All acupuncture does is give one a nice poke with a sharp pin. This causes a release of endorphins, the body’s endogenous opioid polypeptide compounds. It is a natural morphine substance. One could get the same result by getting a jolt from a tazer.
If our bodies have natural endorphins—let ‘em work. If this works for the soldiers and empowers them in the field and off, I am all for it. Would you prefer they shoot up? Accupunture has many actions on the body above and beyond endorphin producing actions.
It only works when the needle or stimulation occurs at the right point(s). Sham acupuncture at deliberately incorrect locations does not work. Endorphins may not even be involved in the therapeutic response, and certainly aren’t when the treated condition has nothing to do with pain.