So how does it work then, this acupuncture?

“So how does it work then,

this acupuncture?” people often ask me.

“God knows!” I used to say, kind of as a joke

(which didn’t go down too well).

But if you wait, keep quiet a bit,

they’ll usually carry on,

answer the question for you:

“It’s the nerves, isn’t it?”

Some’ve heard it releases “endolphins” 

(I’ve a soft spot for them, who doesn’t?)

frisking in benevolent on a microscopic flood,

enlightening our pulse with sparkly clicks and giggles;

others’ll name-drop “dopamine”

or “serotonin levels,” even

“activation of the cerebral cortex

or something,” etcetera.

Maybe it’s all of the above and more but                       

does it really matter?

How does music work?                                                      You listen.

How does water quench your thirst?                                You drink.