The present study was performed to analyse whether acupuncture treatment affects leucocyte circulation as well as plasma levels of cortisol and norepinephrine in humans. Ten healthy young male subjects were enrolled in a randomised single-blind two-period crossover study. Each period contained three sessions of either acupuncture or sham acupuncture (placebo) treatment. After randomisation, group 1 (n=5) received acupuncture treatment at acupoints ST 36, LI 11, SP 10 and GV 14, while sham acupuncture was performed for group 2 (n=5). Two weeks later, each group received the alternative treatment. Blood samples were taken before needling, 10 min after and 30 min after removing the needles in the first and third sessions. In addition, blood pressure and heart rate were determined simultaneously. Although acupuncture treatment did not affect leucocyte circulation in peripheral blood after the first session, a significant decrease occurred in leucocyte and lymphocyte values after the third session. In contrast, cortisol and norepinephrine plasma levels were unchanged by acupuncture.