Reviews and Awards
for Hypermobile and Happy
EXPERT REVIEW: "The book is a must. I have learned and enjoyed it altogether. I have recommended it since it contains several terrific messages. First, the positive view which has managed to bring a smile to many of my patients. Second, the detailed list of informative issues, which allow learning of this exquisite update. Third, because it provides a comprehensive view of this complex disorder without the often found "silo" biases in the medical world." ~Dr. Antonio Bulbena, MD, PhD, Msc, Professor and Chairman of Psychiatry at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Director of Research at the Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions; member of the Ehlers-Danlos Society; his main discovery has been the relationship between anxiety disorders and joint hyperlaxity syndrome; he has published 250 articles, 100 chapters in books, and 2 books, including Anxiety: A Quick Immersion.
"Wow! I've been digging into your book. May I just say how refreshing it is to have access to so much information and links. Your book is remarkably thorough. Although many of your practices I currently implement, I'm learning new techniques to try... I'm learning more about myself and how to navigate my uniqueness... You are doing God's work. I'm beyond grateful for you." ~Nancy
"I haven't purchased an actual book in a while, but on my hunt to get to the root cause instead of chucking back pharmaceuticals that so many docs push to pacify you, and ruining whatever good parts of my body I have left, I came across a group. This author/member had a similar story. I've lived with this since I can remember...so when I opened this book randomly to this chapter [Growing Pains], I about cried... Thank you for writing this and sharing yours and your family's story. Def some good tips. I'll def be recommending it. Maybe buy a copy for each of my 49 docs and the 987 Brown Medical students." ~Yma
"I'm in awe of the number of topics and the amount of work, both research and writing, you obviously put into this book... Thanks for sharing all your amazing experiences, research, and recommendations! ~Jozanna
WINNER, INTERNATIONAL IMPACT BOOK AWARD February 2025 Health Category
EXPERT REVIEW: "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." ~Maddie B. Whites, Book Reviewer
EXPERT REVIEW:"This book has so much content on different topics -- it is a fascinating read." ~Jeannie Di Bon, MA, CIMSPA, Movement Therapist and Educator specializing in working with people with hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and chronic pain; pilates instructor with training in biomechanics, anatomy, neuroscience, and pain management; author of a blog, numerous articles, conference presentations, and 2 books: Pilates Without Tears and Hypermobility Without Tears
EXPERT REVIEW: "I've just finished it. It is quite...chunky! In this book, Shannon covers almost 40 other secondary conditions associated with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, as well as about 25 techniques in order to kind of help manage the symptoms and conditions.
I found this book really really good because a lot of the experiences that she recounts are very similar to my own. I felt much less lonely reading her accounts. Also, a lot of the symptoms, conditions, and techniques — I didn't realize I had some of them, and I was like, "Oh, yeah!"
I kind of use this as a sort of reference. It's really opened my mind. I've got a lot more curious about some of my conditions. There's tips, like shoulder pain and rib cage pain, and the notes section is chunky.
This idea would be for anyone who is interested in learning more about hEDS, interested in learning techniques, interested in learning about some conditions that you may not even realize may be part of the Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome world.
Give this a read!" ~Lorraine Ansell, author of The Surrender Agenda: My Witty and Honest Journey of Learning to Accept and Love My Pain