SAAT Treatment for Allergies - True Acupuncture & Wellness

Allergies

Alpha-Gal Syndrome . Food . Environmental

"What is food to one man is bitter poison to others." -Roman Philosopher Lucretius

Understanding Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to something that’s normally harmless — a substance called an allergen. This immune response can trigger inflammation, histamine release, and a variety of symptoms that affect the skin, lungs, gut, or entire body.

Over 50 million Americans experience allergies each year, making them one of the most common chronic health concerns in the U.S. Triggers can come from food, the environment, insect bites, or even medications.

Common allergy symptoms include:

Sneezing, coughing, or itchy throat
Hives, rashes, or swelling
Runny or congested nose
Fatigue, brain fog, or digestive upset
In severe cases, anaphylaxis — a life-threatening immune reaction causing difficulty breathing or low blood pressure

While there’s no single cure for allergies, many people find relief and long-term improvement through targeted treatments that calm the immune system and reduce sensitivity over time.

A Holistic Approach to Allergies

At True Acupuncture & Wellness, allergy care focuses on calming the overactive immune response and helping the body adapt more appropriately to triggers.

We use approaches like:

SAAT (Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment) – a specialized ear acupuncture technique that helps desensitize the immune system and reduce allergic reactivity, including Alpha-Gal Syndrome, food, mold, and environmental allergies.
Customized herbal formulas – to reduce inflammation, support detoxification, and regulate immune signaling.
Gut restoration protocols – to strengthen the microbiome and mucosal barrier, which play a key role in allergy and immune balance.

By addressing the root causes behind allergy sensitivity—whether immune stress, toxin exposure, or gut dysfunction—we aim to help your body regain tolerance naturally.

AGS

Types of Allergies

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is a unique form of food allergy caused by a tick bite, most commonly from the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum). When bitten, the tick introduces a sugar molecule called alpha-gal (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) into the bloodstream.

Later, when a person eats mammalian meat such as beef, pork, lamb, or venison, their immune system reacts to this molecule, causing an allergic response.

Unlike typical food allergies, symptoms are delayed — often appearing 3–8 hours after eating. Reactions may include:

Hives or itching
Swelling
Abdominal pain or nausea
Fatigue or brain fog
In severe cases, anaphylaxis

Alpha-Gal reactions can also occur from other mammalian-derived products such as:

Dairy, gelatin, or collagen
Medications containing mammal ingredients
Personal care or household items with animal byproducts
Even some marine products like flounder eggs or carrageenan, which contain the same sugar molecule

Although still under research, awareness of AGS is increasing—especially in tick-endemic regions such as the southeastern United States.

Environmental or seasonal allergies (also called allergic rhinitis) are triggered by inhaled substances such as:

Pollen
Mold spores
Dust mites
Pet dander

These allergens can cause symptoms like nasal congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing, and sinus pressure. Though not life-threatening, they can greatly affect sleep, energy, and daily comfort. Chronic exposure may also lead to recurring sinus or ear infections.

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakes certain proteins in food as harmful invaders. This reaction can range from mild to severe and may involve the skin, digestive tract, or respiratory system.

Common food allergens include:

Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and fish
Milk, eggs, soy, and wheat

Reactions may include itching, swelling of the lips or throat, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Severe cases can lead to anaphylaxis, requiring immediate medical care and an emergency action plan. Food allergies are typically diagnosed through a combination of history, testing, and elimination diets.

Environmental

Food