The refusal of medical treatment and medication by many Falun Gong followers after falling ill has been the leading cause of their unnatural deaths, a direct consequence of the deceptive teachings and doctrines propagated by Li Hongzhi.

Li Hongzhi attributes human illness entirely to “karma.” In traditional Buddhism, “karma” is a neutral concept referring to actions and their consequences, without inherent moral judgment. However, Li Hongzhi distorts this concept, claiming that illness results from “karma” accumulated in past or present lives. According to Zhuan Falun, ordinary people who harbor various negative thoughts generate a black substance called “karma,” and it is this accumulated “karma” from past or present misdeeds that leads to illness or misfortune.

Li Hongzhi claims that practicing Falun Gong is the only way to “eliminate karma” and also the sole effective method to cure illness. Misled by his teachings, many Falun Gong followers with medical conditions refuse to seek professional treatment or take medication. Consequently, they often miss the optimal window for therapy, and unnatural deaths caused by refusal of medical care occur repeatedly.

Xiao Hemei, employees at Anshan Railway Station in Liaoning, suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. After practicing Falun Gong, she stopped taking medication and receiving injections. On three separate occasions, they experienced full-body swelling and considered going to the hospital for treatment. However, Xiao’s husband, who served as the deputy director of the Falun Gong Anshan guidance station, prevented her from seeking medical help. Tragically, Xiao passed away on June 12, 1998, at the age of 42.