Alpha-gal SAAT treatment is a simple and effective method of helping to recede the symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome or red meat allergy with a particular type of auricular (ear) acupuncture. 

What is Alpha-gal?

Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) found in most mammals. Alpha-gal has not been found in people, birds, fish, apes, and reptiles. Foods that contain alpha-gal include beef, venison, lamb, rabbit, and other mammalian meats. Dairy products and gelatin derived from these animals also have alpha-gal. Other products alpha-gal may be found in include cosmetics, medications, hygiene products, and vaccinations. 

What is Alpha-gal syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome or AGS, also known as red meat allergy or alpha-gal allergy, is a reaction to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose or alpha-gal. When exposed to the mammalian carbohydrate alpha-gal, the body can be overloaded with a natural human antibody – immunoglobulin E antibodies. Certain ticks, including the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma Americanum) and the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus), can cause this red meat allergy. Alpha-gal allergy was first identified in the U.S. in 2002 by a man named Thomas Platt-Mills, who was bitten by a tick and developed an allergy to red meat and discovered the connection.

Alpha-gal allergy has been reported in seventeen countries,  with Australia leading the world with the highest rate of alpha-gal allergy and tick anaphylaxis occurrences.   This syndrome is the “first known food allergy that presents the possibility of delayed anaphylaxis.”

Alpha-gal is usually diagnosed with a skin-prick test, IgE to alpha-gal testing, and skin and basophil activation tests with cetuximab. AGS can take eight months to five years to recover from. However, the allergy “can recede over time as long as that person is not bit by another tick.” *Wikipedia

Preventing alpha-gal syndrome

You can decrease the risk of alpha-gal syndrome by avoiding areas where ticks are like wooded and grassy areas. If you visit these areas, it is recommended that you cover up with (long pants and long-sleeved shirts) and apply insect repellent that contains at least 20% concentration of DEET. Routinely check yourself, your children, and your pets after visiting grassy or wooded areas. Finally, remove ticks as soon as possible, grasp its head or mouth with a tweezer and pull it out carefully. 

What is the cause of AGS?

A tick bite is most commonly the cause of AGS; the Lone Star tick is the source of the alpha galactose molecule entering your body when bit. The Lone Star tick is carried by deer and can be found in the United States in both the Eastern and the South-Central regions of the country. It has been found that in Europe, Asia, and Australia – alpha-gal syndrome is caused by another kind of tick. 

Alpha-gal Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms due to alpha-gal syndrome occur after someone eats red meat, or dairy products, or uses a product containing alpha-gal. The appearance of symptoms usually takes about two to six hours after exposure to alpha-gal. Some people with AGS do not have symptoms after every exposure. 

• Hives
• Eczema
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Itchy skin
• Runny nose
• Wheezing
• Headaches
• Sneezing
• Abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath

*Warning

Alpha-gal syndrome can cause a “severe, potentially deadly allergic reaction that restricts breathing(anaphylaxis).”

Seek emergency medical treatment if you develop signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Drooling and inability to swallow
• Full-body redness and warmth (flushing)

*mayoclinic.org

What is involved in Alpha-gal SAAT Treatment?

Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment, or SAAT, is a proven acupuncture practice that helps relieve those suffering from an alpha-gal allergy. An innovator in ear acupuncture, Dr. Nader Soliman, developed the SAAT treatment. Typically, one to three treatments are needed, and the treatment is simple, economical, and has no known side effects. 

The ear is interconnected to the brain in neurological embryological, and electromagnetic ways; this SAAT treatment can help trigger the body to help an allergy or a sensitivity naturally recede. This auricular (ear) acupuncture treatment is basically painless and is medically accepted by the World Health Organization. “SAAT treatment has been effective for the large majority of patients and showed no adverse reactions,” according to a study published in a Medical Acupuncture Journal. 

The procedure of SAAT treatment involves an Acupuncturist inserting a very tiny, hair-thin acupuncture needle into the outer ear. Dr. Iona is a certified SAAT treatment provider and has studied directly with Dr. Nadar Soliman.

Schedule an appointment for Alpha-gal SAAT Treatment here.