To determine the effect of acupuncture combined with mirror therapy on upper limb motor functional recovery after a stroke. Methods: One hundred patients who suffered a stroke were randomly assigned to the observation group (51cases) and control group (49 cases). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation training; additionally, the observation group was treated with acupuncture and mirror therapy while the control group was treated with sham acupuncture and mirror therapy. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) score, Brotez hand assessment (BzH), modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and modified Barthel Index (MBI) score of both groups were collected before and four weeks after treatment. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the FMA-UE score, BzH score, MAS, and MBI score of the two groups after treatment compared to the same group before treatment (P＜0.05). After treatment, the observation group showed an increased FMA-UE score, BzH score, and MBI score and a decreased MAS score compared to the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with mirror therapy can markedly improve upper limb motor function, decrease spasticity, and improve the ability of daily life in stroke patients.