In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine) the body is perceived as a bioelectric system whereas in the Western world the body is perceived as a biochemical system. The existence of the body's meridian lines were first documented in the Western world in 1996, but has been used in the East for over 3,000-4,000 years. Today energy therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, zone therapy etc. are evermore common in Western world, and it is estimated that every 3 practitioner in Denmark use energy therapy as part of their treatment.

In energy therapy all diseases and discomfort in the body are seen as a result of blockages in the body's energy flow (called the chi). By restoring this balance, symptoms such as pain, stress, insomnia, etc. is reduced and improved well-being can be achieved. The LifeWave patches are the latest addition to the energy therapies. The patches are applied to the body's energy channels (called the meridians). These extend over the entire body and defines a large number of points, which when stimulated affect the body's energy flow.

In total the body has 14 meridians that run through the entire body. They are often abbreviated to two letters - eg. ST for Stomach - but the abbreviations may vary from source to source. Below is a list of all 14 meridians, as well as the various abbreviations. The featured abbreviations are those most often used, but note that others can occur, for example, in the interactive figure.