Objective To observe the effects of scalp penetration acupuncture on the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in brain tissue around hematoma of intracerebral hemorrhage rats. Methods To- tally 120 healthy male Wistar rats were divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, the acupunc- ture group by random digit table, 40 in each group. Rats in each group were further randomly divided into 4 time points, i.e., 6 h, 24 h, day 3, day 7. The intracerebral hemorrhage rat model was prepared by modified autologous arterial blood method, intervened by electroacupuncture (EA) at Baihui (DU20) through Taiyang (EX- HN5). Neuroethological assessment was conducted by Longa score. The expression of NGF positive cells in brain tissue around hematoma was detected using immunohistochemical method. The amount of NGF mRNA expression was measured by q-PCR. Results Compared with the sham-operation group, neurobehavioral scores increased, NGF positive cells increased, NGF mRNA expression increased in the model group at each time point, with statistical difference shown (P <0.05). Compared with the model group, 6 h neurobehavioral scores,NGF positive cells, mRNA expression of NGF did not change significantly in the acupuncture group, with no statistical difference shown (P > 0. 05). Neuroethological scores decreased, NGF positive cells increased, mRNA expression of NGF was up-regulated in the acupuncture group at 24 h, day 3 and 7, respec- tively, with statistical difference shown (P <0. 05). Conclusion scalp penetration acupuncture could up-regulate gene and protein expressions of NGF, and promote recovery of nerve function, showing favorable neuro-protective effects.