Effect Of Mind-Body Therapy On Pre-Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review

To systematically review the peer-reviewed literature regarding the effects of mind-body therapies onmenopausal symptoms. To identify qualifying studies, we searched 10 scientific databases and scannedbibliographies of relevant review papers and all identified articles. The methodological quality of all studies wasassessed systematically using predefined criteria. Interventions included yoga and/or meditation-basedprograms, tai chi, and other relaxation practices, including muscle relaxation and breath-based techniques,relaxation response training, and low frequency sound-wave therapy. Eight of the nine studies of yoga, tai chi,and meditation-based programs reported improvement in overall menopausal and vasomotor symptoms; sixof seven trials indicated improvement in mood and sleep with yoga-based programs, and four studies reportedreduced musculoskeletal pain.