In the last issue of the newsletter, I introduced you to the Soliman Auricular Acupuncture Technique (SAAT) for treating allergies. In this issue, I will focus on using SAAT to treat alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that is getting more attention lately. 

Alpha-gal syndrome is a tick-borne illness, primarily spread by the lone star tick, but now thought to be spread by other ticks as well. Here in Minnesota, it is still uncommon and not widely known, but in the southeastern part of the US it is extremely common. With climate changes and growing tick populations, it will become more and more common in our region. This 2023 article describes a man in northern Minnesota who suffered from alpha-gal syndrome and was successfully treated by SAAT.  

What is alpha-gal?

Alpha-gal is a sugar found in all mammals, excluding primates. If a tick picks up alpha-gal by biting a mammal (cow, sheep, deer, rabbit), it then can transmit it to a human. The alpha-gal molecule can provoke an unusual immune response in the human, which causes the human to develop an allergy to mammalian meat and dairy. The reactions can vary from mild to severe and possibly cause anaphylactic shock. Exposure to medications, cosmetics, vaccines, or other substances containing mammal products can also spark an allergic reaction.

Symptoms

Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome include: 

• Hives or itchy rash
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat
• Dizziness, fainting
• Shortness of breath, impaired breathing
• A drop in blood pressure
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

The tricky thing about identifying alpha-gal allergy symptoms is that they are delayed, as compared to typical food allergies, which appear almost immediately. Alpha-gal molecules are a carbohydrate, and can take up to 8 hours to be metabolized. Typical food allergies tend to be to proteins, which are more quickly absorbed.

It seems that people who have had multiple exposures to alpha-gal will develop more extreme allergic reactions, as well as increased likelihood to develop allergies to other proteins in meats and dairy. It is believed that if the person isn’t repeatedly exposed to tick bites, the alpha-gal allergy may dissipate on its own in 3 to 5 years. 

Tests and treatment

Most people who get diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome get a blood test looking for alpha-gal antibodies.

The only medical support for people diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome is symptom relief, i.e. antihistamines and steroids. EpiPens are necessary for people who have anaphylactic shock reactions to alpha-gal. Patients will need to avoid eating red meat and dairy and avoid other products that contain mammalian products.

As with anything, avoidance is the best approach: 

• Avoid tall grasses and brushy areas
• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be seen
• Wear long pants tucked into your socks to provide a barrier to your skin
• Wear long sleeves and closed shoes
• Examine yourself, children, and pets as soon as you return indoors
• Remove any feeding ticks
• Shower and buff your body with a washcloth to remove any unattached ticks

SAAT treatment

As described in the previous issue, SAAT is a highly effective method to treat allergies. A single, very fine needle is inserted into the ear for each allergen being treated. The needles are retained for 3 to 4 weeks. Alpha-gal treatment requires only one needle, one time. That said, it is common for people with alpha-gal syndrome to develop allergies to other things, including the proteins in red meat and dairy products. They may also develop Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). These things can be treated in the same appointment. Additional related conditions may not be found until a follow-up appointment. There is also a homeopathic product that offers good support for clearing the alpha-gal allergy.

After the treatment is complete, mammalian products can be added back into the diet very slowly and gradually, unless the person has suffered from anaphylactic shock. Then they will have to continue to avoid exposure to these products. It isn’t unusual to have some immune reactions during the process of adding meat and dairy back into the diet. That is just an indication to take a break and take it more slowly. 

Effectiveness of SAAT treatment

A study published in 2021 by the Medical Acupuncture Journal showed that 96% of patients treated with SAAT indicated that their alpha-gal allergy symptoms were in remission. At the time of reporting the patients were in remission from 9 months to years. Some practitioners have found that once treated for alpha-gal, their patients haven’t developed a recurrence of the allergy with future tick exposures. 

If you know anyone suffering from this frustrating and debilitating condition, please let them know about SAAT treatment. It can be life changing.