Cu
Key Findings
Registered trial. Results not yet published in the public record.
Supports
The existence of a registered trial investigating X39 and GHK/GHK-Cu.
Does NOT Establish
Any outcome, efficacy, or clinical benefit.
X39 & GHK-Cu: three distinct questions
The X39/GHK-Cu evidence involves three separate questions that are often collapsed into one claim. They are not interchangeable.
A. Has X39 use been associated with changes in circulating GHK/GHK-Cu?
One published trial reported a statistically significant increase in circulating GHK-Cu in adults who wore the X39 patch for one week. This is preliminary, manufacturer-associated evidence of a biomarker change.
B. Does broader scientific literature support GHK/GHK-Cu biology?
Yes. Published peer-reviewed literature supports biological activity for GHK and GHK-Cu involving tissue remodeling, extracellular matrix regulation, and repair-related processes. This is a property of the peptide, not proof that any one product delivers those effects.
C. Does this prove systemic stem-cell activation or clinical benefit?
No. A change in a biomarker is not automatically evidence of a clinical health outcome.
Evidence that X39 is associated with changes in circulating GHK-Cu does not by itself establish systemic stem-cell activation or prove that downstream clinical outcomes are caused by that change.
Does X39 activate stem cells?
Systemic human stem-cell activation through X39 is not yet established. This is consistent with the detailed evidence framework on our stem cell activation page.
Laboratory and preclinical evidence supports effects of photobiomodulation on certain stem-cell behaviors under specific experimental conditions. This is not the same as proving a whole-body clinical effect in humans.
X39 has been associated with a reported change in circulating GHK-Cu in a small, manufacturer-associated trial. The clinical significance of that change is not yet established.
No published study has conclusively proven that X39 produces broad clinical outcomes through systemic stem-cell activation in humans. The research remains scientifically interesting but a proposed mechanism is not a proven human clinical outcome.
For the full evidence framework on stem cells, photobiomodulation, and where X39 fits, see our stem cell activation page.
X49, AHK-Cu & bone-turnover markers
Two publicly accessible X49 studies were identified, both from the same research group. One examined bone-turnover biomarkers in women ages 40-80, and the other examined fitness measures in men ages 40-81. Both were pre/post designs without a separate control group, and both were manufacturer-associated.
Important: The bone study used X49 and X39 patches together. Results cannot be attributed to X49 alone. Biomarker changes (AHK-Cu, NTx, hydroxyproline) do not prove increased bone density or disease treatment without DEXA confirmation.
Bone and Muscle Support in Ageing Women with Life Wave X49 TM Patch
Key Findings
Reported significant decreases from baseline in AHK-Cu, NTx, and hydroxyproline. 14 amino acids changed across multiple pathways.
Supports
Changes in bone-turnover biomarkers associated with a combination X49/X39 regimen over 60 days in a small uncontrolled sample.
Does NOT Establish
Increased bone density, prevention or treatment of osteoporosis, clinical benefit, or effects of X49 alone.
LifeWave X49TM Patch Supports Improved Results in Fitness, Strength and Stamina
Key Findings
Reported significant improvement in AHK usage (p < 0.0001, Cohen's d = 1.35). Fitness improvement of 31%-70% across exercise outcomes.
Supports
Changes in AHK utilization and fitness measures associated with X49 use over 60 days in a small uncontrolled sample.
Does NOT Establish
Superiority to exercise alone, clinical benefit, disease treatment, or effects independent of exercise.
HRV & autonomic regulation
One publicly accessible double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the Aeon patch and heart rate variability (HRV), a quantitative marker of autonomic nervous system regulation.
Responder subgroup finding: The study identified 30 of 50 subjects (60%) as responders. The significant LF/HF decrease (p < 0.047) applied only to this responder subgroup, not the full study population. This should not be presented as whole-population efficacy.
A double-blind placebo-controlled heart rate variability investigation to evaluate the quantitative effects of the organic nanoscale aeon patch on the autonomic nervous system
Key Findings
30 of 50 subjects (60%) identified as responders. In responders (n=30), normalized LF/HF decreased significantly (24% +/- 9%) after 20 min, p < 0.047.
