WHAT IS Alpha-Gal Syndrome? |
|
Alpha-gal syndrome (often called alpha-gal or AGS) is an allergy to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose). This sugar is found in red meats like beef, pork, lamb, venison, and goat, as well as in some dairy products, gelatin, and certain medicines or medical items made from mammals.
The allergy usually starts after a bite from a lone star tick (common in many parts of the U.S., including Missouri). The tick carries alpha-gal into your body, and your immune system starts making antibodies against it. Later, eating or being exposed to mammal products can trigger an allergic reaction.
What makes alpha-gal different from most food allergies is the delay: symptoms often don't show up until 2–6 hours after eating the trigger food. This can make it hard to connect the dots at first.
Common signs include:
Some people also react to dairy, organ meats, gelatin in pills or candy, or even certain vaccines and medical products. The usual advice from doctors is to avoid all triggers completely and keep an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) handy for emergencies. Avoidance works for safety, but it can make everyday life challenging—limiting food choices, travel, and social situations.
The allergy usually starts after a bite from a lone star tick (common in many parts of the U.S., including Missouri). The tick carries alpha-gal into your body, and your immune system starts making antibodies against it. Later, eating or being exposed to mammal products can trigger an allergic reaction.
What makes alpha-gal different from most food allergies is the delay: symptoms often don't show up until 2–6 hours after eating the trigger food. This can make it hard to connect the dots at first.
Common signs include:
- Itchy skin, hives, or a rash
- Swelling in the lips, face, tongue, or throat
- Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or—in serious cases—anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction)
Some people also react to dairy, organ meats, gelatin in pills or candy, or even certain vaccines and medical products. The usual advice from doctors is to avoid all triggers completely and keep an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) handy for emergencies. Avoidance works for safety, but it can make everyday life challenging—limiting food choices, travel, and social situations.
|
|
OUR treatment approach |
At Restoration Health, we offer a specialized ear-based (auricular) acupuncture method based on the innovative work of Dr. Nader Soliman. Nearly 25 years ago, Dr. Thompson had the opportunity to study directly under Dr. Soliman—a pioneer in auriculotherapy who developed a powerful approach to helping the body handle allergies more calmly. Dr. Soliman's technique is commonly referred to as Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment or SAAT.
This technique uses very gentle, precise stimulation on the outer ear to help "retrain" how the immune system responds to specific triggers like alpha-gal. Drawing from principles of Eastern medicine and auriculotherapy, it aims to reduce the overreaction at its root, rather than just masking symptoms with medications.
This technique uses very gentle, precise stimulation on the outer ear to help "retrain" how the immune system responds to specific triggers like alpha-gal. Drawing from principles of Eastern medicine and auriculotherapy, it aims to reduce the overreaction at its root, rather than just masking symptoms with medications.
how treatment works
|
|
- We begin by using an electro-auriculotherapy device. This gentle tool helps us scan the ear and locate the exact auricular points that show the strongest response to the allergen (such as alpha-gal). The device measures tiny electrical changes on the skin of the ear, pinpointing the most reactive spots with accuracy—no guesswork.
- Once the precise points are identified, we insert small, hair-thin, semi-permanent needles (about 3 mm in length) into those specific locations.
- Typically, we place 3–4 needles per treatment session, though we may use up to 6 depending on the individual needs and how many related allergens are being addressed.
- The needles stay in place for 3–4 weeks and are usually painless—most people barely feel them during placement or while they're in.
- We keep each session focused, treating only a small number of allergens at a time for the best results.
- There's no recovery time needed; you can go right back to your normal day.
|
|
Follow-Up and Ongoing Care |
After 4 weeks, you'll return to our office so we can safely and gently remove the needles. During this visit, we’ll use the electro-auriculotherapy device again to recheck the ear points. If the points are no longer reactive, great news—your body has likely adjusted and the treatment may be complete for that allergen. If any points still show a reaction, we’ll insert new needles into the needed spots for another 4-week period. This step-by-step process allows us to monitor progress and provide additional support only where it’s still needed.
Research and clinical reports on this style of treatment (including a review of 137 alpha-gal patients) have shown very encouraging results: about 96% of people with follow-up data reported their symptoms went into full remission after treatment, with many enjoying lasting relief. No serious side effects were reported in those studies.
Dr. Thompson has had wonderful success treating alpha-gal patients using this approach, helping many regain the freedom to enjoy foods and activities without the constant worry of reactions.
Research and clinical reports on this style of treatment (including a review of 137 alpha-gal patients) have shown very encouraging results: about 96% of people with follow-up data reported their symptoms went into full remission after treatment, with many enjoying lasting relief. No serious side effects were reported in those studies.
Dr. Thompson has had wonderful success treating alpha-gal patients using this approach, helping many regain the freedom to enjoy foods and activities without the constant worry of reactions.
Why Choose Us? |
|
Dr. Thompson brings more than 30 years of experience in acupuncture and auriculotherapy to every patient. Having studied under Dr. Nader Soliman personally nearly 25 years ago, he applies the core principles of this specialized ear technique with skill and care. Combined with our holistic chiropractic care, this helps support your overall wellness and nervous system balance.
Many patients call this approach life-changing—allowing them to enjoy foods and activities again without constant fear. It's completely drug-free, minimally invasive, and works well as a complement to your regular medical care (we always recommend continuing to follow your doctor's guidance, especially if reactions have been severe).
If you've been dealing with alpha-gal syndrome—or think you might have it—give our office a call to set up an appointment. We'll answer your questions and explain the process in detail. Take a step toward feeling freer and more comfortable—naturally. Contact us today! 660-882-3333
Many patients call this approach life-changing—allowing them to enjoy foods and activities again without constant fear. It's completely drug-free, minimally invasive, and works well as a complement to your regular medical care (we always recommend continuing to follow your doctor's guidance, especially if reactions have been severe).
If you've been dealing with alpha-gal syndrome—or think you might have it—give our office a call to set up an appointment. We'll answer your questions and explain the process in detail. Take a step toward feeling freer and more comfortable—naturally. Contact us today! 660-882-3333