Observations on the analgesic effects of needle puncture (acupuncture)

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Abstract
The analgesic effect of needle puncture was investigated in a small self-selected group of patients with chronic or acute pain, to examine the factors which determine success or failure of this treatment modality. In chronic painful conditions needle puncture may be very effective in producing at least transient analgesia. It also can produce permanent relief of acute (self-limited) pains. Needle puncture was not helpful in the management of pain resulting from nerve damage. High score on psychometric indicators of anxiety and depression was a significant predictor of successful needle puncture analgesia in patients with chronic pain. The analgesia produced by needle puncture probably involves a mechanism similar to that of counterirritation-induced analgesia.