Written by Integrative Today | Medically Reviewed by Deborah Farley | Updated on
The rate of food allergies is increasing, and we still haven’t figured out why. Even seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is on the rise.
The long-accepted hypothesis for this change was the hygiene hypothesis. It claimed that modern conveniences and improvements to personal hygiene lead to this increase in allergies. Now, however, many scientists disagree.
To learn about alternative treatment methods for allergies, read more about the Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) below.
What is SAAT?
SAAT is an allergy treatment method delivered through acupuncture. The word auricular refers to the specific area of the body targeted through this treatment — the ear.
Practitioners of SAAT agree with Western medicine that an over-sensitive immune system causes allergic reactions. Eastern medicine, however, believes that if the body has the power to develop which immune system, then it has the power to reverse it.
SAAT intends to reprogram the immune system and get it functioning properly again. Ideally, the immune system will no longer respond aggressively to foods or environmental substances that are not harmful to the body.
How It Works
This treatment method targets the ear for its special connection with the immune system. Parts of the ear, like the central auditory system and inner ear, host immune cells. These parts of the ear help to shape the signals and circuits of the immune system.
By using acupuncture in the ear, an acupuncturist can help rewrite the signals and other responses of the immune system.
What It Involves
While most acupuncture involves multiple treatment sessions, SAAT is a single procedure, depending on how many allergens are being targeted. After completing the initial consultation and testing, small, thin acupuncture needles are inserted into the ear and kept there for 3 to 4 weeks.
Each allergen is addressed with its own needle, meaning that treating 5 allergens requires inserting 5 needles. These needles are covered with medical-grade tape and should cause very minimal discomfort if any at all.
What It Treats
SAAT should be able to treat most food or environmental allergies, including:
- Nuts
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Fruit
- Wheat
- Dust
- Pollen
- Grasses
- Animal dander
Many people prefer alternative medical treatment because it is usually less invasive and causes fewer side effects than conventional Western medicine. This treatment should be able to clear 80-100% of the allergic symptoms.
Average Cost
Due to the efficiency of SAAT, the average cost of one procedure is higher than a typical acupuncture session. The cost is usually between $300 and $400 on average. There are often additional costs added for the consultation time and additional testing needed.
Preparing for a SAAT Appointment
The first SAAT appointment is a busy one that involves consultation, testing, and treatment. There is no need to conduct allergy testing before this initial visit. Each treatment can clear 5 to 7 allergies at a time.
To experience relief from allergies, book an appointment with Deborah Farley today.
Meet Our Expert: Deborah Farley
Founder of Acupuncture Works,LLC in Lynchburg Virginia. Deborah is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Medicine as a Licensed Acupuncturist (L. Ac.).
She is also licensed by the State of Florida as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM). Deborah is a Diplomate of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
She graduated from the East West College of Natural Medicine with a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine and a Bachelor’s Degree of Professional Health Sciences.
