SAAT Description / Treatment
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 addresses 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, the doctor 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 doctor 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 needle is removed, and the doctor again conducts muscle testing to confirm elimination of the allergy. The patient will be given instructions by the doctor that typically involve a gradual reintroduction to exposure of the allergen. The goal 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 is a sugar molecule (carbohydrate) found in the cells of most mammals, but not in humans. Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy to this molecule, which many people develop after being bitten by certain ticks, such as the Lone Star tick in the United States.
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. 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, dairy, and several other items.
Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome
Unlike many food allergies that cause reactions immediately after eating, alpha-gal reactions typically have a delayed onset. Symptoms frequently appear 2 to 6 hours after eating or exposure and symptoms can include the following: Skin reactions such as hives, itching, or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or eyelids, Digestive issues: such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, or severe stomach pain, Respiratory problems: such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or a cough, and severe reactions: Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and restrict breathing.
Because alpha-gal syndrome is a relatively new diagnosis, many people remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. This 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 alpha-gal syndrome 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, the doctor will conduct muscle testing to determine which allergens your body is reacting to. The doctor 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.
SAAT pricing details
The cost for SAAT treatment is $400. A $150 non-refundable deposit is required up front to hold the appointment. The initial appointment lasts 60-90 minutes, and includes the consultation, muscle testing, and placement of the semi-permanent ear needle(s). Removal of the needle, and re-testing is scheduled for 3 weeks after the treatment to confirm elimination of allergies. The $400 price includes treatment for up to three allergens, as well as the follow-up appointment.
If you have multiple allergies, we might not treat all of them at once. The best course of treatment will be determined by your doctor. The additional price of $250 for up to three additional allergens will still be the same, even if it is divided into multiple treatments.
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.
Additional considerations
During the three weeks when your semi-permanent needle is in place, you should avoid exposing the treated ear to water (we will give you a cap to wear over your ear during showers). You should also try to minimize exposure to the 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 immediately 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.
Scheduling
If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, please complete the SAAT/Alpha-gal intake form first. Once we receive your form, we will upload your information and then call you to collect the deposit and schedule an appointment.
