Introduction

In a shocking case that has raised serious concerns about the safety of alternative healing practices, Hongchi Xiao, a 61-year-old alternative healer from California, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a UK court for the manslaughter of a 71-year-old woman during one of his controversial workshops.

Case Details

Xiao was found guilty of gross negligence following the death of Danielle Carr-Gomm, a diabetic participant who had stopped taking her insulin after attending a "slapping therapy" workshop in October 2016. This unconventional method, known as paida lajin, involves slapping the body repeatedly to purportedly eliminate what Xiao termed "poisonous waste". While rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, many experts vehemently criticize the practice for lacking scientific validation and labeling it as dangerous.

Health Complications

The court heard that Carr-Gomm experienced severe health complications during the workshop, including vomiting, extreme fatigue, and excruciating pain. Despite her distress, Xiao failed to summon urgent medical assistance, even as witnesses observed her condition deteriorating rapidly. Justice Robert Bright, presiding over the case, emphasized Xiao's dangerous behavior, remarking, "You congratulated her when you found out she had stopped taking insulin," demonstrating a chilling disregard for her health and plight.

Previous Convictions

This was not an isolated incident. Xiao had previously been convicted of manslaughter in Australia when a 6-year-old boy died after his parents ceased insulin treatment following a workshop in Sydney. These tragic events have spotlighted the potential dangers of alternative therapies, raising alarm among health professionals and the public alike.

Personal Impact

Danielle Carr-Gomm's son, Matthew, described his mother as someone who had always led a healthy lifestyle, desperate for solutions that did not involve needles. Tragically, her pursuit of alternative treatments, including a previous workshop with Xiao in Bulgaria, led to dire consequences. Despite her declining health, she had once praised Xiao, calling him a "messenger sent by God" in a video testimonial, which underscores the manipulative nature of such workshops.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses at the workshop detailed how those influenced by Xiao mistook Carr-Gomm's illness as a "healing crisis," a misconception that tragically contributed to the lack of appropriate medical response. A fellow participant, a chef, expressed intentions to call for help but withheld action, deferring to Xiao’s so-called expertise.

Concerns Moving Forward

As the case concludes, Justice Bright expressed grave concerns about Xiao's continued promotion of paida lajin, even from within prison walls. "I believe you will continue to practice it," he warned, highlighting the ongoing risk that Xiao may encourage further reckless behavior among his followers.

Conclusion

This heart-wrenching case stands as a stark warning about the potential perils of unregulated alternative healing therapies. It underscores the importance of critical evaluation and reliance on scientifically-backed medical treatments, especially for those with serious health conditions. The community is now left to grapple with the implications of trusting unconventional practices without adequate safeguards.