Electroacupuncture (EA) reduces neuronal ferroptosis in middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis. This study investigated the protective effects of EA on neurological function, infarct volume, and neuronal damage in MCAO/R rats. EA treatment significantly improved neurological function, reduced infarct volume, and protected mitochondrial morphology. EA decreased iron levels, inhibited lipid peroxidation, and increased endogenous antioxidant activity. It also modulated the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins, promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation. However, the protective effect of EA was blocked by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. These findings suggest that EA suppresses ferroptosis and reduces damage caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion by activating Nrf2 and increasing the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4. The study highlights the potential of EA as a therapeutic approach for ischemic stroke by targeting ferroptosis.Electroacupuncture (EA) reduces neuronal ferroptosis in middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis. This study investigated the protective effects of EA on neurological function, infarct volume, and neuronal damage in MCAO/R rats. EA treatment significantly improved neurological function, reduced infarct volume, and protected mitochondrial morphology. EA decreased iron levels, inhibited lipid peroxidation, and increased endogenous antioxidant activity. It also modulated the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins, promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation. However, the protective effect of EA was blocked by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. These findings suggest that EA suppresses ferroptosis and reduces damage caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion by activating Nrf2 and increasing the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4. The study highlights the potential of EA as a therapeutic approach for ischemic stroke by targeting ferroptosis.