Cerebral ischemic postconditioning (IPO) refers to a series of rapid intermittent interruptions of blood flow in the early phase of reperfusion. It protects brain tissue against ischemia-reperfusion injury. IPO decreases infarct volume and neuron loss by activating protein kinases,blocking apoptosis pathways,inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress. IPO can be applied after cerebral ischemia,and it has better application prospects in clinical practice. This article reviews IPO and its neuroprotective mechanisms.