What's happened
Hongchi Xiao, a 61-year-old alternative healer, was sentenced to 15 years for the manslaughter of Danielle Carr-Gomm, who died after stopping her insulin during a paida lajin workshop in 2016. The court found Xiao failed to seek medical help as Carr-Gomm's condition deteriorated.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the BBC, Hongchi Xiao was sentenced to 15 years for the manslaughter of Danielle Carr-Gomm, emphasizing his failure to summon medical help when her condition worsened. The Independent reported that Carr-Gomm had previously expressed admiration for Xiao, calling him a 'messenger sent by God,' which illustrates the influence he wielded over his followers. The Guardian noted that this case is not isolated, as Xiao had previously been convicted in Australia for a similar incident involving a child, raising serious questions about the safety of alternative therapies. AP News highlighted the lack of scientific basis for paida lajin, further underscoring the risks associated with such practices.
How we got here
Danielle Carr-Gomm, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, sought alternative treatments due to her fear of needles. She attended a paida lajin workshop led by Hongchi Xiao, who promoted the therapy despite its lack of scientific backing. Carr-Gomm's health declined after she stopped taking her insulin.
Common question
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What happened in the slap therapy case involving Hongchi Xiao?
The case of Hongchi Xiao, an alternative healer sentenced for manslaughter, has raised significant concerns about the safety and regulation of alternative healing practices. As more people turn to these methods, understanding the implications and risks becomes crucial. Here are some common questions surrounding this topic.
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