SAAT TECHNIQUE

No, the needles do not hurt. In fact, most people barely feel anything when needles are inserted.

Dr. Bath use extremely small needles. One needle is used per allergen. The single needle is inserted in a very precise location for the specific allergen being treated. The needle is inserted parallel to the skin surface. Once the needle is inserted, the needle is affixed in place with medical tape for 3 to 4 weeks

Scheduling your SAAT appointment depends on a number of factors including:

• The actual treatment involving a 3 to 4 week needle placement.

• It is recommended that you keep the placement site dry during the treatment process. While we will provide you with a cover for everyday needs such as bathing, you will still want to avoid swimming or other activities that will get your ears wet.

• It is recommended that the placement site and the area surrounding the needle is kept clean. While there will be tape over the needle (which is sufficient for normal day activity). It is recommended to avoid exposure to dirt or dust that would be considered an amount more than usual as long as the needles are inserted.

• To get the best results, it is recommended to avoid the allergen you are seeking to relief from through SAAT for the 3 to 4 weeks that the needle is inserted. Food allergens should be completely avoided. Exposure to environmental allergens should be as minimal as possible. Please be aware that if your allergic reaction to the allergen being treated is anaphylaxis, we require that you maintain your current medication protocol whether that includes over the counter medication, an EpiPen, or other treatments.

• If you are using SAAT for season allergies, it is recommended that you schedule your appointment prior to the applicable season rather than during the applicable season.

Generally, 1 treatment per allergen is needed if the needle stays in place properly for the entire 3 to 4 weeks. If you would like to treat more than 1 allergen, depending on the size of the ear and location of the active point associated with the allergen on the ear, in most cases, we can treat up to 4 allergens in a single SAAT session. Dr. Bath will be able to discuss the best course of treatment for each patient.

It will be important to remember, clinical improvement will depend heavily on identifying and treating all allergens contributing to your symptoms. For example, if you are allergic to dogs, there may be multiple allergens contributing to your symptoms including: dander, hair, salvia, skin oils, and urine. Addressing one of these factors may significantly reduce the patient’s symptoms. However, to relieve a patient of all the symptoms, all the facets of the allergy would need to be address.

Those suffering from seasonal allergies typically react to multiple allergens. Dr. Bath will take time to discuss whether there is an option to treat “treat mix”, “grass" mix”, or “mold mix” with 1 SAAT needle. However, depending on the severity of your symptoms, the allergen you are treating may need its own needle.

Ultimately, the number of treatment and the relief of symptoms each patient has will depend on each individual evaluation with Dr. Bath.

A large part of the success of SAAT depends on identifying all substances that are causing your symptoms.

If you have done allergy testing recently, please bring a printed copy of your results to your appointment with Dr. Bath.

To identify food allergies, we recommend using the Elimination Diet.

If you have not yet identified your allergies, Dr. Bath will discuss testing options with you at your appointment to determine the best approach for your individual needs.

Please contact our clinic to determine if the allergen you require treatment for is on our treatment list. If you require treatment for an allergen not on our list, we will obtain the needed supplies to test and treat you.

Acupuncture is extremely safe. Dr. Bath uses sterilized needles which are properly disposed, in accordance with health regulations.

Acupuncture is not recommended for people with bleeding disorders, metal allergies, or infections in the area where needles are inserted. It's also not recommended for people taking anticoagulant medicines or other medications. You should consult your doctor before getting acupuncture.