- • SAAT places one very small needle in a specific point on the ear, where it stays for several weeks under a small covering.
- • It is done for one allergen at a time, so the plan depends on what you react to most.
- • Responses vary from person to person, and we won't promise a particular outcome.
What SAAT actually is
SAAT stands for Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment. It is an ear acupuncture method developed by Dr. Nader Soliman that addresses one specific allergen per treatment.
The needle used is tiny — smaller than the ones used in a standard body treatment. It's placed at a point on the ear chosen for the allergen being addressed, then covered with a small adhesive so it can stay in place.
Why the needle stays in
Unlike a normal acupuncture session, where needles come out before you leave, the SAAT needle remains for a number of weeks. The approach relies on that continuous, very low-level input rather than a single stimulus.
You'll be shown how to look after it: keeping the area dry when you can, not picking at the covering, and calling us if it becomes sore, red or falls out early.
One allergen at a time
SAAT is organised around a single allergen per treatment, so the first conversation is about priorities. Which reaction affects your life most? Which one would you most like to stop planning around?
If you react to several things, that becomes a sequence over time rather than one appointment. Dr. Kim will map that out honestly, including how long it's likely to take.
What to expect at your visit
The visit begins with a detailed history: what you react to, how the reaction shows up, how long it's been happening, what testing has been done and what your physician has advised.
The treatment itself is brief and most people find it unremarkable — a small pinch, then a covered spot on the ear you'll barely notice by the next day. You go home the same afternoon and carry on as normal.
What SAAT does not replace
If you carry emergency medication for a severe allergy, you keep carrying it. Nothing about a SAAT visit changes your emergency plan or the advice of your allergist.
We also won't tell you to test a reaction deliberately. Any decision about re-introducing something you react to is one to make with your physician.
Coming to Clearwater for SAAT
Because the treatment is uncommon, patients travel — from Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Largo, St. Petersburg and Tampa, and often from further up and down the coast.
The clinic is at 3001 Executive Drive, Clearwater, with free parking outside. Call 727-490-6060 or use the contact page and tell us what you react to; Dr. Kim will tell you whether SAAT is a reasonable fit.
Frequently asked
How long does the SAAT needle stay in my ear?+
It stays in place for several weeks under a small covering, and we tell you the timeframe for your treatment at the visit. Call us if it comes out early, or if the area becomes sore or inflamed.
Can SAAT treat more than one allergy at once?+
The method addresses one allergen at a time, so multiple sensitivities are handled as a sequence of treatments. Dr. Kim helps you decide which reaction to prioritise first.
Is SAAT a cure for allergies?+
No, and we won't describe it that way. Responses differ from person to person, and SAAT is offered as a complement to — not a replacement for — the care your allergist or physician provides.
Can I still swim, shower and exercise?+
Ordinary showering and daily activity are fine; you'll be shown how to keep the area clean and dry. Mention swimming or heavy sweating at your visit so we can advise on the covering.
Related pages at Acupuncture of West Florida
- SAAT at Acupuncture of West Florida — Full service page with details and next steps
- SAAT for MCAS — For patients dealing with mast cell activation symptoms
- Our Clearwater clinic — Where to find us and where to park
- Ask about SAAT — Tell us what you react to and we'll be straight with you
Talk to Dr. Kim
Book a consultation call. Honest answer whether we can help.
Book Consultation727-490-6060