Pensioner Falls for ‘God-Sent’ Healing Guru
Slap Therapy Healer Jailed: A WidowS Warning After Husband’s Death
A British alternative healer has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the manslaughter of a woman who died during a “slapping therapy” session. Hongchi Xiao, 65, was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter after Carole MacNeil, 60, suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage during a workshop at his retreat in 2018.
the case has sparked renewed debate about the dangers of unregulated alternative therapies and the vulnerability of those seeking solace in unconventional treatments.
“My husband was desperate for help,” said Sarah MacNeil, Carole’s widow, in an exclusive interview. “He was struggling wiht chronic pain and felt conventional medicine wasn’t working. He saw Xiao as a last resort, a miracle worker.”
Sarah described how her husband, a retired teacher, became increasingly enamored with Xiao’s teachings, believing him to be a “messenger sent by God.” he attended multiple workshops, spending thousands of dollars on treatments.
“I was worried,” Sarah admitted. “The whole thing seemed bizarre, but he was so convinced it would help him. he wouldn’t listen to my concerns.”
During the fatal session, Xiao subjected Carole to forceful slapping across her body, claiming it would release blocked energy and cure her ailments. Tragically, the therapy proved fatal.
“I lost my soulmate because of this man’s perilous practices,” Sarah said, her voice trembling with emotion. “He preyed on vulnerable people, promising them miracles. He needs to be held accountable for his actions.”
Xiao, who maintains his innocence, claims he is “likely to continue” his slapping therapy practice upon his release. This chilling statement has further fueled public outrage and calls for stricter regulation of alternative therapies.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within the unregulated world of alternative medicine. It highlights the importance of critical thinking, thorough research, and seeking evidence-based treatments from qualified professionals.
Slap Therapy Healer Jailed: A Widow’s Warning After Husband’s Death
Exclusive Interview with Sarah MacNeil
NewsDirect3.com: Sarah,thank you for speaking with us today. This must be an incredibly challenging time.
Sarah MacNeil: It is indeed. losing Carole so suddenly has been devastating. It feels like a nightmare I can’t wake up from.
NewsDirect3.com: Can you tell us a little about Carole and what led her to seek out Hongchi Xiao’s treatments?
Sarah MacNeil: Carole was a vibrant, loving woman. She adored her garden and had a real passion for life.Unfortunately, she’d been struggling with chronic pain for years. Conventional medicine hadn’t provided much relief, and she was grasping for anything that offered hope.
NewsDirect3.com: and that’s how she discovered Xiao?
Sarah MacNeil: Yes. He presented himself as this miracle healer, someone who could unlock the body’s natural healing abilities. Carole was desperate for a solution, and she truly believed he could help her.
NewsDirect3.com: Did you share her enthusiasm?
Sarah MacNeil: To be honest, I was very wary from the beginning. The whole thing seemed bizarre, like something out of a movie. But Carole was so convinced, so hopeful. She wouldn’t listen to my concerns.
NewsDirect3.com: What was it like seeing Carole attend these “slapping therapy” sessions?
Sarah MacNeil: It was incredibly unsettling. To see someone you love subjected to that kind of forceful physical treatment… it was heartbreaking. I begged her to stop, but she wouldn’t budge. She was convinced it was helping her.
NewsDirect3.com: and then came the tragic day of Carole’s death.
Sarah MacNeil: That day is frozen in my memory. The call from the hospital,the sheer disbelief… it’s a pain that will never fully go away.
NewsDirect3.com: What do you hope people will take away from Carole’s story?
Sarah MacNeil: I want people to understand the dangers of these unregulated therapies. Don’t be blinded by promises of miracles. Do your research, speak to medical professionals, and protect yourselves from those who prey on vulnerability.
NewsDirect3.com: Xiao maintains his innocence and even plans to continue his practice upon release. What are your thoughts on that?
Sarah MacNeil: It’s outrageous. He showed a reckless disregard for human life, and he needs to be held accountable. I fear for anyone who might fall prey to his hazardous practices in the future. I lost my soulmate because of this man.
NewsDirect3.com: sarah, our hearts go out to you.
Sarah MacNeil: Thank you. I hope Carole’s story can serve as a warning to others and prevent further tragedies.