Acupuncture can intervene in and treat ischemic stroke(IS) through multiple targets and pathways. In recent years

experimental studies have shown that the mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of IS mainly involves the promotion of nerve repair and regeneration

the regulation of the activity of neurotransmitters

the improvement of cerebral blood flow

the alleviation of brain edema

the reduction of oxidative stress

the inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy

and the suppression of inflammatory responses. This paper reviewed the available mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of IS to provide theoretical support for the clinical application of acupuncture against IS and references for further research.