Hypnosis is usually preceded by a “hypnotic induction” method. Traditionally this was meant to be used as a method of putting the hypnosis subject into a “hypnotic trance”; however ensuing “nonstate” theorists have seen it differently, as a means of heightening consumer expectation, defining their role, focusing concentration, etc. There is a vast variety of different hypnosis induction techniques used in hypnotism. However, by far the most significant method was the original “eye-fixation” technique by Braid, also known as “Braidism”. A lot of variations of the eye-fixation advances exist, including the induction used in the SHSS (Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale), the most widely-used study instrument in the field of hypnotism.
But Braid himself afterwards accepted that a hypnotic induction technique is not essential in every case and later researchers have generally found that on a average it contributes nothing more than the formerly expected to the effect of hypnotic suggestions. Many variations and alternatives to the original hypnotic initiation techniques were later developed. However, exactly a century after Braid introduced this method, another expert could still state that: “It can be safely claimed that nine out of ten hypnotic induction techniques call for reclining position, muscular relaxation in the subject, and a method of optical fixation followed by eye closing.