MCAS

What is MCAS?

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition in which your mast cells — a type of white blood cell that normally helps with defense and wound healing — become overactive.

Normally, mast cells respond only when the body perceives a threat, such as an infection or an allergic reaction. In MCAS, however, they release too much histamine and other inflammatory substances at the wrong time, causing the body to experience ongoing low-grade inflammation. This can affect nearly every organ or system in the body, often leading to complex, multi-system symptoms.

How does MCAS develop?

MCAS can have several causes and risk factors:

1. Problems with histamine breakdown

   • The DAO enzyme in the intestines breaks down histamine from food. A deficiency can cause histamine buildup.

   • The HNMT enzyme in the liver helps break down histamine in the blood. Reduced function, for example due to genetic variations such as MTHFR, can lead to excess histamine.

2. Increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut)

   • Digestive issues such as SIBO, IBS, celiac disease, or Crohn’s can damage the intestinal wall, allowing histamine and other inflammatory substances to enter the bloodstream more easily.

3. Immune system hypersensitivity

   • In some people, mast cells respond more strongly to triggers such as food, stress, or infections

4. Triggervariables

   • Histamine-rich foods (fermented, aged, alcohol)

   • Emotional or physical stress

   • Extreme temperatures or exertion

   • NSAIDs, strong odors, insect bites, mold, heavy metals

   • Vaccinations or infections can sometimes temporarily reactivate symptoms

MCAS symptom list

MCAS can cause many different symptoms, often affecting multiple systems at once. Below is an overview:

Head and brain

• Headaches and migraines

• Brain fog / difficulty concentrating

• Dizziness and lightheadedness

• Panic attacks or anxiety

• Depressive feelings

• Sleep disturbances / insomnia

Digestive system

• Nausea, vomiting

• Acid reflux / GERD

• Abdominal pain, bloating

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Food intolerances

General / systemic

• Chronic fatigue / CFS-like symptoms

• Fibromyalgia-like pain

• Unexplained weight loss or gain

• Slow wound healing

• Sensitivity to temperature or physical exertion

• Allergic reactions or anaphylaxis to certain triggers

Muscles and joints

• Muscle pain or weakness

• Joint pain or inflammation

• Reduced mobility

Skin and mucous membranes

• Itching, rash, hives

• Rhinitis (runny nose, sneezing)

• Swelling of lips, tongue, or eyelids

• Sensitivity to sunlight or heat

Important: MCAS symptoms differ from person to person and can vary in severity. It can often feel like “everything is happening at once”, which can make diagnosis challenging.

How SAAT helps with MCAS

In our practice, we use the Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT), a therapy specifically developed to help regulate the nervous system and mast cell activity.

Step 1: Reaction Test

We always begin with a personalized test to identify where your body shows hypersensitivity. This helps us determine which ear point requires support.

Step 2: Treatment

Based on the test, a very fine needle is placed on a specific point in the ear. This needle acts as a continuous stimulation:

• It helps calm the nervous system

• It regulates overactive mast cells

• It reduces inflammatory responses

If multiple factors cause reactions, steps 1 and 2 are repeated so that the treatment is complete. We can address up to 8 different reactions per session.

Step 3: Long-term effect

The needle remains in place for 3 to 4 weeks, allowing the body to gradually return to balance.

Results patients often notice:

• Reduction in brain fog and fatigue

• Fewer headaches and migraines

• Less anxiety and improved sleep

• Better food tolerance and reduced allergic reactions

Often, one treatment is sufficient — for more information, click here. Sometimes a follow-up session is needed, for example after vaccination or infection, as the body may temporarily become overactive again.