Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a disorder which impacts the formation of connective tissue in the body.

EDS is a congenital and lifelong condition. A parent with EDS has a 50% chance of passing the condition to their child.  

Because connective tissue is so pervasive in the body, individuals with EDS can have a wide range of symptoms and complications which can vary in severity across individuals. There are 13 subtypes of EDS – Hypermobile Ehler-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is the most common.

Charleston residents with EDS can experience symptoms such as

• Hypermobility of the joints

• Tendon laxity and predisposition to sublux joints easily

• Neck and shoulder pain (coat hanger pain) due to laxity in spinal and shoulder ligaments

• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) – rapid heartrate and dizziness upon standing quickly

• Poor wound healing and easy bruising

• Digestive issues: acid reflux, constipation, delayed or rapid gastric emptying

• Chronic headaches

• Temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ) issues

• Frequent muscle and joint pain which may come and go and move from joint to joint

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can coincide with and be complicated by several other conditions. Commonly seen conditions alongside EDS include:

• Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)

• Postural Orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

• Gastric dysmotility disorders

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Small fiber neuropathy

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Anxiety and Depression

• Sleep disorders

EDS symptoms can vary in spread and severity. While some may experience mild hypermobility, skin elasticity, and tendon laxity, EDS has the potential to cause widespread and debilitating symptoms.

Victoria Ansell, LAc., studied EDS in relation to Chinese medicine extensively when she was in school as her sister was struggling with diagnosis and case management at the time. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine standpoint, Ehler-Danlos Syndrome often looks like widespread Qi and Blood deficiency, making EDS patients prone to exhaustion, weakness, and stagnation causing pain in the body.

There is no cure or sole treatment for EDS; treatments are centered around symptom management and are often coordinated across different specialists. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are effective adjunct therapies in EDS case management and can help lessen symptom severity. An acupuncturist will take a detailed history to best understand how Ehlers-Danlos affects your life and can work with your care team to provide treatments and lifestyle recommendations to help you gain mobility, function, and pain relief.

Acupuncture helps manage EDS by

• Regulating the Autonomic nervous system

• Improving blood circulation

• Treating muscle tightness and postural imbalances

• Improving energy levels

• Improving stress and anxiety associated with living with chronic health conditions

While EDS is a chronic condition, symptom management is possible. Charleston residents living with EDS have treatment options available to them. Contact Victoria Ansell, LAc., today to schedule your complimentary phone consult and learn more about how acupuncture treatments can help you manage your EDS symptoms.