Acupuncture 'works' in several ways.  It has been shown to cause the release of chemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain, local tissues, and blood stream that cause a variety of effects.  The chemicals include internal opioids that decrease the sensation of pain and promote relaxation.

It has been shown to cause unique activity in the brain, even before the needle actually touches the skin.  Touching the skin causes activity in the sensory cortex of the brain, but when an acupuncture needle reaches the correct spot and causes the characteristic ache called 'de qi', there is activity in the emotion-processing areas of the brain instead.  The significance of this is not yet clear but it proves that acupuncture treatment has a special effect on the body and brain.

Acupuncture has been shown to influence the way electrical and electromagnetic energy travel through the body.  The meridians have been shown to have a physical structure consisting of microtubules running under the skin within fascial planes and between muscles.  They have a crystalline nature which conducts energy and electricity around the body in consistent and predictable ways to promote healing and balance.  In Chinese Medicine illness is often a result of imbalanced flow of energy (qi - pronounced "CHEE") through these channels, and insertion of acupuncture needles at key points along the channels can reestablish balance and flow to improve health and function.