What Is SAAT?
SAAT, or Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment, is a targeted auricular (ear) acupuncture technique developed by Dr. Nader Soliman, building on decades of auricular acupuncture research, that we offer to help the immune system stop overreacting to specific allergens and sensitivities. Rather than simply managing allergy symptoms, we use SAAT to help retrain your immune system's response to specific allergens and sensitivities, addressing the reaction itself rather than just masking it.
At Health By Design MD, we perform SAAT through Dr. Ellie, whose training in this method was completed directly with Dr. Nader Soliman, the creator of the SAAT method.
How Does SAAT Work?
During your SAAT evaluation, we identify the specific allergens or sensitivities to target based on your history and testing. We then place tiny, semi-permanent auricular acupuncture needles at precise points on the ear corresponding to those targets. The needles stay secured in place for approximately 3–4 weeks, providing continuous stimulation throughout the treatment period, after which we remove them at a brief follow-up visit.
Book Your Consultation Today
What to Expect With Us
Initial SAAT Visit
Your first appointment with us includes a review of your allergy and sensitivity history, evaluation and testing to identify appropriate treatment targets, and placement of the SAAT needle(s) when indicated. We secure the tiny needles to your ear, and they generally remain in place for approximately 3–4 weeks.
Needle Removal & Recheck
After the treatment period, you'll come back to see us for a brief appointment to have the needles removed and to reassess your response to treatment. This recheck is included with your SAAT treatment.
Additional SAAT Treatment
If you have additional allergies or sensitivities you'd like us to address, we can schedule follow-up SAAT appointments to evaluate and treat up to 3 additional allergens or sensitivities per session.
SAAT Post-Care Instructions
Following SAAT treatment, a tiny acupuncture needle remains in a specific point of the outer ear for a period determined by Dr. Ellie. Patients should avoid touching, rubbing, or applying pressure to the treated area and keep it clean and free of lotions, hair products, and other potential irritants. Mild tenderness or redness may occur.
What SAAT May Help With
We commonly use SAAT to address immune-response allergies and sensitivities, including:
1. Food sensitivities, including reactions to nuts, dairy, gluten, and alpha-gal (red meat allergy)
2. Environmental allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold
3. Seasonal allergies, including pollen-related symptoms
4. Contact reactions, such as those triggered by latex or certain plants
We personalize every treatment plan based on your specific allergy and sensitivity history, so your results and treatment targets may look different from another patient's.
SAAT Research & Clinical Studies
SAAT has been described in a small number of published studies. Here is what they looked at, and what they can and cannot tell us.
A Comparison Study of the Effectiveness of SAAT (Soliman's Auricular Allergy Treatment) Approach and Nogier's Allergy Treatment Technique
Dr. Nader Soliman, MD, Medical Acupuncture, 2014. This study compares SAAT with an earlier auricular (ear) acupuncture approach to allergy treatment.
Successful Treatment for Alpha Gal Mammal Product Allergy Using Auricular Acupuncture: A Case Series
Published 2021. A retrospective case series of 137 patients with Alpha-gal syndrome. Among the 126 patients with outcome data, 96% reported remission of symptoms after SAAT.
Understanding the Limitations
These are early studies. A retrospective case series has no control group, and its results are self-reported, so these findings are promising but are not proof that SAAT will work for everyone. Individual results vary, and Dr. Ellie will discuss whether SAAT is appropriate for you.
Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) Pricing
SAAT Allergy Treatment – Initial Visit
Includes consultation, testing/evaluation, treatment of up to 3 allergens, and one brief 3–4 week removal/recheck
60 minutes: $375
SAAT Allergy Treatment – Follow-Up
For patients who need additional allergy evaluation and another round of SAAT treatment (not routine needle removal)
30 minutes: $187.50
Take the First Step Toward Whole-Body Health
If you’re looking for a different kind of healthcare, one focused on prevention, root-cause resolution, and personalized wellness, we invite you to schedule a Functional Medicine consultation with us. Let’s work together to uncover root imbalances, restore your health, and help you thrive.
Contact us now to book your Functional Medicine evaluation at Health By Design MD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who performs SAAT at Health By Design MD?
We offer SAAT through Dr. Ellie, who trained directly with Dr. Nader Soliman, the creator of the SAAT method.
Is SAAT safe?
We use tiny, sterile auricular acupuncture needles, and most patients tolerate SAAT well. As with any treatment we offer, we complete a consultation and health history review before your first session to confirm it's the right fit for you.
How many allergens can be treated at once?
We can treat up to 3 allergens or sensitivities per SAAT session, whether at your initial visit or a follow-up appointment.
How long do the needles stay in?
We generally leave the needles in place for approximately 3–4 weeks before removing them at a brief follow-up visit.
Will my insurance cover SAAT?
We generally consider SAAT an elective treatment. Our team can walk you through pricing and payment options during your consultation.
Is SAAT the Same as Traditional Ear Acupuncture?
SAAT (Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment) is a specialized auricular acupuncture protocol developed by Dr. Nader Soliman, MD. While many licensed acupuncture practitioners offer traditional ear acupuncture, SAAT uses a specific approach to identifying and treating allergy-related ear points. Practitioners offering the SAAT protocol should have completed training in Dr. Soliman's method. Traditional auricular acupuncture and SAAT are not interchangeable terms, and patients seeking SAAT should ask about their practitioner's specific training.
Why Choose Health by Design MD and Dr. Ellie for SAAT?
At Health by Design MD, Dr. Ellie Reidt, DC, brings together her background in functional medicine, clinical assessment, and acupuncture to provide a more comprehensive approach to patient care. For patients dealing with Alpha-gal syndrome, food sensitivities, environmental allergies, or complex health concerns, Dr. Ellie considers more than the presenting symptoms. Her approach may include reviewing medical history, existing laboratory results, nutrition, digestive health, inflammation, and other factors relevant to a patient's overall wellness. As part of an integrative medical practice, Dr. Ellie also has access to a collaborative healthcare team and additional diagnostic and treatment resources when appropriate. Patients receive individualized attention and a care plan that considers their broader health goals—not simply an acupuncture procedure.