How to stop your pulse!! Like Derren Brown
You can do this finger on the pulse trick anywhere.. it is a real shocker to those watching or are participating. I often do this on the street or on a park bench. The performer may tap their leg to show it slowing down.
A volunteer joins you on stage or even on a park bench. You sit or stand facing the audience and the volunteer takes your pulse with one hand. With the other hand, they tap a glass or tumbler with a pencil in time with your pulse.
You breathe deeply, more and more slowly. Steadily your pulse becomes weaker until it stops altogether; the volunteer stops tapping the glass. Your breathing stops. Moments pass.
Your pulse remains stopped.
Suddenly you take a massive breath of air and your pulse starts again. Your eyes flicker open and you return, slightly dazed, to normality.
Your audience will be dumbstruck and confused.. How can a person manipulate their own heart rate??!! That is why this effect is so powerful.
- To prepare this effect, take a large handkerchief or scarf and tie a knot in the middle.(you can also use a small ball)
- Then tie the handkerchief firmly around your left arm so the large knot rests in your armpit.
- By bringing your upper arm gently in towards your body, the knot presses against the inside of your arm.
- This pressure stops your pulse. Releasing the pressure allows your pulse to return.
- It will take some practice to get the knot size and positioning right for you.
- To take your pulse when practicing, use the first three fingers of your right hand. Place them along your left wrist just behind the thumb, with right hand thumb on the back of your left wrist.
- In performance, you should direct the volunteer to take your pulse in the same way.
Finger On The Pulse Alternative Handling
Place a knotted handkerchief under both armpits. The effect can then be performed with two volunteers and allows you to stop your left pulse, start it again and stop your right pulse, then stop both together. That is the mechanics of this effect; the rest is pure showmanship!!!
There has been many magicians who have performed this trick on television.. Derren Brown has been one of these magicians.. the trick helps to give a mysterious feel to you.. How many people do you know who can change their heart rate…
