Pulse Stop

This is a bit of physical magic for close-up situations.  Be careful there aren’t people who know CPR around!

The Effect

A spectator finds the pulse of the magician in their wrist.  As they are timing the heartbeats, the pulse stops and starts at the commands of the magician!

How To Do The Trick

Place a tennis ball in your armpit.  (This works especially well if you are wearing a jacket while performing.)  When you wish to stop your pulse, simply squeeze down on the tennis ball.  The pressure of the tennis ball will stop the flow of blood to your wrist and your pulse will stop.  To restore your pulse, ease up on the ball. 

Quick note:  Obviously you don't want to stop your pulse for an extended period of time!  Do it long enough for the trick to be effective and then let up.  If you feel your fingers starting to go numb, you've done this for way too long!

Past Magic Tricks

Folding Dollar Bill   |   Gray Elephant   |   Long Distance   |   Magic Calculator   |   Pulse Stop