Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT)

SAAT has been validated to alleviate allergy symptoms and potentially achieve long-term elimination of allergies.

Experience lasting relief from a specific allergy concern through a single ear acupuncture procedure. Developed over 20 years by Dr. Nader Soliman, this method has a high success rate, with patients reporting an 80–90% reduction in symptoms, and many achieving total elimination.

Both Western and Eastern doctors agree that allergic responses of all kinds develop from an overly sensitive, “malfunctioning” immune system. While Western doctors mainly address allergies by suppressing the immune response, Eastern medicine, in this case, SAAT, works to address the immune system’s negative response to an allergen. SAAT is like "rebooting" the immune system's response to a specific allergen, teaching it to respond calmly instead of with an allergic reaction.

Read below for more information on the SAAT treatment. We schedule appointments Mondays, and Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings.

What can SAAT treat?

• common allergens such as pollens, trees, grasses, weeds, etc.

• household allergens like dust and mold

• environmental toxins

• animals

• various food items

• medications 

• SAAT is also beneficial for managing allergies like the Alpha-Gal allergy and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). 

• SAAT has shown effectiveness in addressing hormone, fertility, and immune-related allergic conditions. 

Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies, nasal allergies, asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, urticaria, or eczema, SAAT can help.

This comprehensive treatment model is designed to alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life for patients experiencing diverse hypersensitivity reactions.

What causes an allergic reaction? 

Allergies occur when your immune system produces an IgE-type antibody in response to proteins (antigens) from outside the body. The antigen/antibody combinations go on to harm the respiratory tract lining and or skin cells which release the histamine that produces the itch, runny nose, itchy and runny eyes, sneeze, cough, difficulty breathing or swallowing that you experience. The main treatments for allergies include avoidance, antihistamines, steroids, asthma rescue medicines, and epinephrine. 

While there are several different classes of allergens, the IgE-type antibodies are the culprit in allergy, asthma, eczema and eosinophilic esophagitis and SAAT addresses these antibodies.

What is the testing procedure?

The success of SAAT depends largely on the identification of all substances that cause your allergy symptoms. 

If you have already been tested for allergies, please bring a printed copy of your results to your appointment. If you do not, bring a list of all allergies you believe to have and would like to have treated.

What are the needles like? Does it hurt? How do the needles stay in place?

The needles used for SAAT are single use, sterile needles that are extremely small (about 3mm or 1/8”). 

A single needle is inserted to address each allergy. The needle(s) are then firmly affixed for 3-4 weeks using medical adhesive and small medical grade band-aid. There is very little (if any) discomfort in this procedure, and you are not expected to endure any discomfort while retaining the needles.

How many treatments are required?

If the needle stays in place properly for 3-4 weeks, only one treatment is generally required for each allergen. In most cases, we can treat four to eight allergens in a single SAAT session (this will vary based on the size of your ear and the location of the active points associated with each allergen). 

For long-lasting allergy symptom improvement, a comprehensive approach is necessary, requiring the identification and treatment of all relevant allergens. For example, a reaction to cats can stem from exposure to multiple allergens, including dander, hair, saliva, and secretions from sebaceous glands. Although treating one of these substances with SAAT is likely to reduce the intensity of your symptoms significantly, your reaction won't disappear completely until we tackle all of your triggers.

Seasonal allergies typically result from exposure to a variety of triggers at once, such as multiple types of pollen and indoor substances like dust or mold. In many cases, we can treat “tree mix,” “grass mix,” or “mold mix” with a single SAAT needle, but if your reaction to a particular allergen is exceptionally severe, that substance may need to be treated with its own needle.  

In the case of alpha-gal allergy, it is important to remember that the saliva from the Lone Star tick (the insect that triggers alpha-gal allergy) causes the human body to overproduce IgE. In addition to reacting to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), sufferers may also develop allergies to other food and environmental substances. The relief of symptoms will depend on identifying and treating all these substances.

When should I schedule my SAAT session?

Let's work together to find the best time for your session. Just keep these points in mind for the 3-4 weeks the needles are in place

• Dry ears: The site around the SAAT needle needs to be kept dry. We will provide you with a cover to use while bathing, but please schedule your session at a time when you will be able to avoid swimming or other activities when your ears are likely to get wet. 

• Cleanliness of ear: After the needles are placed, we ask that the site around the SAAT needle is kept clean. The bandage we've applied is sufficient for everyday protection, please avoid exposure to heavy dirt, grime, etc.

• Exposure limits: You will get the best results from SAAT if you avoid the allergenic substance(s) being treated for the 3-4 weeks that the needle(s) are in place. Food allergens should be avoided completely while the needles are in place. Exposure to environmental allergens should be minimized as much as possible. If you have anaphylaxis in response to exposure to your allergies, we require you to maintain your current prescribed medication protocol (e.g., EpiPen, steroids, etc.).

• Seasonal needs: If you have seasonal allergies, it is ideal to schedule SAAT prior to, rather than during your usual allergy season. 

*Allergy elimination occurs in most cases but cannot be guaranteed. Non-IgE mediated allergies are not addressed by this technique. Those with severe allergies must continue strict avoidance of triggers & continue to carry epinephrine, antihistamine &/or oral steroid