The use and effectiveness of acupuncture has become a major controversy. The limited data on the subject and the wide variety of methods referred to as "therapeutic acupuncture" have added to the confusion. Among physicians who use acupuncture as one modality of treatment, there exist many opinions regarding the definition of an acupuncture point, the usefulness of the concepts of traditional acupuncture, the methods of stimulating the acupuncture points, the selection of points used, and the optimal frequency and number of treatments. This review analyzes some of the studies published in English language journals pertaining to these controversies. The possible effects of acupuncture in releasing endorphins and stimulating the autonomic nervous system are discussed. The differences in methods must be identified and resolved before an accurate assessment of "acupuncture" can be made.