A California alternative healer, Hongchi Xiao, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter due to his dangerous practices. This case unfolded following the tragic death of Danielle Carr-Gomm, a 71-year-old woman with diabetes, who stopped taking her insulin while attending one of Xiao’s workshops in October 2016.
Xiao, who is 61 years old, promoted a controversial technique known as “paida lajin,” which involves slapping oneself to supposedly rid the body of toxins. However, critics argue this method lacks scientific backing and can lead to serious harm, including bruising and bleeding. Sadly, Carr-Gomm was not the only patient of Xiao’s to face fatal consequences.
This incident follows a similar case in Australia where Xiao was involved in the death of a 6-year-old boy. That child’s parents had also stopped his insulin treatment after attending one of Xiao’s workshops.
During sentencing, Justice Robert Bright emphasized that Xiao posed a danger to others, noting that he fully understood Carr-Gomm had ceased her insulin treatment yet failed to take appropriate action. Instead, he made only a minimal effort to address her condition when it was too late.
Carr-Gomm had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999 and was desperate for alternatives to her insulin injections. Unfortunately, her search for healing led her to Xiao, who she initially viewed as a savior. In a video testimonial, she referred to him as a “messenger sent by God.”
However, as her health deteriorated during the workshop—evidenced by her vomiting and pain—it became clear that she was in serious trouble. Even those present, including a chef who wanted to summon emergency help, hesitated to act, mistakenly interpreting Carr-Gomm’s suffering as part of a supposed healing process.
This troubling case raises significant questions about the responsibility of alternative health practitioners and the potential dangers of unregulated therapies. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking tested medical treatments and exercising caution with unverified health practices.
