Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT)

Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) is a specialized form of ear acupuncture designed to help reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities. Using a small needle placed at a specific point on the ear, SAAT may help the body become less reactive to certain foods, environmental triggers, and other allergens.

SAAT is commonly sought by individuals struggling with food allergies, environmental allergies, Alpha-Gal Syndrome, seasonal allergies, pet allergies, chemical sensitivities, and other chronic allergic responses. Many people pursue SAAT when they are looking for a natural approach that goes beyond simply managing symptoms.

SAAT consultations and treatments are available in Riverhead and Water Mill, serving individuals throughout the North Fork and Hamptons.

Why Consider SAAT?

Living with allergies can affect nearly every aspect of daily life. Whether triggered by foods, seasonal pollens, pet dander, mold, dust, chemicals, or Alpha-Gal Syndrome, allergic reactions can significantly impact quality of life.

While conventional approaches often focus on symptom management, SAAT aims to help reduce the body’s reactivity to specific allergens. The goal is to support long-term improvement and greater freedom from unwanted reactions.

How SAAT Works

SAAT is a specialized form of auricular (ear) acupuncture designed to help reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities. Treatment involves the placement of a small, hair-thin needle at a specific point on the outer ear associated with a particular allergen or sensitivity.

The ear contains a complex network of neurological connections that communicate with the brain and nervous system. By stimulating specific points on the ear, SAAT may help influence the body’s response to foods, environmental allergens, chemicals, and other sensitivities while supporting a more balanced immune response.

In many cases, only one treatment is needed for a specific allergen, although some individuals may require additional treatments depending on the severity and complexity of their sensitivities. The needle remains in place for approximately 3 to 4 weeks while the body responds to treatment.

Many individuals seek SAAT as a natural, non-pharmaceutical approach to addressing food allergies, environmental allergies, Alpha-Gal Syndrome, and other sensitivities. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person based on individual health factors and the allergens being addressed.

What To Expect From SAAT

SAAT is designed to be a simple, minimally invasive treatment experience. Most individuals are surprised by how comfortable the process is, as treatment involves the placement of a single, hair-thin needle in the outer ear.

The needle remains in place for approximately 3 to 4 weeks while the body responds to treatment. During this time, patients are provided with specific instructions designed to support the treatment process and optimize results.

Because every individual and every allergy is unique, treatment responses vary. Some individuals notice improvements after a single treatment, while others may require additional evaluation or treatment sessions depending on the complexity of their sensitivities and overall health history.

Our goal is to provide a personalized approach that helps identify potential triggers, reduce sensitivities, and improve quality of life.

What Allergies and Sensitivities Can SAAT Help Address?

SAAT may be used to address a wide range of food allergies, environmental allergies, chemical sensitivities, and Alpha-Gal Syndrome, including:

Food Allergies & Sensitivities

Gluten and wheat
Dairy
Eggs
Soy
Corn
Sugar
Nuts

Shellfish
Fruits and vegetables
Food additives and preservatives
Alpha-Gal (red meat allergy)
And more

gluten/wheat
soy
dairy
corn
eggs
sugar
meat (alpha-gal)
nuts
fruits
vegetables
shellfish
preservatives
and more.

Environmental Allergies & Sensitivities

Animal dander
Dust and dust mites
Mold
Pollens
Trees

Grasses
Weeds
Chemicals and fragrances
And more

animal dander
dust
molds
chemicals
pollens
trees
grasses
weeds
and more.

Tickborne

Alpha-gal

During your consultation, we will review your symptoms, health history, and suspected allergens to determine whether SAAT may be an appropriate option for your individual needs.

The Process

Initial Consultation

Your SAAT journey begins with a comprehensive virtual consultation to review your health history, symptoms, and suspected allergens. This evaluation helps identify potential dietary, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to allergic reactions or sensitivities.

Allergy Assessment

If you have previously identified an allergen through blood testing, elimination diets, or other methods, we will review that information as part of your evaluation. For individuals who suspect an allergy or sensitivity but have not identified the trigger, additional assessment methods may be recommended to help guide treatment.

Bio-energetic Testing

Prior to treatment, each patient undergoes an in-office evaluation to identify factors that may influence treatment outcomes. This process may include screening for histamine reactions, mast cell activation, sensitivities to metals or adhesives, and other considerations that could affect the treatment process.

SAAT Treatment

Once the appropriate allergen has been identified, a small, hair-thin needle is placed at a specific point on the outer ear associated with that allergen. Depending on your needs, multiple allergens may be addressed during a treatment session.
The needle remains in place for approximately 3 to 4 weeks and is secured with adhesive tape. During this time, patients are asked to follow specific treatment guidelines, including avoiding exposure to the allergen being addressed whenever possible.

Follow-up

After the treatment period is complete, follow-up testing and evaluation are performed to assess your response to treatment. Additional recommendations may be made based on your results, symptoms, and any remaining sensitivities. Because every individual is unique, treatment outcomes and timelines vary from person to person.

