A California-based alternative healer who promoted a controversial slapping therapy has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the death of a 71-year-old diabetic woman. Hongchi Xiao, 61, was convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence after failing to seek medical help for Danielle Carr-Gomm, who died during one of his workshops in 2016.
Xiao, who advocated a practice called “paida lajin,” encouraged patients to repeatedly slap themselves to release what he claimed were “poisonous waste” from their bodies. While rooted in customary Chinese medicine, critics argue that paida lajin lacks scientific basis and can lead to bruising, bleeding, and in Carr-Gomm’s case, death.
Carr-Gomm,diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999,was desperate for a cure that didn’t involve insulin injections. She had attended a previous workshop by Xiao in Bulgaria, where she also fell 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.”
“I consider you risky even though you do not share the characteristics of most other dangerous offenders,” Justice Robert Bright stated during sentencing at Winchester Crown Court. “You knew from late in the afternoon of day one of the fact that Danielle Carr-gomm had stopped taking her insulin,” the judge continued. “Furthermore, you made it clear to her you supported this.”
According to prosecutors, Carr-Gomm’s condition deteriorated rapidly during the workshop. By the third day, she was “vomiting, tired and weak, and by the evening she was howling in pain and unable to respond to questions,” prosecutor Duncan Atkinson said.Despite a chef at the retreat wanting to call an ambulance,others deferred to Xiao’s teachings,misinterpreting Carr-Gomm’s condition as a “healing crisis.”
This is not Xiao’s first conviction related to his controversial practices. He was extradited from Australia, where he had been convicted of manslaughter after a 6-year-old boy died when his parents stopped his insulin medication following one of Xiao’s workshops in Sydney.
Justice Bright noted that Xiao had made only a “token effort” to get Carr-Gomm to resume her insulin once it was too late and had shown no remorse, continuing to promote paida lajin even while imprisoned.
Carr-Gomm’s son, Matthew, spoke of his mother’s desperation for a cure that didn’t involve needles. ”She sought out alternative treatments and had attended a previous workshop by Xiao in Bulgaria a few months before her death in which she also became seriously ill after ceasing her medication,” he said.
This tragic case highlights the dangers of relying on unproven alternative therapies and the importance of seeking evidence-based medical care.
## Slapping Therapy Tragedy: An Expert Weighs In
**World Today News Exclusive Interview**
following the sentencing of Hongchi Xiao to 10 years in prison for the death of Danielle Carr-Gomm during a slapping therapy session,World Today News spoke with Dr. Sarah Thompson,a leading expert in integrative medicine and the ethics of alternative healing practices.
**WTN:** dr. Thompson, the case of Hongchi Xiao is deeply troubling. Can you shed some light on the dangers of unregulated alternative healing practices?
**Dr. Thompson:** This tragic case highlights the potential risks associated with unregulated alternative therapies. While many alternative practices are safe and beneficial, some, like slapping therapy, lack scientific basis and can be inherently dangerous. The absence of proper regulation and oversight can leave vulnerable individuals susceptible to harm.
**WTN:** How prevalent are these unregulated practices?
**Dr. Thompson:** Sadly, unregulated alternative therapies are more prevalent than many people realize.The allure of rapid fixes and natural remedies can ofen override caution. This is why it’s crucial for individuals to be discerning and research any alternative treatment before committing to it.
**WTN:** What warning signs should people be aware of when considering alternative therapies?
**Dr. Thompson:** Several red flags should raise concern. These include therapists who make grandiose claims, promise miracle cures, discourage conventional medical treatment, or lack proper credentials. Additionally, therapies that involve potentially harmful practices, like vigorous physical manipulation or extreme diets, should be approached with extreme caution.
**WTN:** What role can regulatory bodies play in protecting the public?
**Dr. Thompson:** Robust regulation and licensing requirements for alternative healing practices are essential. This would ensure practitioners are adequately trained, adhere to ethical standards, and are held accountable for their actions. Additionally, public awareness campaigns educating individuals about potential risks and encouraging informed decision-making are crucial.
**WTN:** What is your final message for our readers?
**Dr. Thompson:** while alternative therapies can offer valuable support for overall well-being, it is indeed essential to approach them with a critical and informed mind. Always consult with qualified medical professionals, prioritize your safety, and remember that unsubstantiated claims and potentially harmful practices should be avoided.
