Since being diagnosed with POTS and EDS, I’ve spent a lot of time researching what works for me and what doesn’t. Among the resources I’ve come across, one book has truly been a blessing: Hypermobile and Happy: Naturally Heal Symptoms of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, and Many Secondary Conditions by Shannon E. Gale. I was fortunate to connect with Shannon in a Facebook group for people with dysautonomia, where she recommended her book. After reading it, I can confidently say I recommend it to others for several reasons.

During my time as a teacher, I had to complete various health training sessions. One of the most impactful things I learned was from a nurse who spoke about chronic illness: while healthcare workers can be helpful, the people who truly understand what you’re going through are those with the same condition. They’re the real experts. That’s how I felt reading Shannon’s book—she is someone who truly understands. She’s clearly done extensive research and cites numerous credible sources throughout, but what stood out to me the most was her clear desire to help others living with dysautonomia. As anyone with a chronic illness knows, that feeling of isolation can be overwhelming, and Shannon’s book makes it clear she’s committed to alleviating that loneliness. It felt like she was right there with me, offering support.

Shannon covers a wide range of topics, many of which I hadn’t even considered. From harmful chemicals to secondary conditions commonly associated with EDS, she opens up new avenues of understanding. She even includes recipes for homemade cleaning products and special syrups to help you reduce harmful chemicals in your life.

One section of the book that particularly fascinated me was about the power of prayer and meditation. As a lifelong Catholic, these practices have always been part of my daily routine, but Shannon goes a step further by citing studies showing that praying for someone/sending good vibes their way can actually improve their chances of recovery and resilience. I was intrigued by this idea and appreciated learning about how different cultures incorporate similar practices into their healing.

Overall, this book is an essential guide for anyone living with EDS, suspecting they may have it, or supporting someone on that journey. You can get a copy on Amazon or directly from Shannon’s website, shannonegale.com.