This is an interesting theory. I would like to add that acupuncture definitely works for pain temporarily.

While the needles are in the relief is real. My wife, who experiences extreme nausea, also reported it worked for that. They regularly do operations where the patient would not be able to tolerate the pain without anesthesia or acupuncture.

The problem is, once the treatment (the needles are removed) is over the benefit stops. I am interested in the long term benefit. This is where your theory could be put to the test.