Montpelier Family Chiropractic is a Certified SAAT Practitioner, trained and certified directly through Dr. Nader Soliman — the board-certified physician who developed the Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) technique.
What Is MCAS?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a complex immune disorder in which mast cells — immune cells found throughout the body — become overactive and release excessive amounts of chemical mediators such as histamine, cytokines, and prostaglandins. This can be triggered by a wide range of everyday stimuli, causing symptoms across multiple organ systems.
Common symptoms of MCAS include:
- Skin reactions — hives, flushing, itching, and rashes
- Digestive issues — nausea, bloating, cramping, and food intolerance
- Respiratory symptoms — wheezing, congestion, and throat tightness
- Cardiovascular symptoms — heart palpitations, dizziness, and blood pressure changes
- Neurological symptoms — brain fog, headaches, and anxiety
- Chronic fatigue and widespread pain
Common MCAS triggers include foods and additives, environmental allergens, fragrances, medications, temperature changes, stress, insect venoms, and infections. Because MCAS involves so many possible triggers, it is notoriously difficult to manage with a single treatment approach.
How SAAT Helps with MCAS
The SAAT (Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment) technique is a breakthrough in acupuncture that targets each individual trigger causing your symptoms. Rather than broadly suppressing the immune system, SAAT works to help your body stop over-reacting to one specific allergen or trigger at a time — making it especially well-suited for the multi-trigger complexity of MCAS.
The treatment involves a single tiny needle placed at a precise location on the ear that corresponds to the specific allergen being treated. The needle is secured with medical tape and remains in place for 3 to 4 weeks. Most patients feel little to nothing during insertion. Up to 4 triggers can be treated in a single session, depending on ear size and anatomy.
Key benefits for MCAS patients:
- Trigger-specific — each needle is matched to one precise allergen or trigger
- Long-lasting results — SAAT aims to retrain the body's response, not just temporarily suppress symptoms
- No systemic side effects — works alongside your existing medications and care plan
- Minimally invasive — one tiny needle per trigger, no downtime
- Multiple triggers per session — up to 4 allergens treated at one appointment
Important: If any of your MCAS reactions involve anaphylaxis, you must maintain your current emergency medication protocol, including your EpiPen, throughout the SAAT treatment period. SAAT is a complementary approach and should be discussed with your managing physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need for MCAS?
Because MCAS typically involves multiple triggers, most patients require more than one session. We will work with you to identify and prioritize your most impactful triggers and create a treatment plan. Each needle stays in place for 3 to 4 weeks, so follow-up sessions are generally spaced at least a month apart. Generally, one treatment per allergen is needed if the needle stays in place for the full 3 to 4 weeks.
Do I need allergy testing before my SAAT appointment?
Yes. Identifying all substances contributing to your symptoms is one of the most important factors in SAAT's effectiveness. If you have recent allergy testing results, please bring a printed copy to your appointment. If you have not been tested, our clinics can perform testing prior to your SAAT appointment using Bi-Digital O-Ring Testing (BDORT) and Electronically Imprinted Testing Samples (EITS). If the specific trigger you need treated is not on our current list, we will obtain the necessary supplies to test and treat you.
Should I stop my current medications before treatment?
No. Do not stop or alter your current medication protocol without consulting your physician. SAAT is designed to work alongside your existing care, not replace it. If you take anticoagulant medications or have a bleeding disorder or metal allergy, please inform us before your appointment, as these may affect eligibility.
What should I do during the 3 to 4 weeks the needle is in place?
- Avoid the specific trigger being treated as much as possible — completely avoid food allergens; minimize environmental trigger exposure
- Keep the placement site clean and dry
- Avoid swimming or soaking the ear
- Avoid unusual exposure to dust or dirt around the needle
- Continue all prescribed medications as directed by your physician
Who should not receive SAAT or acupuncture?
Acupuncture is not recommended for people with bleeding disorders, metal allergies, or active infections in the area where needles would be inserted. It is also not recommended for people taking anticoagulant medications. Please consult your doctor before getting acupuncture and share your full medical history with us at your visit.
Book Your MCAS Consultation
The team at Montpelier Family Chiropractic takes the time to evaluate each patient individually. If you are living with MCAS and looking for a long-lasting, targeted approach to managing your triggers, we invite you to schedule a consultation.
Call us at (804) 883-3000 or book an appointment online.