A method for controlling a reversible polyphase rotating electrical machine, wherein at least one coil circuit is supplied through a bridge of switches, including the following steps: controlling (P1) the bridge to deliver to the coil circuit a periodic voltage with a phase shift (d) relative to an electromotive force induced in the coil circuit, such that an operating torque is generated, the phase shift having initially a first value (d0); controlling (P2) the bridge to deliver to the coil circuit a periodic voltage with the phase shift (d) producing a torque ranging between the operating torque and the opposite of the operating torque, the phase shift taking on a plurality of values upon the control; flipping (T2) the bridge in rectifying mode.