Supports
An association between Aeon patch use and short-term HRV changes in a responder subgroup.
Does NOT Establish
Whole-population efficacy, sustained stress reduction, clinical benefit, or effects beyond 20 min.
Energy Enhancer research
Publicly accessible research on LifeWave energy patches includes an independent university study that found no performance benefit, a pilot HRV study, and a pilot HRV study published in a neurotherapy journal. Conventional physiological outcomes (VO2max, substrate utilization) are separated from exploratory autonomic measurements below.
Independent negative study: A 2011 randomized, placebo-controlled study at Oklahoma State University (Fiddler et al.) found no significant performance differences between energy patches and placebo in Division-1 cross-country runners. The authors concluded "no performance enhancing benefits."
Heart Rate Variability Enhancement Through Nanotechnology: A Double-Blind Randomized-Control Pilot Study
Key Findings
Experimental group: LF/HF ratio decreased (p < .01), VLF decreased (p < .05), LF decreased (p = .011), LF norm decreased (p < .05), HF norm increased (p < .05). Control group: no significant changes. Between-group comparison: significant only for VLF (p < .05).
Supports
Within-group HRV changes associated with energy patch use in a pilot sample.
Does NOT Establish
Sustained autonomic benefit, clinical outcomes, or effects beyond the measurement window.
The Effect of Energy Patches on Substrate Utilization in Collegiate Cross-Country Runners
Key Findings
NO significant differences between groups for RPE, TTE, HRmax, or VO2max. RER was significantly higher in the experimental group during stage 1 (p = 0.02). Authors concluded "no performance enhancing benefits."
Supports
No performance-enhancing benefit was found in this independent university study.
Does NOT Establish
Any ergogenic or performance benefit from energy patches in trained runners.
IceWave pain research
One publicly accessible pilot study on IceWave and musculoskeletal pain was identified, published in TANG. It used a dual-site design with subjects as their own controls and no separate placebo group. The public abstract reports a mean pain score decrease from 6.08 at baseline to 1.40 by Day 5 (p < 0.0001). The complete document may require free platform registration; the abstract and key study details are publicly visible.
Effect of IceWave organic nanoscale patches on reduction of musculoskeletal pain
Key Findings
Mean pain score decreased from 6.08 at baseline to 1.40 by Day 5. Reported as highly significant (p < 0.0001) with 100% statistical power compared to baseline. Public abstract and study details accessible; complete document may require free platform registration.
Supports
Preliminary reports of pain reduction associated with IceWave use in an uncontrolled pilot.
Does NOT Establish
Analgesic efficacy, superiority to placebo, clinical benefit, or causation.
Veterinary / Translational Research
Publicly published equine research on IceWave and AcuLife patches exists on the manufacturer's public science page. This research is covered separately in the Veterinary Research section below. Animal research cannot establish efficacy in humans.
Silent Nights research
One publicly accessible pilot study on Silent Nights was identified (Connor and Eickhoff, 2013). It was a very small (n=5) exploratory study with all subjects wearing the active patch and no placebo group. Serotonin was reported significant across all subjects (p=0.0030 on day 6, p=0.0097 on day 7).
Melatonin finding: A small five-person pilot study measured melatonin and other biomarkers during Silent Nights use. Two of the five participants reportedly showed a 202% increase in melatonin over the seven-day study period. This was a subgroup observation in an extremely small, uncontrolled pilot and did not establish a statistically significant overall melatonin increase or demonstrate that Silent Nights reliably increases melatonin in the broader population.
Hormonal, Amino Acid, Neurotransmitter, GDV and Physiological Testing of the Lifewave Silent Nights Patches
Key Findings
Serotonin was reported significant across all subjects at all time points (p=0.0030 on day 6, p=0.0097 on day 7). Two of the five participants reportedly showed a 202% increase in melatonin over the seven-day period. This was a subgroup observation in an extremely small, uncontrolled pilot and did not establish a statistically significant overall melatonin increase.
Supports
Preliminary physiological and neurotransmitter measurements associated with Silent Nights use in 5 subjects, including a reported serotonin change and a melatonin increase in a 2-person subgroup.
Does NOT Establish
Sleep improvement, a statistically significant overall melatonin increase, reliable melatonin increase in the broader population, clinical benefit, or efficacy.
