How does acupuncture work?

Researchers have not yet discovered how or why acupuncture works.  They have however, documented many of its affects, including: reducing pain, decreasing inflammation, increasing circulation, lowering blood pressure, increasing energy, boosting white blood cells and the immune system, and in  balancing hormones.  It also helps to decrease cortisol in the body, the harmful hormone related to chronic stress and weight gain.   We do know that when acupuncture is used locally for pain,  it creates a micro injury in the area of insertion, and as a result, blood flow increases to that area to promote healing.