Light Switch Technique (Hypnomoms)

StarlitRN

Hi ladies! I've been MIA for the past few weeks due to some insane family drama but I'm back now!

I saw in a previous post several hypnobirth moms were asking about what the light switch technique was, but the OP never got a chance to answer (busy with her beautiful baby I bet!). I figured I would attempt to describe it for you guys! It is a very large part of hypnobabies and one of the major differences between hypnobirthing & hypnobabies from what I've seen.  Here goes:

We are taught to imagine that there is a light swich at the base of our brain (back of neck) that connects the brain with all the nerves, muscles, and fibers of our body. When the light switch is turned on the brain tells the body what to do (movement, sensations, feelings, etc....). When the switch is flipped off the connections between the brain & body lose all power. Basically your body goes completely limp & loose when it is turned off. You automatically enter a state of deep relaxation and your muscles cannot work under any circumstance (you also release lots of hypnoanesthesia). The only muscles/fibers that can work when the switch is off are the ones needed for survival (ie- breathing & heartbeat).

In hypnobabies you train yourself to do this by using the "finger drop technique". To do this you get comfortable (and fully supported) while taking deep calming abdominal breaths. Tell yourself you are allowing yourself to go into deep hypnosis for X time (start with anything between 30 sec & 2 minutes). You then raise your right index finger and allow it to drop down. When it touches down you close your eyes & click off your light switch.....effectively going loose & limp. You go into deep relaxation (I go to my "safe happy place") and when your body tells you that the time is up you count up from one to three....allowing your switch to click on at three. For it to work you have to believe that your muscles & body cannot work with the light switch off! If you have to move for some reason you must always mentally turn the switch on first.

Start out by doing at least 5 finger drop techniques a day & gradually work up to longer time periods!

Hope this helps anyone interested! It is honestly my favorite part of hypnobabies! It took me a few weeks to be able to fully be "off" but I am finding it easier and easier each time I do them!    

jillijo

Wow, thanks for the detailed explanation! I had been wondering for quite some time what the light switch was, but now I can see how it could definitely bring a sense of calm to you in a tense time.

bootcampbride

Brilliant! Thank you. It might be a little late for me but I'll try it tonight a few times and see what happens - can't hurt!