SAAT: A Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Approach to Allergies and Alpha-Gal
Allergies affect millions of people worldwide, and for many individuals, finding effective and sustainable relief can be a long, frustrating journey. While traditional treatments, such as antihistamines and epinephrine, can manage symptoms, they often don’t address the root causes of allergies.
This is where Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) comes into play—a revolutionary approach that offers a potential solution for a variety of allergic conditions, including the increasingly prevalent and debilitating alpha-gal syndrome.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what SAAT is, how it works, and how it might provide relief for those suffering from unique and complex allergic reactions like alpha-gal syndrome.
What is Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT)?
Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) is a non-invasive therapy that uses auricular acupuncture to alleviate allergic reactions. Developed by Dr. Nader Soliman, MD, SAAT is an innovative technique that uses only one needle and requires only one treatment.
Unlike traditional allergy treatments that rely on medications to block histamines or dampen immune reactions, SAAT aims to address the root cause of allergies by promoting the body’s natural healing abilities and regulating immune function.
SAAT technique is recommended for the treatment of all types of allergies, including environmental and food allergies, toxins, and alpha-gal.
How Does SAAT Work?
The SAAT process involves identifying the specific allergens that trigger a person’s allergic responses and then stimulating a corresponding point on the ear. The idea is to help the body recalibrate its immune system to stop overreacting to harmless substances.
- Allergen Identification: Before beginning treatment, a thorough assessment is performed to identify the specific allergens responsible for triggering reactions. This is done by exposing the body to a harmless amount of the allergen and conducting muscle testing.
- Auricular Acupuncture: Once allergens are identified, an acupuncturist locates a corresponding acupuncture point on the ear connected to the specific allergen. The point is identified using a device which detects changes to the electromagnetic field on the skin. The acupuncturist then places a semi-permanent needle at the auricular point, which is taped to the skin and stays in place for three weeks.
- Restoring Balance: After three weeks, the semi-permanent needle is removed and the acupuncturist again conducts muscle testing to confirm elimination of the allergy. The patient can then gradually reintroduce exposure to the allergen. The goal of SAAT is to help the body reset its immune response, reducing the severity of allergic reactions and eliminating symptoms.
- Personalized Approach: Unlike generic allergy medications, SAAT is highly individualized, with treatments tailored to the specific allergens and health needs of each patient. This personalization is one reason why SAAT is becoming an appealing option for many individuals who want to manage their allergies holistically.
What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
Alpha-gal syndrome is an increasingly recognized and prevalent condition in which an individual develops an allergic reaction to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a sugar molecule found in the meat of mammals. The condition usually develops after a tick bite, particularly from the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum), which transmits the alpha-gal molecule. Over time, the body may develop a sensitivity to alpha-gal, triggering severe allergic reactions when individuals consume mammalian meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb.
Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome
The symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome can range from mild to life-threatening and typically occur a few hours after consuming mammalian meat. Common symptoms include:
- Hives or skin rashes
- Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Swelling or tightness in the throat
- Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)
Because alpha-gal syndrome is a relatively new diagnosis, many people remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. The condition can be especially challenging to manage since it may take several hours for symptoms to appear after eating, making it difficult for patients to pinpoint the cause of their reactions.
How SAAT Can Help Manage Alpha-Gal Syndrome
While there is currently no cure for alpha-gal syndrome, managing the condition involves avoiding mammalian meat and, in some cases, using antihistamines or epinephrine to treat reactions. This is where Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) offers a valuable complementary approach.
SAAT targets the immune system’s overreaction to allergens, including alpha-gal. By stimulating specific auricular points associated with immune function, SAAT aims to balance the body’s response to allergens and potentially reduce the severity of allergic reactions over time.
A 2021 study published in the journal Medical Acupuncture found that 96% of patients who underwent SAAT treatment for AGS reported long-term remission of symptoms after completing treatment.
For individuals with alpha-gal syndrome, SAAT could offer the following benefits:
- Desensitization: The theory behind SAAT is that, by continuously stimulating the ear’s acupuncture point, the body may gradually become less sensitive to the triggers that cause allergic reactions. While more research is needed, some individuals with other forms of allergy have reported reduced sensitivity after completing a course of treatment.
- Symptom Reduction: For those with alpha-gal syndrome, SAAT could help reduce the intensity of allergic reactions to the allergen, making it easier to tolerate accidental exposures or manage symptoms more effectively.
- Holistic Approach: For individuals who prefer non-pharmaceutical options or have concerns about long-term reliance on medications, SAAT offers a holistic approach that focuses on the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
- Personalized Care: Since SAAT is tailored to each individual’s specific allergies, it offers a level of personalization that may be particularly beneficial for those with complex conditions like alpha-gal syndrome.
What to Expect During a SAAT Session
During your initial consultation, your acupuncturist will conduct muscle testing to determine which allergens your body is reacting to. Your acupuncturist will then place one semi-permanent needle on the ear, which should be left in place for three weeks. After three weeks, you’ll return to the clinic to have your needle removed and be re-tested for allergic sensitivity.
Pricing Details
At Encircle Acupuncture, we offer SAAT at our Bellevue location with Licensed Acupuncturist Trey Brackman, who is a certified SAAT practitioner.
The price for SAAT is $250, which includes the initial consultation and muscle testing, placement of the semi-permanent ear needle(s), removal of needle(s), and re-testing to confirm elimination of allergies. The $250 package price includes treatment for up to four allergens.
If you have multiple allergies, we might not treat all of them at once. The best course of treatment will be determined by your acupuncturist. The package price of $250 for up to four allergens will still be the same, even if it is divided into multiple treatments.
If you are sensitive to five or more allergens, you will need to purchase an additional treatment package.
SAAT semi-permanent needles should remain securely in place over the course of three weeks. If a needle falls out accidentally or spontaneously, it will be replaced once free of charge.
Wondering why the SAAT treatment costs more than a regular community acupuncture session?
Great question! It’s because of the specialized training required to become SAAT certified, the allergy testing supplies needed, and the additional time required to ensure a successful treatment.
Additional Considerations
During the three weeks when your semi-permanent needle is in place, you should avoid exposing the treated ear to water as much as possible (we will give you a cap to wear over your ear during showers). You should also try to minimize exposure allergen being treated.
If you experience any continuous irritation, spontaneous pain or unusual feeling at the site of a needle, please remove the needle immediately, as these signs may signal the beginning of an infection or inflammation. Call our office to schedule replacement of the needle.
Needles must be removed if you undergo an MRI.
Patients undergoing SAAT should follow the advice of their allergist or primary care physician regarding the management of alpha-gal syndrome or other allergies, including dietary restrictions and the use of emergency medications.
Ready to Schedule?
Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) is an innovative, drug-free approach to managing allergies, and a promising option for individuals suffering from alpha-gal syndrome and other complex allergic conditions.
To schedule online, visit our patient portal. Be sure to select “Bellevue” as your Location and “SAAT Allergy Treatment” as your Service (a SAAT consultation and treatment takes about 30 minutes; therefore if you select “Acupuncture” as your service we won’t have enough time).
You can also call us in Bellevue at (615) 645-9866 or in East Nashville at (615) 457-1979 to schedule an appointment.
We’re here to help.
At Encircle Acupuncture, we’re here to help! Book online or call us in East Nashville at 615-457-1979 or in Bellevue at 615-645-9866 to schedule your next appointment with us.
