An interesting article chronicling one woman's experience with acupuncture:

"So the question remains: how, exactly, does acupuncture achieve and maintain healing?

"Acupuncture points function something like a valve system on a machine," explains Neil. "At certain times there might be an excess or a deficiency of energy in certain channels of the body, and by accessing these physical 'valves', we can regulate the flow of energy between the individual and the environment." Although the body should be able to do this naturally, there are times when things get so out of wack that it needs a bit of external aid. Depending on the specific condition of the individual, needles can be manipulated according to reinforcing or reducing techniques to restore harmonious energy flow, or are simply employed to open the 'valves' so that the body can achieve regulation on its own.

A far cry indeed from the scientific approach of western medicine, and it is small wonder that modern medical devotees have a hard time swallowing such an alternative, albeit ancient, approach. But despite the dubious opinions of some, acupuncture's very existence in the contemporary world is a sign of the power behind the pin prick. The survival of this healing art - over thousands of years and through banning in its country of origin during both the Manchurian Qing and Kuomintang eras - speaks for itself."