In the model of gerbil of acute global ischemia and reperfusion, we studied the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) on total power of EEG at different periods of global ischemia and reperfusion. The "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Jinsuo" (GV 8) points were stimulated by electrical pulse with frequency 7 Hz and intensity of 5-6 mA for 30 min. Recording was made before ischemia and 0 min, 15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min and 240 min after reperfusion respectively. The results were as follows: 1. In the control group, after 10 min of ischemia, the amplitude of EEG was severely inhibited, even became flatten, and the total power of EEG was significantly decreased to 1.41 + 1.29%. After reperfusion, the recovery of total power was very slow. The peak level of recovery occurred at 120 min following reperfusion was 27.39 + 11.31%. 2. In comparison with the control group, the EA remarkably improved the recovery of EEG after ischemia and reperfusion. The recovery of total power was 71.45 + 16.46% (P < 0.01), and 75.27 + 18.43% (P < 0.01) at 120 min and 240 min after reperfusion respectively. These results strongly indicate that EA could reduce the EEG inhibition during global ischemia and improve the recovery after reperfusion.