“Messenger Sent by God”: The Tragic Death of a Diabetic Woman Trusting in “Slapping Therapy”
Danielle Carr-Gomm, a 71-year-old woman desperately seeking freedom from her type 1 diabetes, found herself drawn to the unconventional world of “slapping therapy.” Promising a cure through self-inflicted pain, the therapy, known as paida lajin, had roots
neurologically “cleaner” system. Carr-Gomm had used alternative treatments for diabetes before but became deeply committed to paida lajin after attending one of Xiao’s earlier workshops in Bulgaria. Tragically, her belief in Xiao’s teachings would prove fatal.
A Four-Day Nightmare Unfolds
During the fourth day of Xiao’s October 2016 retreat in England, Carr-Gomm announced she was stopping her insulin. Xiao, utterly supportive, congratulated her.
By the third day of the workshop, Carr-Gomm’s health had visibly deteriorated. She was vomiting, exhausted, and weak. By evening, she was in agonizing pain, incoherent, and unable to respond to questions. A chef at the retreat, wanting to call for an ambulance, ultimately deferred to those who believed in the healing powers of paida lajin.
“Those who had received and accepted the defendant’s teachings misinterpreted Mrs. Carr-Gomm’s condition as a healing crisis,” prosecutor Duncan Atkinson stated chillingly during the trial.
Carr-Gomm’s desperate struggle highlighted the danger woven into Xiao’s teachings.
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Xiao’s promise of a cure had blinded her to the warning signs her body was sending.
Justice Over the Ocean: A History of Tragedy
Xiao was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Justice Robert Bright at Winchester Crown Court, convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence in Carr-Gomm’s death. Justice Bright minced no words in his sentencing, stating :“I consider you dangerous even though you do not share the characteristics of most other dangerous offenders.”
This conviction was not Xiao’s first brush with the law. He had already been extradited from Australia, where she had been convicted of manslaughter after the death of a 6-year-old boy. His parents, swayed by Xiao’s teachings, had withdrawn their son’s insulin medication following one of Xiao’s workshops.
Xiao’s disturbing history echoed a chilling pattern. He continued to promote paida lajin even during his imprisonment, showing no remorse for the devastating consequences of his actions.
A Treasured Mother Lost
Carr-Gomm’s son, Matthew, spoke about his mother’s quest for a cure. For a woman who viewed needles as an unacceptable part of her daily routine, paida lajin held beguiling promises.
Sadly, it cost her her life.
Carr-Gomm, determined to control her diabetes, tragically found herself believing in the dangerous charade presented by Xiao.
In the end, it was her hope for liberation from her illness, her desperation, that led her to a tragic end. “
What ethical considerations are raised by practitioners who claim to have healing abilities and encourage patients to abandon conventional medicine?
## ”Messenger Sent by God”: The Tragic Death of a Diabetic Woman Trusting in “Slapping Therapy”
Good evening, and welcome to the show. Tonight, we delve into the startling case of Danielle Carr-Gomm, a 71-year-old woman who tragically lost her life after embracing an unorthodox healing method known as “slapping therapy”.
Joining us tonight is Dr. Emily Carter, a medical ethicist and expert in alternative medicine practices. Dr. Carter, thanks for joining us.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, can you tell us more about this “slapping therapy” and its alleged benefits?
**Dr. Carter:** “Slapping therapy,” or paida lajin, is a controversial practice that claims to cure various ailments through repeated self-inflicted slapping. Its proponents believe it somehow “cleanses the system”. It’s crucial to understand that there is no scientific evidence supporting these claims, and medical professionals strongly advise against it.
**Host:** We know that Ms. Carr-Gomm was suffering from type 1 diabetes. Was stopping her insulin a dangerous decision?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. Type 1 diabetes is a serious condition requiring constant insulin therapy. Without insulin, the body cannot regulate blood sugar, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
**Host:** In this case, Ms. Carr-Gomm stopped taking her insulin after attending a retreat led by a practitioner of this “slapping therapy”. What were the consequences of this decision?
**Dr. Carter:** Tragically, Ms. Carr-Gomm’s health deteriorated rapidly. She experienced severe symptoms, including vomiting, weakness, and ultimately, complete incapacitation. Unfortunately, those around her, influenced by the practitioner’s teachings, delayed seeking proper medical attention. This delay proved fatal, and Ms. Carr-Gomm passed away.
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**Host:** The practitioner leading this retreat has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the UK. What does this case tell us about the dangers of unregulated alternative therapies?
**Dr. Carter:** This heartbreaking case highlights the urgent need for greater regulation and awareness surrounding alternative therapies. While some may offer genuine benefits, others can pose serious risks. It is crucial to prioritize evidence-based medicine and consult with qualified healthcare professionals for any health concerns.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your expertise on this important topic. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Danielle Carr-Gomm.