Glutathione patch research
One publicly accessible reference to a glutathione biofield study was identified. The ResearchGate page provides title, authors, and metadata only. The full study text is not publicly accessible from that source, so specific results and measures could not be independently verified during this review.
Blood glutathione: Not established from the publicly available source identified in this review.
Exploratory biofield: Full study results were not independently verifiable from a publicly accessible full-text source during this review. Biofield methodology is exploratory. No efficacy claims are made from this study.
Heavy-metal detoxification: Not established by high-quality human evidence identified in this review. Do not claim detoxification unless directly established.
Effects of LifeWave Glutathione Patches on Human Biofield
Key Findings
Full study results were not independently verifiable from a publicly accessible full-text source during this review. The ResearchGate page provides title, authors, and metadata only; the full text is not publicly accessible.
Supports
The existence of an exploratory biofield study on glutathione patches. Specific results cannot be verified from the publicly accessible source.
Does NOT Establish
Detoxification, clinical benefit, changes in blood glutathione, or any specific physiological outcome. No efficacy claims are made from this study.
Carnosine patch research
One publicly accessible document on the Y-Age Carnosine patch reports an open-label pre/post pilot study on lactate threshold and heart rate at lactate threshold. The study enrolled 10 subjects who wore the active carnosine patch. There was no placebo group and no blinding. The document is hosted on the manufacturer's public science page and was sponsored by LifeWave Inc.
Small open-label pilot: This is a small pilot study with no placebo group and no blinding. A reported change in lactate threshold does not prove athletic performance improvement or clinical benefit independent of training. The absence of a placebo group means the findings cannot be attributed to the patch alone.
Y-AGE Carnosine Patch: Lactate Threshold Study
Key Findings
Reported that the carnosine patch significantly decreases the lactate threshold and heart rate at lactate threshold. Lactate threshold: p=0.004 (1 hour), p=0.0001 (1 week). Heart rate at threshold: p=0.01 (1 hour), p=0.005 (1 week).
Supports
A reported association between carnosine patch use and lactate threshold changes in a small open-label pilot.
Does NOT Establish
Athletic performance improvement, clinical benefit, effects independent of training, or superiority over placebo (no placebo group was used).
SP6 & the TANG pilot study
One publicly accessible study on the SP6 patch was published in TANG (Humanitas Medicine) with DOI 10.5667/tang.2011.0017. It is a 10-person pilot study using Electro Interstitial Scan (EIS) measurements with subjects serving as their own controls.
Limitations reported by the authors
- n=10 (only 1 male participant, 9 females)
- No separate control group
- No placebo-controlled measurements
- EIS is an exploratory bioelectrical impedance methodology
What this does not prove: EIS findings should not be translated into proof that SP6 clinically improves liver, pancreas, kidney, thyroid, adrenal, intestinal, or brain function.
Mild stimulation of stomach 36 acupuncture point by organic nanoscale SP6 patch improves cellular physiologic functional status of different organs
Key Findings
All tested organs showed reported significant improvement in functional physiologic status. Overall average statistical power reported > 89%.
Supports
Changes in EIS bioelectrical impedance measurements associated with SP6 patch use in a 10-person pilot.
Does NOT Establish
Clinical improvement of liver, pancreas, kidney, thyroid, adrenal, intestinal, or brain function. EIS findings do not prove organ-level clinical benefit.
Alavida skin research
No independently verifiable, publicly accessible peer-reviewed study on the Alavida patch alone was identified in this review. Publicly available materials are primarily marketing content and social media posts, which do not constitute scientific evidence.
Multi-product regimen caution: If any future research evaluates a combination regimen containing Alavida plus topical skincare products, the results cannot be attributed to the Alavida patch alone. Combination-regimen outcomes must not be presented as patch-specific evidence.
This section will be updated if a publicly accessible, independently verifiable study on Alavida is identified.
Equine & translational research
Publicly published veterinary research involving horses includes an active-versus-placebo study on AcuLife patches using acupuncture palpation and infrared thermal imaging, hosted on the manufacturer's public science page. The exact publication year was not conclusively established from the publicly accessible source.
