Why Some Indonesians Lie on Railway Tracks for Healing
In the bustling neighborhoods of Jakarta, Indonesia, a controversial and dangerous form of alternative therapy has taken root. Known colloquially as “railway therapy,” this practice involves people lying directly on train tracks in the belief that the electrical currents running through the rails can cure various ailments.
While this may sound like a fringe rumor or internet hoax, the practice is very real—and it has caught the attention of health experts, the media, and government officials.
What is Railway Therapy?
Railway therapy involves individuals positioning themselves on active train tracks, usually placing their hands and feet on separate rails to maximize contact. The idea is that the low-voltage electric currents supposedly running through the tracks can provide therapeutic benefits.
Practitioners claim it helps alleviate symptoms of:
- High blood pressure
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Stroke recovery
- Fatigue and general body aches
- Even serious conditions like diabetes
Many of those who practice it report a tingling sensation or mild electric shock—sensations they interpret as signs of healing.
How Did This Start?
The origins of railway therapy in Indonesia are tied to a local taxi driver who reportedly recovered from a stroke after repeatedly lying on the tracks in Rawa Buaya, a district in West Jakarta. After his story spread, others with chronic illnesses or limited access to healthcare began to imitate the practice.
Despite being labeled as pseudoscience, the idea caught on, particularly among low-income communities that have few alternatives when it comes to medical treatment.
Electricity and the Human Body: A Real Connection
Science shows that electricity does interact with the body in meaningful ways:
Your body runs on bioelectricity. Every heartbeat, muscle movement, and brainwave is powered by electrical signals. When these signals are disrupted, health issues arise.
Electric therapies exist. Modern medicine uses controlled electricity in tools like:
- TENS machines for pain relief
- Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression
- Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) for bone healing
Grounding or earthing, though still debated, is a wellness trend based on similar principles—connecting with the Earth’s electrical field to reduce inflammation and improve sleep.
In this context, it’s not surprising that people might associate electrical currents with healing—even if the method they choose (like train tracks) isn’t medically approved or safe.
Government Response
Authorities have made several attempts to stop the practice, including fencing off certain sections of the railway and posting warning signs. In some cases, police have physically removed people from the tracks.
Still, the practice persists. Many Indonesians see it as a last resort in a healthcare system that doesn’t always serve everyone equally.
Video on Youtube posted more than 13 years ago:
This material reflects personal research conducted in my spare time and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.