Understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

Are you or is someone you know suffering from allergy symptoms that are seemingly triggered by anything and everything? Do the symptoms include itching, rashes, hives, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, congestion, brain fog, headaches, GI disturbance, increased heart rate, pain, or fatigue? If this sounds familiar, you may want to look into Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). 

What are mast cells?

Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that are important to our immune defense. They are considered to be the security guards that protect us against germs (bacteria, viruses, funguses, and parasites) as well as potential allergens, such as food, insect bites, medications, venom, fragrances, and more. When mast cells identify a threat, they send out chemicals substances called immune mediators that contribute to the immune/inflammatory response. 

What is MCAS?

MCAS is a condition where mast cells become overly active, releasing an overabundance of immune mediators. This influx of histamine, cytokines, and other chemical substances can trigger a severe allergic reaction, affect multiple organ systems, and cause a wide variety of allergy symptoms.

People suffering from MCAS have a hard time discerning precise triggers. Adding to the difficulty of discerning triggers, new allergens pop up frequently. Symptoms and reactions are erratic and unpredictable, making it hard to manage daily life. Symptoms can vary from annoying to life-threatening (anaphylaxis). I find this Histamine Bucket Exercise a good way to visualize what is happening in people with MCAS and how to help to manage the condition. 

MCAS is often missed or misdiagnosed, and it is important to find a practitioner who is well informed about the condition. Seeking out an allergist or immunologist is a good place to start. There is a series of diagnostic stages to truly diagnose MCAS; the only treatments that conventional medicine can provide are symptom management: mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines, NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin and ibuprofen), and corticosteroids. 

SAAT provides effective treatment for MCAS

In the January/February issue of the Red Clover Clinic Newsletter, I introduced the Soliman Auricular Allergy Technique (SAAT). This specialized auricular acupuncture technique has been an amazing addition to my toolbox to treat a wide variety of allergies, Alpha Gal Syndrome, and MCAS. Please refer back to this article to better understand the treatment. 

Dr. Nader Soliman, who developed SAAT, identified a number of triggers for MCAS that can be treated by this method.

• Environmental: mold, dust, heavy metals, animal dander, pollen, extreme temperatures, sun exposure, barometric pressure changes, insect bites, insecticides, fungicides, pesticides.

• Physical: exercise, stress, pressure or vibration on the skin, make-up, dyes.

• Foods: any high-histamine food, alcohol, milk, eggs, fish.

Dr. Soliman also developed homeopathic remedies that are a very important and effective additional part of the treatment of MCAS.

MCAS seems to be appearing more and more frequently, especially since COVID. Our immune systems have been challenged in new ways, and we are still adjusting. I am so grateful to have this powerful method to help people who are struggling with this debilitating condition. If you or anyone you know needs support for allergies, from mild to MCAS, SAAT might be a great option to consider.

Marie's Body of Knowledge

Do you have abdominal pain as a result of an injury or surgery? Do you have chronic constipation? Does anxiety and stress go right to your gut and cause abdominal tightness and distress? 

Our abdomen is a reflection of our physical and emotional state and is said to be our second brain due to the similarities between the nerves that control the digestive track and the brain. The gut and the brain have a direct connection thru one of the cranial nerves, the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve supplies nervous system input that helps to calm the gut after your body experiences a flight or fight response. When the abdomen is under stress from surgery or emotional distress it can trigger the  flight or fight response and may affect the mobility of the internal organs or visceral mobility. Decreased mobility doesn't mean anything is wrong with the organs; however, decreased visceral mobility may result in pain, constipation, and a general unwell feeling.

A comprehensive Physical Therapy assessment of the abdominal visceral mobility, pelvic symmetry, spine mobility, vagus nerve mobility, and cranioscaral rhythm will reveal tissues involved in your gut health that may benefit from treatment. Addressing the tissue restrictions and limitations found in the physical exam with visceral mobilization, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, mobilizing and improving vagus nerve input, and flexibility exercises may restore visceral mobility, help reduce abdominal pain, and decrease constipation. 

