The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests acupuncture as an alternate and complementary method for treating strokes and for enhancing stroke care. Results from clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that acupuncture is effective in restoring balancing function after a stroke, decreasing spasticity, boosting muscle strength, and enhancing general well-being. It is yet unknown what causes acupuncture to be effective in stroke therapy. This study's objectives were to perform a review of the literature, synthesise the current theories behind ischemic stroke rehabilitation using acupuncture and Electroacupuncture (EA) therapy, and describe the most often used acupoints linked to these outcomes. The research in this review suggests that acupuncture/EA has positive effects on ischemic stroke rehabilitation through five main distinct mechanisms: 1) Support for neurogenesis and cell proliferation in CNS. 2) Controlling cerebral blood flow in the ischemic area, 3) Preventing apoptosis there, 4) Controlling neurochemicals, and 5) Improving memory and Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) after a stroke
