It can. In my family we’ve had some definite success with pain and nausea. We haven’t had too much experience with other maladies. However, two chronic conditions did not improve much if at all. We terminated therapy early because the needle locations were starting to bother us; maybe if we had toughed it out if would have worked. Two different Chinese acupuncturists including one with an M.D. The TCM people would say that the sensitivity indicated they were hitting the right spots, but I guess I am a weakling.
Depending on the point it can be a real thrill ride. A lot of energy can be released by one tiny needle.