For The Health of It: Understanding MAST

Tyler Ryan and Hima Dalal discuss Cell activation syndrome

COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) –

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome & Integrative OT by
Hima Dalal,Integrative OT,Energy Medicine Specialist ,FM Specialist
What Is MCAS?
MCAS is an immunological condition where mast cells release inflammatory mediators (e.g.,
histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins) inappropriately, causing a wide array of symptoms
across multiple systems—skin (hives, flushing), GI (bloating, reflux), neuro (brain fog, anxiety),
respiratory, cardiovascular, and more WikipediaInteractive Health Clinic. Common triggers
include stress, infections, high-histamine foods, environmental exposures, and gut imbalances
drsusanmarra.comInteractive Health ClinicOC Integrative MedicinePhiladelphia Integrative
Medicine.

Integrative & Functional Medicine Approaches
Lifestyle and dietary strategies often used include:
● Following a low-histamine or anti-inflammatory diet, avoiding trigger foods (leftovers,
gluten, grains, aged cheeses, etc.) YouTube Summariesintegrative-
medicine.caPhiladelphia Integrative Medicine.
● DAO enzyme supplementation before meals to help metabolize dietary histamine Vytal
HealthPhiladelphia Integrative Medicine.
● Natural mast cell stabilizers and antihistamines such as quercetin, luteolin, resveratrol,
curcumin, nettle leaf, vitamin C, and similar supplements Vytal Healthintegrative-
medicine.cazedie.orgPhiladelphia Integrative Medicine.
● Stress reduction, mindful practices like meditation and yoga, vagus-nerve–calming
tools to downregulate mast cell activation YouTube Summarieszedie.org.
● Addressing root causes like gut dysbiosis, infections, mold exposure, nutritional
deficiencies, hormonal or toxin-related issues Philadelphia Integrative
MedicineInteractive Health Clinic.

Integrative OT in Context of MCAS (Based on Hima
Dalal’s Approach)
Hima Dalal is an integrative occupational therapist with over four decades of experience,
combining Eastern modalities (e.g., energy medicine, therapeutic yoga, mindfulness meditation,

Reiki, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy) with conventional therapy methods Bold
Journey. Though she may not have published specifically on MCAS, her holistic philosophy is
closely aligned with integrative and functional approaches known to support individuals with
complex chronic conditions.
Here’s how such modalities can potentially benefit someone with MCAS:
● Stress and nervous system regulation: Techniques like mindfulness, therapeutic
yoga, energy medicine, and meditation can calm the autonomic nervous
system—potentially reducing mast cell activation triggered by emotional or physical
stress.
● Holistic symptom support: Myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and Reiki may
help manage physical discomfort or body tension often accompanying MCAS flares.
● Trauma-informed care: Dalal emphasizes acceptance, emotional balance, and self-
love—an important piece of recovery for those navigating the anxiety and isolation
associated with chronic illness.
● Root-level focus: Just like functional medicine’s search for underlying triggers, Dalal’s
work aims to “treat the root level,” not just the symptomology Bold Journey.

Summary & Suggestions
While MCAS often requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary strategy, integrative
OT—particularly one with a foundation in mind-body and holistic practices—can offer
complementary support in:
1. Reducing physiological and emotional stress,
2. Enhancing body awareness and resilience,
3. Supporting symptom management alongside conventional interventions.
If you're considering integrative OT under Hima Dalal’s care (or similar practitioners), it’s wise
to:
● Coordinate with your medical provider—especially for managing medications or
supplements.
● Use integrative OT to complement, not replace, clinical treatments like antihistamines
or mast cell stabilizers when necessary.
● Embrace the holistic toolkit—nutrition, mindfulness, energy therapy, movement—to
support overall well-being.
● For any further questions contact
● www.himadalalintegrativehealth@gmail.com