ALPHA-GAL SYNDROME

While SAAT may be used to address a variety of food and environmental allergies, one condition that has gained significant attention in recent years is Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is a food allergy associated with the bite of the Lone Star tick. The condition develops when the body becomes sensitized to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, which is found in mammalian meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and venison. As a result, individuals may experience allergic reactions after consuming red meat or other mammalian products.

Common symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome may include hives, itching, swelling, digestive discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and other allergic reactions. Because symptoms often occur several hours after eating, Alpha-Gal Syndrome can be difficult to identify and diagnose.

As tick-borne illnesses continue to affect many individuals throughout Long Island, awareness of Alpha-Gal Syndrome has grown significantly. Many individuals seek SAAT as a complementary approach to help reduce sensitivity and improve quality of life. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person.

Common Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Alpha-Gal Syndrome can present differently from person to person. Common symptoms may include:

Hives, itching, or skin rashes
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other areas of the body
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Runny nose
Abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Other allergic reactions following exposure to mammalian meat products

Because symptoms often occur several hours after eating, Alpha-Gal Syndrome can be difficult to identify and diagnose. As awareness of Alpha-Gal continues to grow on Long Island and throughout the Northeast, many individuals are seeking complementary approaches such as SAAT to help reduce sensitivities and improve quality of life. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person.

Ready to Find Relief From Allergies?

Schedule your SAAT consultation and treatment with certified SAAT practitioner Dr. Michelle Iona, DACM, L.Ac. Together, we’ll determine whether SAAT is the right approach to help you reduce allergic reactions, improve quality of life, and get back to enjoying the things you love.

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Patient Love

“I have suffered from low back pain and sciatica for several years. I wanted to incorporate acupuncture into my regimen of ongoing exercises and did a google search to find an acupuncturist in my neighborhood. My search led me to Healing Points Acupuncture and Wellness Center in Riverhead with Dr. Michelle Iona at the helm. Because of Covid 19, my first encounter with Dr. Iona was a virtual consultation where I found her to be professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. As I started my journey with Dr. Iona I soon realized that my overall health also played a part in my chronic pain issues. Together we discussed my diet, water intake, and various other issues and formulated a specific plan for me. My acupuncture treatments have been 2x week and while they have helped immensely, I feel my overall health has improved even more. These are very challenging times for all of us but rest assured this office and Dr. Iona have all the safety protocols in place. The office is run efficiently, and appointments can be made on the website if needed. We track my progress and setbacks together, and always have a plan going forward. I highly recommend Dr. Michelle Iona and this office to get you where you want to go.”
Cathy B.

“I am a retired board-certified holistic nurse. I've had the great professional pleasure to open integrated health centers within major tri-state hospitals. These programs were client-centered with multiple practitioners from conventional medicine and alternative professional backgrounds.

I was so happy when Michelle Iona became my healing partner. She embodies an integrated approach to health and healing and has amazing credentials to ensure her best practice approach. Her expertise in Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and herbals integrates with her understanding of functional medicine, nutrition, and dietary supplements. She's really helped me get back on my feet physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Her warmth and engaging personality become the icing on the cake.”
Joanne C.

“I’ve never felt so supported on my healing journey and I can thank Dr. Iona for that. With a PCOS diagnosis and being on birth control in the past consistently for 14 years, I came to Dr. Iona about a year after coming off the birth control pill and not being able to get my period back. I went to different doctors and had lots of tests done, but kept finding myself wanting to try a more natural and holistic approach first, hoping there was a way to balance out my hormones and helping my body regulate again. I’m SO happy I did not give up on that. After working with Dr. Iona for about 5 weeks, my symptoms reduced significantly and I experienced my first menstrual cycle after being without one for a whole year!!! Feeling the changes happening to my body throughout the beginning stages as she was helping me get back on track was the most EMPOWERING experience. She integrated other healing modalities during treatments which I felt really enhanced my healing process. Between her comforting energy, strong passion for what she does, and her wealth of knowledge, I felt so confident and trusting in the treatment and healing process. She has also guided me through lifestyle changes that I will be forever grateful for, checks in with me & holds me accountable, and what she has taught me I continue to implement daily because of how amazing I feel. I went in hoping I would feel better physically, but I’ve realized since working with her I feel better not just physically, but mentally & emotionally as well. My health related worries have greatly dissipated, and I’m so excited to continue this journey as it is just the beginning!”
Devin D

“Dr. Iona is very professional and extremely detailed. She has a wonderful way of diagnosing ailments and suggesting treatments. I am extremely satisfied with Michelle and feel very confident recommending her. The treatments have been very helpful.”
Mara UrshelKleinfeld Bridal

“Dr. Iona has been a true healer for me. I have always been a bit anxious and there has never been a time she didn’t make me feel at ease. Her compassion coupled with her remarkable ability to diagnose to treat deficits is unmatched. Truly a gifted soul.”
Lisa A.