An Experiment in SAAT - My Alpha-Gal Story - Part 2

Eight years ago, I developed alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to mammal meat that completely changed the way I approached food and health. If you're new here, check out Part 1 to learn how I arrived at this turning point.

After years of trial and error, my doctor recommended that I try SAAT (Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment)—a targeted acupuncture therapy for alpha-gal syndrome. Though I’d heard of SAAT, I hadn’t known where to find a practitioner until my doctor connected me with an acupuncturist in a neighboring state, Dr. Jes at AcuChatt in Tennessee. Within a month, I had an appointment.

I was only 10% hopeful that this would work. But Dr. Jes? She was confident for both of us. At that point, what did I have to lose?

At my initial evaluation, we ran through every precaution—testing for allergies to the acupuncture needles and the surgical adhesive used to cover them. Given my sensitivity to bandage adhesives, I was nervous, but luckily, I tested negative for both.

Then, came the real tests:

• 8 different mammal meats

• Dairy, gelatin, nitrates, nitrites (found in processed meats)

• Alpha-gal antigen

I tested positive for alpha-gal, all mammal meats, gelatin, and goat’s milk. Based on those results, Dr. Jes mapped out the treatment locations in my ear.

Ten needles. One for each allergen. All inserted into my right ear and covered with surgical adhesive. They would stay in place for three weeks, during which I had to avoid unnecessary exposure to my allergens.

For the next three weeks, I adjusted to life with acupuncture needles embedded in my ear.

• Sleeping: I tried my best to avoid lying on that side, though my ear was more sensitive than painful.

• Bathing: A shower cap became my new best friend. Dry shampoo and messy buns were my lifeline.

• Everyday Life: Surprisingly, the needles held up through workouts, sauna sessions, cold plunges (minus dunking), and normal activities. The bandage was shockingly resilient—even after all that movement.

By the time my husband helped remove the needles, I realized I had seriously underestimated the process. One needle came off with the bandage, but the others required careful tweezing. It was gnarly. After cleaning my ear and finally taking a real shower, I felt like a new person.

One week later, I drove 2.5 hours back to AcuChatt to re-test all allergens and find out if I could safely eat mammal meat again.

I tested negative across the board.

That meant I could finally try beef—something I hadn’t eaten in years.

Dr. Jes instructed me to take small bites of steak seasoned only with salt and pepper, early in the day. If all went well, I could try a larger piece a couple of days later.

I was excited, but also terrified. Even considering eating beef again felt unreal.

Two days later, I did it.

My husband grilled a NY Strip from a local butcher and made steak and eggs for breakfast. I ate three bites.

I planned to stay home that day to monitor how I felt. The steak tasted exactly as I remembered—delicious—but my body wasn’t as quick to accept it emotionally. After years of reactions, I was hyper-aware of every sensation.

• Was that a headache starting? No, I probably just needed water.

• Did my face feel itchy? No, it was just a random itch.

I reminded myself to breathe and trust the process.

A few days later, I tried steak again. Then—pepperoni on cauliflower crust pizza. A real pizza.

For the first time in years, I ate mammal meat without a reaction. It’s still intimidating, but I finally feel hopeful that my world of food is opening back up again.

What’s Next?

Will there be a Part 3? Maybe.

If things continue to go well, I may return for the gluten treatment this fall.

For now, I’m taking it one meal at a time—embracing the possibility that after eight years, food doesn’t have to feel like a battle anymore.