Acupuncture: Can it take the pain away?

Acupuncture is growing in popularity in most Western countries and continues to be a major form of medicine in China and Japan, In the USA, an estimated ten million consultations for acupuncture take place each year, Many scientists regard acupuncture, like many other 'alternative' therapies, as an over-dressed placebo that fulfils a need for mysticism and ancient ritual. But if we dismiss acupuncture in this way, are we rejecting an opportunity to learn more about the body's response to pain?