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.