A California-based option healer who promoted a controversial slapping therapy has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the death of a 71-year-old British woman. Hongchi Xiao, 61, was convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence for failing to seek medical help for Danielle Carr-Gomm during one of his workshops in 2016.
Carr-Gomm, a diabetic, stopped taking her insulin during the fourth day of the workshop, which focused on “paida lajin” therapy. This technique, rooted in Chinese medicine, involves repeatedly slapping oneself to supposedly release “poisonous waste” from the body. Critics argue that paida lajin lacks scientific basis and can lead to bruising,bleeding,and in extreme cases,death.
during sentencing at Winchester Crown Court, Justice Robert radiant described Xiao as “risky” despite not fitting the profile of a typical dangerous offender. “You knew from late in the afternoon of day one of the fact that Danielle Carr-Gomm had stopped taking her insulin,” the judge stated. “Furthermore, you made it clear to her you supported this.”
The judge noted that Xiao only made a “token effort” to encourage Carr-Gomm to resume her insulin when it was already too late. He also highlighted Xiao’s lack of remorse,pointing out that he continued to promote paida lajin even while imprisoned.
Carr-Gomm’s son, Matthew, described his mother as someone who was determined to find a cure for her type 1 diabetes without relying on injections. “She always maintained a healthy lifestyle and was adamant that nothing woudl stop her from living a full life,” he said, according to the BBC.
Tragically, Carr-Gomm had previously attended one of Xiao’s workshops in Bulgaria, where she also became seriously ill after stopping her medication. Despite this, she recorded a video testimonial praising Xiao as a “messenger sent by God” who was “starting a revolution to put the power back in the hands of the people to cure themselves and to change the whole system of healthcare.”
this case marks the second time xiao has been convicted of manslaughter related to his paida lajin therapy. He was previously extradited from Australia, where a 6-year-old boy died after his parents stopped his insulin treatment following one of xiao’s workshops.
A British woman has been sentenced to prison for the manslaughter of a diabetic participant at a holistic healing retreat she led. Hongchi Xiao, 52, was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter after Danielle Carr-Gomm, 39, died at the retreat in wiltshire, England, in 2019.
during the week-long retreat, Carr-Gomm stopped taking her insulin after Xiao, who promoted a holistic healing approach, allegedly encouraged her to do so. “Well done,” Xiao reportedly said to Carr-Gomm after learning of her decision.
By the third day, carr-gomm’s condition deteriorated rapidly. She experienced vomiting, fatigue, weakness, and excruciating pain. Despite her worsening state, a chef who wanted to call an ambulance was dissuaded by others who believed Carr-Gomm’s symptoms were part of a “healing crisis” due to Xiao’s teachings.
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson stated that those present “misinterpreted Mrs. carr-gomm’s condition as a healing crisis” because they had accepted Xiao’s teachings.
Sentencing Xiao on Friday, Judge Michael Bright said, “You congratulated her [Danielle] when you found out she had stopped taking insulin. You failed to summon emergency medical care when you of all people knew she was likely to die without insulin. I believe you will continue to practice it. There is a risk you will actively or tacitly encourage followers to reduce their medication.”
## unregulated Healing and Fatal Consequences: Expert Weighs In on Hongchi Xiao’s Conviction
**World Today News:** We’re joined today by Dr.[Expert Name], a leading expert in [relevant field, e.g., alternative medicine, medical ethics, legal duty in healthcare], to discuss the recent conviction of Hongchi Xiao, a Californian practitioner of “paida lajin” therapy, for the manslaughter of a British woman. Dr. [Expert name], thank you for joining us.
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** It’s my pleasure to be here to shed light on this tragic case.
**World Today News:** Xiao was sentenced to 10 years in prison for failing to seek medical help for Danielle Carr-Gomm, a 71-year-old diabetic, who died during one of his workshops. He promoted “paida lajin”, a technique involving repeated self-slapping, claiming it could cure diseases. What are your thoughts on this case?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** This case is deeply troubling on multiple levels. Lately, we’ve seen a rising trend of individuals seeking alternative therapies, frequently enough dismissing evidence-based medicine. while exploring complementary therapies can be beneficial, the key lies in responsible practice and recognizing the limits of such methods.
“Paida lajin”, with its lack of scientific basis and potential for harm, raises serious concerns. It’s crucial to remember that serious medical conditions like diabetes require professional medical intervention, not unproven slapping techniques.
**World Today News:** You mentioned the lack of scientific basis. critics argue that “paida lajin” can lead to bruising,bleeding,and even death,as seen in this tragic case. What kind of responsibility do practitioners of such therapies bear, notably when dealing with vulnerable individuals?
**Dr.[Expert Name]:**
Practitioners promoting therapies like “paida lajin” have a profound responsibility to prioritize the safety and well-being of their patients.This includes being transparent about the lack of scientific evidence, acknowledging potential risks, and advising individuals against discontinuing prescribed medication without consulting their doctor.
In this case, Ms. Carr-Gomm’s existing diabetes made her particularly vulnerable.Discontinuing insulin, as Mr. Xiao reportedly encouraged, is incredibly dangerous and can have fatal consequences. Xiao’s continued promotion of “paida lajin”, even while imprisoned, raises serious questions about his ethical compass and disregard for patient safety.
**World Today News:** This tragedy also highlights the importance of medical literacy. What can be done to better empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and avoid falling prey to potentially harmful practices?
**Dr.[Expert Name]:** This is a critical issue. We need:
* **Increased education:** We need public health campaigns that promote critical thinking about health data and encourage reliance on evidence-based medicine.
* **Regulation of alternative therapies:** Stronger regulations are needed to ensure that practitioners are qualified and transparent about the risks and benefits of their practices.
* **Empowering patients:** We need to empower patients to ask questions,seek second opinions from qualified medical professionals,and understand the potential dangers of abandoning conventional treatments.
**World Today News:** Dr. [Expert Name], thank you for providing such valuable insights on this complex issue.
**Dr. [Expert name]:** My pleasure.It is essential to continue this open dialogue and work towards ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals seeking healthcare solutions.
