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Table 1 Eligible interventions and definitions

From: Nonpharmacologic, nonherbal management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms: an umbrella systematic review (protocol)

Intervention category

Definitions and examples

Acupuncture, acupressure

Acupuncture from any tradition will be considered, including auricular acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupressure, and laser acupuncture.

We will exclude studies where acupuncture was administered in conjunction with Chinese herbal therapies. Cupping therapy will be excluded unless it is simply a component of an acupuncture intervention.

Yoga, tai chi, qigong (as defined by study investigators)

Yoga is generally defined as physical exercises and bodily positions or postures, breathing control practices, and meditation.

Tai chi is generally defined as series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner accompanied by deep breathing.

Qigong is generally defined as system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation.

Meditation, mindfulness, relaxation

Practices include:

• Mindfulness-based stress reduction

• Progressive relaxation

• Bernstein and Borkovec’s progressive relaxation

• Everly and Rosenfeld’s passive relaxation

• Madder’s applied relaxation

• Poppen’s behavioral relaxation training

• Mitchell method

• Alexander technique

• Benson’s relaxation response

• Guided imagery-based approaches

• Roll breathing

• Paced respiration

• 4-7-8 breathing technique

• Hypnosis

• Other approaches that focus on diaphragmatic breathing

Structured exercise, physical activity

Defined as physical activity that is regular and done with the intention of improving or maintaining physical fitness or health or performed as part of a class or with support from a health professional.