Acupuncture - the great chi wash, or just an excuse for someone to poke me with needles and charge me for it?

So, I took it on recommendation and had my family practitioner write a referral for an acupuncture appointment.  I've never done it before, and I had been told - by more than one person - that it was beneficial for all kinds of ailments.  For me, the goal was mainly stress-relief and tension release.

Now, I fully admit, I have no clue how or why or if acupuncture works, but I'm smart enough to realize that it's been around an awfully long time so there must be something to it (as with most Eastern medicine).  Maybe as a Westerner, I expect instant results for something that takes time and is a gradual process.  Whatever the case may be, my first experience was interesting.

Here's how it went.  I showed up and the doctor conducted a thorough interview concerning my health and well-being.  He then proceeded to, as he explained, search for places where my energy wasn't flowing correctly (how do they do that?).  He pressed areas around my feet and ankles, elbows, etc.  He must've found some energy blockages, because he then placed needles between my toes, on the insides of my ankles, above my elbow, between my eyes, and on either side of my nose.

At this point, I was instructed to relax.  He told me he'd check on me in about 10 minutes, turned on some soft music, and left.  So...I relaxed.  He popped in about 10 minutes later, checked the needles, and then left for another 10 minutes.

When he returned, he removed the needles, had me turn over, pressed around for more energy blockages, and then placed needles below my shoulder blades, near my neck, and on my lower back.

20 minutes later, I was dressed and in his office.

He briefly explained that his intention for the day was to balance my chi.  Hmmmm.  I really had no expectations, but I have to admit that I don't really feel any different than I did before the appointment.

I'm not giving up yet, though.  I'm aware that most homeopathic medicine takes time to affect us.  It isn't instant like the chemical warfare Western medicine inflicts upon our bodies.  I'll admit, however, that I am skeptically optimistic.  How exactly will I know if my chi is balanced?  Or cleansed?  After 1000 needles will I feel harmony?  Will my neck or back pain decrease?  Will I feel less stress or anxiety?

We'll see....we'll see.

Has anyone out there tried acupuncture with positive results?  What has been your experience?  What can I expect?  Or should I expect anything?