“Slapping Therapy” Claims Two Lives: Former Healer Faces 10 Years
Hongchi Xiao, a 61-year-old former healer, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for manslaughter by gross negligence. Xiao’s conviction comes on the heels of two tragic deaths linked to his controversial practice known as slap therapy. The technique, which Xiao promoted, involved a combination of forceful slapping and stretching, often leaving participants with visible bruising.
Two Deaths Linked to Xiao’s Practices
One victim, 71-year-old Danielle Carr-Gomm, died in 2016 after attending one of Xiao’s workshops in the United Kingdom. During the workshop, Carr-Gomm, a diabetic, stopped taking her insulin, a decision Xiao reportedly praised. Days into the workshop, Carr-Gomm’s condition deteriorated rapidly. The prosecutor revealed that by the third day, Carr-Gomm was experiencing vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. In the evening, she was in excruciating pain and unresponsive to questions.
This tragedy marked the second death associated with Xiao’s workshops. In 2015, a 6-year-old boy in Australia died after his parents, acting on Xiao’s instructions, ceased administering insulin to their son. Xiao was previously convicted of manslaughter in Sydney for the boy’s death.
Concerns About Continued Belief in “Slap Therapy”
At Xiao’s sentencing, Justice Bright expressed profound concern over Xiao’s unwavering belief in slap therapy. “You congratulated [Carr-Gomm] when you found out she had stopped taking insulin,” Justice Bright stated. “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,” the judge continued.
“There is a risk you will actively or tacitly encourage followers to reduce their medication. I’m concerned history may repeat itself and this presents a risk to the public. In this specific regard, I consider you dangerous.”
Xiao, for his part, defended his practice, comparing himself to a political prisoner. “Slap therapy is totally beyond the imagination of the media and the experts,” he claimed.
– What are the potential dangers associated with ”slap therapy”?
## Slap Therapy: A Dangerous Cure?
**(INTRO MUSIC)**
**ANCHOR:** Good evening and welcome back. A jarring story out of the UK tonight, where a former healer has been imprisoned for the deaths of two patients who underwent a controversial treatment known as “slap therapy.” Joining us now to discuss this case is medical ethics expert, Dr. Amelia Grant. Dr. Grant, thank you for being with us.
**DR. GRANT:** Thank you for having me.
**ANCHOR:** This case is both shocking and tragic. Can you explain for our viewers what “slap therapy” is and why it’s so dangerous?
**DR. GRANT:** Essentially, “slap therapy” involves forcefully slapping and stretching patients, supposedly to alleviate pain and illness. There’s absolutely no scientific basis for this practice. It’s a pseudoscientific belief system that can cause serious physical harm.
**ANCHOR:** And as we know, it did cause harm in this instance, tragically culminating in two deaths. What do you think led Hongchi Xiao to employ these dangerous techniques?
**DR. GRANT:** It’s difficult to say definitively without knowing Mr. Xiao’s motivations. However, it’s important to note that people can be incredibly vulnerable when seeking alternative treatments, especially when they feel conventional medicine hasn’t helped them. This desperation can make them susceptible to potentially dangerous practices.
**ANCHOR:** This case raises serious questions about the regulation of alternative therapies. Do you think we need stricter guidelines surrounding these practices?
**DR. GRANT:** Absolutely. While many alternative therapies can be safe and beneficial when practiced ethically, we need stronger regulations to protect vulnerable individuals. This includes licensing requirements for practitioners, clear definitions of acceptable practices, and rigorous oversight to prevent harm.
**ANCHOR:** This is a stark reminder that seeking quick fixes can have dire consequences. Thank you for shedding light on these issues, Dr. Grant.
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