Alternative healer gets 10 years in UK prison for death of woman at slap therapy workshop
An alternative healer who promoted “slapping therapy” as a treatment for various ailments has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the death of a 71-year-old diabetic woman who stopped taking insulin during one of his workshops. Hongchi Xiao, 61, was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence for failing to seek medical help for Danielle Carr-Gomm as she experienced severe pain and frothing at the mouth during the workshop in October 2016.
Xiao, based in Cloudbreak, California, advocated for paida lajin therapy, which involves patients slapping themselves to release toxins from the body. While rooted in Chinese medicine, critics argue that this technique lacks scientific evidence and can lead to bruises, bleeding, or worse. Tragically, Carr-Gomm was one of two patients who died under Xiao’s care.
The healer, who was extradited from Australia where he was convicted of manslaughter in another case involving a child’s death, was described as dangerous by Justice Robert Bright during sentencing at Winchester Crown Court. Bright emphasized that Xiao was aware of Carr-Gomm’s decision to stop taking insulin early in the workshop and failed to intervene, even encouraging her to continue with this dangerous choice.
Carr-Gomm, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999, was desperate to find a cure that did not involve traditional medication. Her son, Matthew, revealed that she had attended a previous workshop with Xiao in Bulgaria where she also fell ill after discontinuing her insulin. Despite these health complications, Carr-Gomm praised Xiao in a video testimonial, referring to him as a divine messenger revolutionizing healthcare.
As Carr-Gomm’s condition deteriorated during the workshop in England, participants mistakenly viewed her symptoms as a healing crisis, according to prosecutor Duncan Atkinson. Even though a chef present wanted to call for medical assistance, she deferred to those with holistic healing experience, further delaying potentially life-saving intervention.
The tragic outcome of Carr-Gomm’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unproven alternative therapies. While individuals may seek alternative treatments out of desperation or skepticism towards conventional medicine, it is essential to prioritize evidence-based care to ensure patient safety and well-being.
