Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture treatment on collateral circulation and rehabilitation of limb function in patients with acute cerebral infarction(ACI) caused by middle cerebral artery(MCA) occlusion. Methods Eighty patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into control group (n=40) and treatment group(n=40).The treatment group received regular treatment with acupuncture treatment,while the control group received only regular treatment.The patients in the treatment group was acupunctured with Quchi,Sousanli,Neiguan,Hegu,Liangqiu,Xuehai,Zusanli,Yanglinquan,Yinlingquan,Xuanzhong,Qiuxu,Sanyinjiao,Taichong,Baihui and Sishencong for two courses,once a day,six days were for a course,then broke one day.The transcranial Doppler(TCD),Simplify Fugl-meyer motor function assessment and Modified Barthel Index were used to compare the collateral circulation situation and rehabilitation of limb function between the two groups. Results ①After the treatment,the collateral compensative capacity(peak systolic velocity,PSV) of the ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery(iACA) and contralateral MCA(cMCA) in both groups were improved(P<0.01),and the treatment group was significantly as compared with the control group(P<0.01);but there was no significant difference in iVPCA/cVMCA between the two groups after the treatment(P>0.05);②Scores of SFM assessment increased significantly in both groups,while the treatment group was more significant(P<0.05);③Both groups had significant improvement with MBI,and the treatment group improved more than the control group(P<0.01). Conclusion Acupuncture can improve the collateral compensative capacity,promote rehabilitation of limb function,and improve activities of daily living in patients with acute brain infarction caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion,this method is worth of promotion in clinical practice,but the effects of acupuncture for different cerebral infarction should be further studied.