At Better Body Health, we specialize in electroacupuncture for the treatment of alpha-gal allergy. We serve patient from Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and the surrounding areas (as far away as Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas). This technique provides unparallelled results for the treatment of alpha-gal allergy.
Most patient require only one in-office treatment with no continuous wear needles required that some other techniques require. If it is determined at the recheck that a second treatment is required, re-needling is done free of charge. 

Better Body Health does not provide treatment for those who have experienced anaphylactic shock to alpha-gal containing items. Although we provide treatment for those who have experienced severe reactions (hives, rashes, itching, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting), we do not provide treatment for those who have experienced any of the following: loss of consciousness, low blood pressure or difficulty breathing. 

Electro-needling sessions last about one hour and is intended to stop reactions to alpha-gal containing items. A blood tests for alpha-gal sensitivity is available in office if you are not sure if you are sensitive but is not required prior to treatment. If you have shown elevated titers before, your results may or may not change after needling. Patients are provided an alpha-gal exposure plan after treatment to confirm they are no longer experiencing allergic reactions. 

About Alpha-gal Allergy

Alpha-gal is known as "red meat allergy" or "mammalian meat allergy". It is an allergy to a sugar found in most mammals called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal for short). Alpha-gal is not only found in the meat of mammals but can also be found in the products derived from mammals. These include some cosmetics, medications, personal hygiene products, vaccines and more. Due to the large number of items containing alpha-gal, it can be very difficult to avoid. 

Alpha-gal has been linked to the bites of lone star ticks. Research has now confirmed that other insects like chiggers can also spread the allergy. Not everyone develops an allergy to alpha-gal after a bite, as there is a multitude of factors involved for the allergy to occur. These include genetics, overall immune status and other environmental factors. 

Pricing

The base price is $180, depending on what testing shows at the initial visit. Pre-treatment is required if testing indicates that a patient is allergic to metal used in the ear. 

If testing shows that the first treatment was only partially successful, re-needling is done free of charge. 

Who Qualifies for Treatment?

We do not accept patients with a history of anaphylactic reactions to alpha-gal items.  Electro-needling requires the patient to remain still for a sustained period to ensure safety and effectiveness. For this reason, very young patients or individuals who are unable to lie comfortably and remain still may not be appropriate candidates for electro-needling. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any services or products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

SAAT is a minimally-invasive, drug free approach to confirming and treating allergies. Compared to other common treatments, this specialized and simple acupuncture treatment can reduce allergy symptoms by 80-95% and provide longer relief from allergy symptoms, just by placing one needle in the ear.
Dr. Nader Soliman, M.D., board certified in anesthesiology and medical acupuncture, developed the SAAT protocol and notes that in 20 years of practicing this method, most cases remain stable for several years, some for decades. Some hormonal shifts such as pregnancy or menopause may cause the need for re-treatment. 
Dr. Hannelie is one of the few providers in Northwest Arkansas that is trained and certified by Dr. Soliman to administer SAAT treatment. 

What does SAAT treat?

* Seasonal and Environmental Allergies
* Food Allergies
* Mast Cell Activation Syndrome - MCAS
* Alpha-gal intolerance

How Many Treatments will I need?

If the needle stays in place for three weeks, most people only need on treatment. There is no additional cost for re-treatment of the same allergen should this be needed, unless you had re-sensitization after a tick bite in the case of Alpha-gal intolerance. 

Does it hurt?

The needles used in SAAT are extremely fine (barely visible to the naked eye). Sensation is minimal during placement, and the needle should not hurt after treatment (unless pressure is applied to the ear such as putting earbuds in). The use of over-the-ear headphones or bone conduction earbuds should be fine. We are also able to work around most hearing aids. The needle is covered after treatment with a small plaster, similar to the ones used for blemishes and this hides the needle from view. 

Who is not a good candidate for treatment?

SAAT may not be appropriate for people who have severe uncontrolled asthma, people with very severe (bleeding) psoriasis inside the ear (our plasters will not be able to cover the needle effectively), or high-risk pregnancies. 

For those of our patients allergic to metals or the adhesives we use may require pre-treatment with homeopathic sprays prior to receiving their needle. 

You may also want to book your appointment away from beach/pool vacations as your ear will have to be kept dry post placement for a period of 3 weeks. We will give you ear covers that can be used in the shower, but prolonged exposure to water is not recommended. 

What is the cost?

The fee is $350 for your needle(s). This fee includes your examination, allergy test, treatment and follow-up examination/ needle removal visit. Up to three allergens can be treated per session. 
If homeopathic sprays are needed for either metal/adhesive sensitivity, or allergens that are resistant to treatment, additional costs may apply. 

Is it safe?

SAAT is a minimally invasive treatment with a very long track history. While infection is always possible after skin puncture, every precaution is taken to assure safe outcomes. 

Why Choose SAAT? 

SAAT offers many benefits:
*Long-Lasting Relief - many patients experience long lasting relief with just one treatment.
* Highly Personalized - We treat your specific allergies based on your body's unique response
*Non-Pharmaceutical - It is ideal for those seeking natural care or looking to reduce medication use. 
*Minimally Invasive - Just one small needle stays gently taped in place for three weeks. 

Note - SAAT should complement, not replace, the care you receive from your primary care provider.