Physical therapy treatment, along with increasing daily aerobic activity, will help you on your way to decreasing abdominal pain and distress and improving your overall health and well being.

Alpha-gal Syndrome

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. 

Treating allergies with the Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment

As most of you know, I am perpetually fascinated with auricular (ear) medicine. The ear offers both insight into the state of the body and a convenient treatment location. 

This fall I attended three auricular-based trainings. Each was inspiring, and added many new skills to my practice. One was a continuation of German Auricular Medicine, another was about adding electric stimulation into auricular acupuncture treatments, and the third was the Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT). I will be covering all of the methods in coming issues of the newsletter, but in this issue, I will focus on SAAT.

SAAT is a powerful auricular acupuncture technique that was developed by Nader Soliman, M.D. It often completely clears or significantly reduces allergy and sensitivity symptoms by reprograming the immune system to not react to allergens. Each allergen is addressed with one needle in a precise location that is specific to each individual. Several allergens can be treated in one visit. The needles are retained in the ear for 3-4 weeks, and are secured with a natural, medical adhesive and plaster, making them unobtrusive and very easy to tolerate.

What does SAAT treat?

• Allergies—pollen, mold, cat, dog, egg, shellfish, nuts, etc.

• Food, toxin, and environmental sensitivities—gluten, dairy, medications, chemicals, fragrances, etc.

• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome—a syndrome where histamine is over-produced and accumulates, causing chronic allergies.

• Alpha Gal Syndrome—a tick-borne illness causing an allergy to red meat

Allergy vs. sensitivity vs. intolerance

In the previous issue of the Red Clover Clinic Newsletter, I gave an overview of how to think about allergies. In this issue, I will get slightly more scientific and differentiate allergy vs. sensitivity vs. intolerance. 

An allergy is an exaggerated response by the immune system to a foreign substance. The immune system mischaracterizes the substance as a threat. Repeated exposure to the substance triggers formation of antibodies. During subsequent exposure, the allergen will bind to its specific antibody, which triggers mast cells to release chemical mediators, such as histamine, leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Histamine is what causes the immune reaction and leukotrienes and prostaglandins trigger a prolonged inflammatory response. An allergic reaction typically happens quickly (within 2 hours) after exposure to the allergen. The symptoms can involve the skin, the respiratory system, and the gastrointestinal system.

A food, toxin, or environmental sensitivity does not involve antibodies, and we don’t have a good understanding of the mechanism of the sensitivity reaction. It is presumed to involve the immune system. The reaction can start within hours or up to two days after exposure to a substance. Symptoms include headache, anxiety, depression, fatigue, flushing, joint pain, muscle aches, and others.

A food intolerance also doesn't involve antibodies. It is due to a deficiency in digestive enzymes. Lactose intolerance is the most common intolerance that most people are aware of. Food intolerances are felt in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms are corrected by consuming the missing enzymes. 

 SAAT is very effective, at least 95%, at treating both allergies and sensitivities. Approximately 80% of people with an intolerance will have some response to the SAAT treatment. 

Allergic Load

SAAT is a remarkable technique for people dealing with multiple sensitivities, as it can bring down the allergy load. This will help the body to heal and tolerate living in a world full of potential allergens and toxins, and bring back enjoyment of foods and a variety of activities. 

It is important to note that if a food allergen has caused an anaphylactic reaction, the goal of SAAT is not to reintroduce the food into the diet, rather, it is to minimize or eliminate the reaction to an accidental exposure to the food.

I have been practicing this method for 6 weeks at the time this newsletter is published, and I have already had reports of less inflammation, decreased histamine reactions, and more balanced hormones. There is great potential to treat complex issues like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Alpha Gal Syndrome, long COVID, and many autoimmune conditions. In the next issue of the newsletter, I plan to discuss the tick-borne illness Alpha Gal Syndrome.

Very soon I will be adding a separate appointment type for SAAT. For the time being, we are making it work with our current scheduling structure. If you’re wondering if this type of treatment might be a good fit for you, feel free to ask!