Hongchi Xiao, a Chinese healer who specialises in the practice of Paida Lajin (using ‘slap therapy’ on a patient to treat their ailments, or the patient slapping themselves), has been arrested in London in connection to the death of a seven-year-old Sydney boy.
As reported by the ABC, police are now working to have Xiao extradited to Australia where he will answer to manslaughter charges for Aidan Fenton’s tragic passing.
It is reported that in April 2015, the young boy’s parents took their son, who had type-1 diabetes, to a self-healing conference Xiao was involved with.
According The Daily Telegraph and News.com.au, Aiden was receiving treatment from the alternative Chinese medicine workshop in Hurstville when he died.
Apparently participants of the workshop were asked to fast for three days, as well as participate in what is termed a “healing crisis”, where slap and stretching exercises can prompt people to vomit and experience dizziness.
As previously reported by The Weekly, Aidan “attended the course in Hurstville… where he was made to fast and then vomited. It is believed he may also have taken part in the slapping before falling seriously ill and dying as he was rushed to hospital on Monday night.”
Xiao is an advocate for slapping and stretching therapy, which he claims can “enhance the wellness” of diabetic people.
Mr Xiao was in Sydney following a tour of New Zealand to promote “Paida-Lajin” therapy, which involves slapping the body until it bruises to “unblock meridians and drive out poisons.”
More as this story develops…