Animal research cannot establish efficacy in humans
Veterinary research may demonstrate interesting measurable physiological responses in animals, but it must never be represented as human clinical evidence.
AcuLife Patches Produce Pain Relief in Horses
Key Findings
Acupuncture palpation: p < 0.0001 active vs. placebo. Left-side infrared thermal imaging: p < 0.004. Right-side infrared comparison was NOT statistically significant. Average right/left comparison: p = 0.062, which did not meet the conventional p < 0.05 significance threshold.
Supports
Reported pain-related responses in horses associated with patch use, with statistically significant findings for acupuncture palpation and left-side infrared imaging.
Does NOT Establish
Human efficacy. Animal research cannot establish efficacy in humans. The non-significant right-side and average comparisons limit the strength of the thermal imaging findings.
What the total body of research suggests
Across multiple products, experimental models, and physiological endpoints, investigators have reported measurable changes associated with LifeWave patch use. Some investigations used randomized, blinded or placebo-controlled designs, while others were preliminary pilot, pre/post, exploratory, or veterinary studies. The findings support continued scientific investigation; however, the strength of evidence varies substantially by product, endpoint, and study design.
What this page does not say
- "LifeWave is clinically proven."
- "The science is undeniable."
- "90+ clinical studies prove LifeWave works."
Study counts are not provided unless independently deduplicated and verified. Not all studies are independent, peer-reviewed, or clinically conclusive.
What has not yet been established
The available evidence does not automatically establish any of the following:
This section is essential for the scientific credibility of this resource. Preliminary evidence is not the same as established evidence.
Registered trials & ongoing studies
Clinical trial registries such as ClinicalTrials.gov list registered trials for LifeWave products. A registered trial is a commitment to investigate, not a result.
A registered trial with no published results is ongoing research, not evidence of efficacy.
Two-Part Study of the Effects of the X39 Patch on Circulating GHK and GHK-Cu
Registered trial. Results not yet published in the public record.
View Public Registry →Dr. Staci's interpretation
"I believe people deserve more than testimonials. They deserve to know what was actually studied, what was measured, what researchers found, and where the limitations remain.
My background in integrative and functional medicine makes me deeply interested in technologies that explore the body's own regulatory biology. It also makes me unwilling to turn preliminary research into certainty.
Some of the LifeWave research is compelling. Some is preliminary. Some raises fascinating questions that deserve larger and better-controlled trials.
That is how science works.
My purpose in creating this library is not to tell you what to believe. It is to give you access to the evidence so you can evaluate it for yourself."
Dr. Staci Holweger
PhD Integrative Medicine, PhD Functional Medicine
Searchable study database
Filter the publicly accessible studies by product and evidence type. Each card links to the legitimate public source. No internal or back-office documents are included.
Filter by Product
Filter by Evidence Type
Showing 13 studies
Double-Blind Testing of the LifeWave X39 Patch to Determine GHK-Cu Production Levels
Connor CA, Connor MH, Yue D, Eickhoff J, Wagner S, et al.
Key finding: Reported a statistically significant increase in GHK-Cu in the active group compared with control. Comparing changes from Day 2 to Day 7 between Active (Group A) and Control (Group B): GHK-Cu concentration (ng/ml) p < 0.035; Total GHK-Cu (ng) p < 0.03.
Limitation: Small sample, manufacturer-associated, published in an open-access journal, biomarker endpoint only, no clinical outcomes measured, no independent replication. The significant comparison is a change score between Day 2 and Day 7, not a simple baseline-to-endpoint comparison.
View Public Source →Two-Part Study of the Effects of the X39 Patch on Circulating GHK and GHK-Cu
ClinicalTrials.gov
Key finding: Registered trial. Results not yet published in the public record.
Limitation: A registered trial with no published results is ongoing research, not evidence of efficacy.
View Public Source →Bone and Muscle Support in Ageing Women with Life Wave X49 TM Patch
Connor MH, Connor CA, Horzempa D, Yue D, Eickhoff J, Perry M, Young D
Key finding: Reported significant decreases from baseline in AHK-Cu, NTx, and hydroxyproline. 14 amino acids changed across multiple pathways.
