It's a known fact that approximately 50% of injecting drug users are HepC positive and that Hep C is a remarkably resilient virus. I have not been able to source an anti bacterial/viral solution which will kill it in infected blood traces.
How do I marry this fact with the practice of giving 5 point auricular acupuncture, followed by the application with a stainless steel probe, of gold or silver plated magnetic pellets onto the same points? Usually there is no blood visible, but the skin has been broken and microscopic blood traces may be present. On rare occasions the acupuncture points bleed and are cleaned before applying pellets. The probe is always cleaned with disposable medicated wipes between each client application, yet there would appear to be a risk of carrying Hep C from an infected client to the next person in line. These wipes claim to destroy HIV but there is no mention of their efficacy with Hep C.
The safe options seem to be either disposable plastic or wooden probes/applicators (supply unsourced as yet), or a disposable sleeve for the probe. Does anyone have any ideas? Also, why haven't I read or heard anything at all about this risk? Everyone says that we have to work with what we have. I've been practising 5 point acudetox, followed by pellets, with substance misusing clients for over 2 years. For the past few days, since I faced up to this risk, I have given EITHER acupuncture or acupressure and until I have found a solution, will no longer give both.
If you have something to say about this, I'd love to hear from you.
Thanks,
elliev