Chinese Medicine and the Management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Hypermobility syndromes are more common, complex and diverse than most clinicians realise.

Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is hereditary collagen disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, dermal hyperelasticity, and extensive tissue fragility. The diagnosis is made clinically. Therapy is supportive. Inheritance is usually autosomal dominant.This is the tissue that forms tendons and ligaments, for example.

Each hypermobile patient is unique and therefore difficult to treat with a predetermined paradigm or protocol. The hEDS population can be underserved by Western medicine, and Chinese medicine can do much for this community.

The first book about Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome with TCM

This book is one of the first of its kind – a text on Chinese medicine that focuses specifically on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. This guide provides an overview of comprehensive treatment scenarios and addresses issues faced by EDS patients, including pain management, psycho-emotional challenges, gut health disorders and chronic inflammation, including post-Lyme syndrome.

C. Pierce Salguero, Professor of Asian History and Health Sciences, Penn State University:
A thought-provoking book! It would be nice to see more practitioners of Chinese medicine reflecting on how translation and cross-cultural exchange affect clinical practice.

Michael Arsenault, Lic. Ac, Founder of Emily Skin Soothers Inc.:
Within 23 years of practice, this is the first book I have seen that addresses EDS from a TCM perspective. It provides the knowledge to recognise and understand this often misdiagnosed condition and the tools to formulate treatment plans for EDS sufferers. Highly recommended reading.

Dr. Chia Fu, Immunologist and Public Health Officer:
With her passion and understanding of Chinese medicine, Dr Bruno has skilfully combined it with the rare disease of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, more specifically hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). For a scientist, it is easy to dismiss this literature because it does not adhere to the traditional views of Western modern medicine. But as an academic and practising allopath, I encourage readers of all academic backgrounds to read this book. Dr Bruno not only demonstrates her knowledge of pathophysiology and history, but she also shows cultural sensitivity when she compares existing practices with Chinese approaches and spirituality. This is a remarkable and thought-provoking book!