Limitation: No control group, small sample, manufacturer-associated, open-label, biomarker endpoints not clinical outcomes, no DEXA scan, combination regimen (X49 + X39), results cannot be attributed to X49 alone.
View Public Source →LifeWave X49TM Patch Supports Improved Results in Fitness, Strength and Stamina
Connor MH, Connor CA, Horzempa D, Yue D, Eickhoff J, Perry M, Young D
Key finding: Reported significant improvement in AHK usage (p < 0.0001, Cohen's d = 1.35). Fitness improvement of 31%-70% across exercise outcomes.
Limitation: No control group, small sample, manufacturer-associated, open-label, self-reported exercise adherence, no blinding, biomarker and fitness endpoints not disease outcomes.
View Public Source →A double-blind placebo-controlled heart rate variability investigation to evaluate the quantitative effects of the organic nanoscale aeon patch on the autonomic nervous system
Nazeran H
Key finding: 30 of 50 subjects (60%) identified as responders. In responders (n=30), normalized LF/HF decreased significantly (24% +/- 9%) after 20 min, p < 0.047.
Limitation: Significance only in a responder subgroup (60% of participants), not the full study population. Small sample, short duration (20 min), manufacturer-associated, no replication.
View Public Source →Heart Rate Variability Enhancement Through Nanotechnology: A Double-Blind Randomized-Control Pilot Study
Budzynski TH, Budzynski HK, Maret K, Tang HY
Key finding: Experimental group: LF/HF ratio decreased (p < .01), VLF decreased (p < .05), LF decreased (p = .011), LF norm decreased (p < .05), HF norm increased (p < .05). Control group: no significant changes. Between-group comparison: significant only for VLF (p < .05).
Limitation: Pilot study, small sample, between-group significance limited to one parameter (VLF), short measurement window (15 min).
View Public Source →The Effect of Energy Patches on Substrate Utilization in Collegiate Cross-Country Runners
Fiddler RE, Smith DB, Jacobson BH, Klein CD, Warren AJ, O'Brien MS, Thompson BJ, Everett KL
Key finding: NO significant differences between groups for RPE, TTE, HRmax, or VO2max. RER was significantly higher in the experimental group during stage 1 (p = 0.02). Authors concluded "no performance enhancing benefits."
Limitation: Small sample, single exercise protocol, RER difference only in stage 1 (may reflect carbohydrate oxidation rather than performance benefit).
View Public Source →Effect of IceWave organic nanoscale patches on reduction of musculoskeletal pain
Piven E, Dharia R, Jones K, Davis C, Nazeran H
Key finding: Mean pain score decreased from 6.08 at baseline to 1.40 by Day 5. Reported as highly significant (p < 0.0001) with 100% statistical power compared to baseline. Public abstract and study details accessible; complete document may require free platform registration.
Limitation: Pilot study, no separate control group, no placebo, open-label, self-reported outcome, small sample, manufacturer-associated. Full PDF may require free Academia.edu registration; abstract and key data are publicly visible.
View Public Source →Hormonal, Amino Acid, Neurotransmitter, GDV and Physiological Testing of the Lifewave Silent Nights Patches
Connor M, Eickhoff J
Key finding: Serotonin was reported significant across all subjects at all time points (p=0.0030 on day 6, p=0.0097 on day 7). Two of the five participants reportedly showed a 202% increase in melatonin over the seven-day period. This was a subgroup observation in an extremely small, uncontrolled pilot and did not establish a statistically significant overall melatonin increase.
Limitation: Very small sample (n=5), no placebo group, no blinding, exploratory GDV methodology, manufacturer-associated, melatonin observation was a subgroup finding in 2 of 5 subjects, not a statistically significant overall result.
View Public Source →Effects of LifeWave Glutathione Patches on Human Biofield
Streeter T, Zafar S, Schipke K, Prayag RD, et al.
Key finding: Full study results were not independently verifiable from a publicly accessible full-text source during this review. The ResearchGate page provides title, authors, and metadata only; the full text is not publicly accessible.
Limitation: Exploratory biofield methodology, full text not publicly accessible, specific results and measures not independently verifiable from a public source, manufacturer-associated.
