Several randomized controlled trials have been conducted demonstrating the beneficial effects of acupuncture. A randomized controlled study in 29 patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis with a 4 month follow up after completion of acupuncture sessions showed a statistically significant improvement in colitis activity index (CAI) as compared to the control group. The study concluded that acupuncture provided an additional therapeutic benefit to patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (26).