Diabetic Woman Dies After Ceasing Insulin at Alternative Healing Workshop
Seend, Wiltshire, UK - A 71-year-old diabetic woman, Danielle Carr-Gomm, was left "howling in pain" before she died after discontinuing her insulin at a workshop run by alternative healer Hongchi Xiao, whom she referred to as a "messenger sent by God."
Carr-Gomm, from Lewes, East Sussex, attended the event in October 2016 at Cleeve House, which promoted Paida Lajin therapy. This controversial therapy involves patients slapping themselves or being slapped repeatedly.
Hongchi Xiao, from Cloudbreak, California, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court, charged with the manslaughter by gross negligence of Mrs. Carr-Gomm.
Prosecution's Case
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC told the jury that Carr-Gomm, a Type 1 diabetic, sought alternatives to her insulin medication due to her vegetarianism and fear of needles. Atkinson explained that the 30 attendees at the workshop were "keen disciples" of Xiao, who was referred to as "Master Xiao" in the event program. Participants signed disclaimers indicating the practice was not meant for medical treatment and fasted for several days, consuming only Chinese tea.
Atkinson detailed how Carr-Gomm announced on Monday, October 17, that she had stopped taking her insulin, which Xiao "congratulated" her on, without alerting anyone to the risk. By Tuesday, Carr-Gomm was vomiting and showing signs of deteriorating health, similar to a previous episode in Bulgaria when she had ceased her insulin.
Witness Accounts
Roommate Janine Stoodley moved out due to Carr-Gomm's worsening condition. By Wednesday, Carr-Gomm was vomiting, tired, weak, and "crying on her bed and howling in pain." She had been moved from her bed to a mattress on the floor after falling out.
Atkinson stated that other participants viewed her condition as a "healing crisis," a term Xiao used to describe the effects of Paida Lajin therapy. Xiao's identification of symptoms like pain, vomiting, insomnia, giddiness, and loud crying as part of a healing crisis influenced others' reluctance to seek medical help for Carr-Gomm.
Fatal Consequences
Carr-Gomm's condition worsened in the early hours of Thursday, leading to her death. Atkinson argued that with medical care, including insulin administration, her life could have been saved. He emphasized that no one was better positioned than Xiao to ensure she received this care. "Whilst she was conscious, she could have received medical care," he stated.
Atkinson highlighted that "Paida-like slapping" sounds were heard from Carr-Gomm's room on Wednesday while Xiao was with her. After his arrest, Xiao claimed he believed Carr-Gomm was simply weak from fasting and did not require an ambulance. He denied having influence over the students or responsibility for their actions.
Defence's Argument
Charles Row KC, defending Xiao, stated that the defendant denied having a duty of care for Carr-Gomm, who he had made clear to that he was not medically trained. Xiao allegedly advised her not to stop taking her insulin abruptly. Row portrayed Carr-Gomm as a strong, independent woman and argued that Xiao's influence over her was limited. He contended that Xiao's actions did not cause her death and that he had not breached a duty of care.
Background and Beliefs
Carr-Gomm had previously attended Xiao's workshop in Bulgaria, where she experienced "healing crises" but described "astonishing" health improvements. She had expressed hope for complete healing through additional workshops.
Atkinson pointed to Xiao's book "My Health, I Manage! E-Dao Paida and Lajin Self-Healing," which claimed that Paida Lajin was safer and more effective than conventional treatments, criticizing drugs like insulin as harmful.
The trial continues.