View Public Source →Y-AGE Carnosine Patch: Lactate Threshold Study
Tully L, PhD
Key finding: Reported that the carnosine patch significantly decreases the lactate threshold and heart rate at lactate threshold. Lactate threshold: p=0.004 (1 hour), p=0.0001 (1 week). Heart rate at threshold: p=0.01 (1 hour), p=0.005 (1 week).
Limitation: Open-label, no placebo group, no blinding, very small sample (n=10), manufacturer-sponsored, pre/post design without a separate control group.
View Public Source →Mild stimulation of stomach 36 acupuncture point by organic nanoscale SP6 patch improves cellular physiologic functional status of different organs
Nazeran H, Blake-Greenberg S, Haltiwanger E
Key finding: All tested organs showed reported significant improvement in functional physiologic status. Overall average statistical power reported > 89%.
Limitation: n=10, only 1 male participant, no separate control group, no placebo-controlled measurements, EIS methodology is exploratory, manufacturer-associated.
View Public Source →AcuLife Patches Produce Pain Relief in Horses
DeRock L, DVM; Clark D, DC; Davis C, PhD; Nazeran H, PhD
Key finding: Acupuncture palpation: p < 0.0001 active vs. placebo. Left-side infrared thermal imaging: p < 0.004. Right-side infrared comparison was NOT statistically significant. Average right/left comparison: p = 0.062, which did not meet the conventional p < 0.05 significance threshold.
Limitation: Animal study, manufacturer-associated. Right-side infrared comparison was not statistically significant, and the average right/left comparison (p = 0.062) did not meet the conventional p < 0.05 threshold. Year not conclusively established from the publicly accessible source.
View Public Source →Frequently asked questions
Complete scientific references
All studies cited on this page are listed below with links to their legitimate public sources. No internal or back-office documents are used. Manufacturer-associated research is identified transparently.
Product-Specific Studies
- 1
Connor CA, Connor MH, Yue D, Eickhoff J, Wagner S, et al.. Double-Blind Testing of the LifeWave X39 Patch to Determine GHK-Cu Production Levels. Internal Med Res Open J. 6(1):1-3 2021. doi:10.31038/IMROJ.2021612.
View public source - 2
ClinicalTrials.gov. Two-Part Study of the Effects of the X39 Patch on Circulating GHK and GHK-Cu. ClinicalTrials.gov Registry. NCT07706361
View public source - 3
Connor MH, Connor CA, Horzempa D, Yue D, Eickhoff J, Perry M, Young D. Bone and Muscle Support in Ageing Women with Life Wave X49 TM Patch. Biomed J Sci & Tech Res (BJSTR). 47(3):38581-38590 2022. doi:10.26717/BJSTR.2022.47.007513.
View public source - 4
Connor MH, Connor CA, Horzempa D, Yue D, Eickhoff J, Perry M, Young D. LifeWave X49TM Patch Supports Improved Results in Fitness, Strength and Stamina. Int J Sports Exerc Med. 9:250 2023. doi:10.23937/2469-5718/1510250.
View public source - 5
Nazeran H. A double-blind placebo-controlled heart rate variability investigation to evaluate the quantitative effects of the organic nanoscale aeon patch on the autonomic nervous system. CELLMED. 5(1):5-5 2015. doi:10.5667/tang.2014.0024.
View public source - 6
Budzynski TH, Budzynski HK, Maret K, Tang HY. Heart Rate Variability Enhancement Through Nanotechnology: A Double-Blind Randomized-Control Pilot Study. J Neurotherapy (now Journal of NeuroRegulation). 12(1) 2008. doi:10.1080/10874200802219905.
View public source - 7
Fiddler RE, Smith DB, Jacobson BH, Klein CD, Warren AJ, O'Brien MS, Thompson BJ, Everett KL. The Effect of Energy Patches on Substrate Utilization in Collegiate Cross-Country Runners. Int J Exerc Sci. 4(2):113-121 2011. doi:10.70252/OZWD7744. PMID: 27182358. PMCID: PMC4738995.
View public source - 8
Piven E, Dharia R, Jones K, Davis C, Nazeran H. Effect of IceWave organic nanoscale patches on reduction of musculoskeletal pain. TANG. 3(1):e5 2013. doi:10.5667/TANG.2012.0037.
