Eat Without Fear. Live With Confidence.
SAAT for Alpha-gal Syndrome
If you’ve been diagnosed with Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS), you know the constant worry:
- “Will this meal trigger a reaction?”
- “Can I trust this food label?”
- “What if symptoms wake me up hours later?”
This daily fear doesn’t just affect your body — it creates stress, anxiety, and isolation. But no one should live in fear of what they eat.
What Is SAAT?
The Soliman Auricular Acupuncture Technique (SAAT) is an advanced form of ear acupuncture that targets hypersensitivities like Alpha-gal. It involves placing a tiny, semi-permanent needle at a specific ear point linked to the alpha-gal reaction. That point is left in place for 3–4 weeks, providing continuous stimulation that helps the nervous system calm down and reset its overreaction.
Why Patients Choose SAAT
- Precise & Targeted
- Efficient – Usually one treatment and one follow-up evaluation
- Non-drug Approach – Complements existing care
- Peace of Mind – Helps reduce fear around eating
- Lower Risk of Severe Reactions – Many patients report that SAAT dramatically reduces or eliminates allergic responses
How It Works: Three Simple Steps
- Book Your Consultation – We’ll review your history, test results, and make sure SAAT is right for you.
- Receive Your Treatment – A hair-thin ear needle is placed and secured. Most patients feel little more than a quick pinch.
- Reclaim Your Peace of Mind – Over the next few weeks, the body begins to reset, and you may notice more calm and less fear around meals.
Disclaimer: While many patients report fewer or no reactions after SAAT, results vary. SAAT is not a substitute for emergency care. Always follow your physician’s advice and continue to carry prescribed emergency medications.
A Focused, Drug-Free Option to Calm the Immune System
What is Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS)?
Alpha-gal Syndrome is a tick-associated allergy to a carbohydrate called galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) found in red meat and other mammal-derived products (e.g., gelatin, collagen, some medications). Reactions are delayed — often 3–6 hours after eating — and can include hives, GI distress, swelling, wheeze, and, rarely, anaphylaxis. Standard care centers on strict avoidance and carrying emergency medications.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Hives, itching, or swelling
- Difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis
- Fatigue, brain fog, or systemic inflammation
Foods and Products That May Contain Alpha-gal
Common Triggers:
- Red meats: beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit
- Organ meats: liver, kidney, intestines, sweetbreads
- Game meats: elk, bison
- Regional delicacies: Rocky Mountain oysters
Dairy Products:
Milk from mammals naturally contains alpha-gal.
- Many people with AGS can tolerate dairy, but some remain sensitive.
- Cow’s milk is classified as a major allergen and must be disclosed on food labels.
Animal-Based Additives and Ingredients:
- Gelatin (beef or pork)
- Lard, tallow, suet
- Broths, stocks, gravies with beef/pork base
- Natural flavors, animal fat — verify source
Non-Food Products That May Contain Alpha-gal
These may include medications, vaccines, cosmetics, and supplements.
- Gelatin (capsules, vaccines, candies)
- Glycerin
- Magnesium stearate
- Bovine or animal extracts
Safe Foods
- Poultry: chicken, turkey, duck, quail
- Fish and shellfish
- Eggs
- Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes
What Outcomes Can I Expect with SAAT?
Most patients report improvements after one treatment, including:
- Improved food tolerance
- Reduction in allergic reactions
- Enhanced quality of life
- Fewer emergency interventions
Results vary by individual. Do not test red meat without guidance. Keep epinephrine available. Contact us if the ear site becomes irritated.
Note: Kentucky is in a region with high Lone Star Tick activity. Please take precautions outdoors.
How SAAT May Help Alpha-gal
Ear points are connected to cranial nerves (like the vagus), allowing for:
- Immune Calming – Reduced reactivity and better food tolerance
- Sustained Effect – 3–4 weeks of consistent neuromodulation from the needle
Key Mechanisms of Action
| Mechanism | Effect |
|---|---|
| Neuro-auricular stimulation | Activates brainstem and vagus pathways |
| Immune modulation | Reduces IgE-driven hypersensitivity |
| Inflammatory regulation | Lowers cytokine activity and systemic inflammation |
| Autonomic balancing | Shifts from sympathetic “threat” to parasympathetic “healing” state |
| Specific targeting | Precision treatment based on allergen |
| Continuous stimulation | 3–4 weeks of ongoing input to retrain immune response |
References
- Bernal, M., Huecker, M., Shreffler, J., Mittel, O., Mittel, J., Soliman, N. Successful Treatment for Alpha Gal Mammal Product Allergy Using Auricular Acupuncture: A Case Series. Medical Acupuncture Vol. 33(2), 2021
- Guo, K., Lu, Y., Wang, X., Duan, Y., Li, H., Gao, F., Wang, J. Multi-level exploration of auricular acupuncture: from traditional Chinese medicine theory to modern medical application. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2024