I was actually more reliant on "Shiatsu", than Acupuncture. They both are generally the same, working on parts of the body to bring balance, and relieve tension and pain. Though, the only difference would be the Shiatsu focuses on pressure points to eliviate the pain, and bring a better circulation of blood to that area, but Acupuncture is stimulating the nervous system, based on Ancient Chinese Methods to stimulate parts of the body that is believed to be connected to major (and minor) organs, etc.
Mostly, I don't like needles, but also, during my Aikido study, the Instructor was very knowledgeable in Shiatsu, and I was intrigued by it. I found that it's focus on pressure points would be usefull in "hurting" as well as "healing", and would be helpful for someone who doesn't have all that much strength.
Anyway, my understanding of Acupunture is the stimulation of the nerves that are connected to organs, etc. The Chinese theory on medicine, from what I heard, is the opposite to western medicine. The Chinese medicine promotes the body to heal itself, whilst the western medicine is dependent on healing the body without any help. I agree with medicine to help the body strenghten itself, I would think there are very little or no side effects to it.