View public source - 9
Connor M, Eickhoff J. Hormonal, Amino Acid, Neurotransmitter, GDV and Physiological Testing of the Lifewave Silent Nights Patches. ResearchGate (technical report). 2013. doi:10.13140/RG.2.1.2599.3441.
View public source - 10
Streeter T, Zafar S, Schipke K, Prayag RD, et al.. Effects of LifeWave Glutathione Patches on Human Biofield. ResearchGate. 2011.
View public source - 11
Tully L, PhD. Y-AGE Carnosine Patch: Lactate Threshold Study. Energy Medicine Research Institute (LifeWave public science page). 2011.
View public source - 12
Nazeran H, Blake-Greenberg S, Haltiwanger E. Mild stimulation of stomach 36 acupuncture point by organic nanoscale SP6 patch improves cellular physiologic functional status of different organs. TANG (Humanitas Medicine). 2(1):e10 2012. doi:10.5667/tang.2011.0017.
View public source - 13
DeRock L, DVM; Clark D, DC; Davis C, PhD; Nazeran H, PhD. AcuLife Patches Produce Pain Relief in Horses. LifeWave public science page.
View public source
Background Science & Regulatory Sources
- 14
WALT Position Paper 2025
Azarsina M, Arany P, Marques MM, Abrahamse H, Dehghani N, Azarsina S, Fekrazad R, et al. Photobiomodulation for Stem Cell Modulation and Regenerative Medicine: WALT Position Paper 2025. PubMed PMID: 40403870. View source
Peer-reviewed position paper. Identifies a substantial need for additional clinical research.
- 15
PBM and Stem Cells (Review)
Ahrabi B, Rezaei Tavirani M, Khoramgah MS, et al. The Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy on the Differentiation, Proliferation, and Migration of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell: A Review. J Lasers Med Sci. 2019;10(Suppl 1):S96-S103. PMID: 32021681. View source
Peer-reviewed review of preclinical literature.
- 16
PBM and Stem Cells (In Vitro)
Miranda JM, de Arruda JAA, Moreno LMM, et al. Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells: An In Vitro Study. J Lasers Med Sci. 2020;11(4):469-474. PMID: 33425299. View source
Peer-reviewed in vitro study.
- 17
GHK and Tissue Remodeling
Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-988. PMID: 18644225. View source
Peer-reviewed primary source.
- 18
GHK-Cu and Gene Expression
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. doi:10.1155/2015/648108. View source
Peer-reviewed review.
- 19
GHK and Nervous System
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero J, Margolina A. The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline. Brain Sci. 2017;7(2):20. PMID: 28212278. View source
Peer-reviewed primary source.
- 20
GHK-Cu and Collagen
Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, Gillery P, Monboisse JC, Borel JP. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett. 1988;238(2):343-346. PMID: 3169264. View source
Peer-reviewed primary source.
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FDA General Wellness Guidance
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. General Wellness: Policy for Low Risk Devices. Final Guidance, reissued January 6, 2026. View source
Official FDA source.
Research Source Notice
This educational resource summarizes research that is publicly available through scientific journals, research databases, clinical-trial registries, and other publicly accessible sources. Certain LifeWave research materials designated by the company for internal use only are not reproduced, distributed, linked, or used here as publicly accessible source documents. Inclusion of a study does not constitute an endorsement of its methodology or conclusions. Each study should be evaluated according to its design, sample size, controls, funding, limitations, publication status, and reproducibility.
Medical & Scientific Disclaimer
This page is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The studies summarized here vary considerably in methodology, sample size, controls, blinding, populations, endpoints, funding and scientific strength. Statistical significance does not necessarily establish clinical significance, causation, treatment efficacy, or applicability to other populations. Animal studies cannot establish efficacy in humans. Pilot and uncontrolled studies should be interpreted as preliminary evidence and generally require replication in larger randomized controlled trials. Where a study evaluated a combination regimen, results cannot necessarily be attributed to an individual component. LifeWave products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Nothing on this page should replace individualized medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment by an appropriately licensed healthcare professional.
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Book a Free ConsultationDr. Staci is an independent LifeWave distributor and may earn compensation from product purchases. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. LifeWave products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.