So even if the only effect of acupuncture is to increase natural opiate activity, the potential for widespread systemic effects is present. And acupuncture stimulates many more body chemicals in addition to the endogenous opiate system. Acupuncture is NOT a placebo. In general, it seems that the body wants to be healthy, and acupuncture may provide the nudge the body requires to do so. Acupuncture has helped many people who have not responded to conventional medical or surgical management, but there is a tremendous difference in the response to acupuncture from patient to patient.
Some people notice an immediate improvement, some notice a change a day or two after treatment.
Some people are not helped at all. Some people who initially think they had no response, notice a delayed improvement several weeks after treatment. Occasionally, pain is temporarily worse following a treatment. This is not cause for alarm or discouragement. Worsening of pain may be followed by significant improvement.