Does anyone know the technique he used to make his pulse slow down so he could walk on the glass? also does anyone know any sites explaining how any of his stuff is done? i actually find that more facinating than the tricks themselves.

Might be totally wrong here, but I suspect that there's some sort of device involved which lets him shut off the blood supply to one arm. Probably not as basic as a squeezing a tennis ball in his armpit (now there's an image!), but something similar.

If I'm right, then the pins and needles as the blood returns afterwards must be agony . . . well, perhaps not for someone who's just been face down on a pile of broken glass!

[Sorry, meant to add the following to my previous post - as a newbie, I've not yet got the rights to amend my posts]

This explains the apparent stopping of the pulse - I wouldn't like to hazard a guess about the broken glass walking effect, though I don't think the pulse trick is instrumental to it (just a great piece of showmanship and good for raising tension!)

There have been magicians in the past who have managed to alter the pulse in both arms at the same time - to the extent that the pulse in one arm stops completely whilst the other side is racing. I've seen this a couple of times on tv - sure one of them was on the BBC's Saturday night Paul Daniels show (which is well overdue for a repeat on UK TV Gold or some such).

What was the name of the magician who he copied that act from? I remember 'Prostini' or something, but when I Google it nothing comes up. Am really interested in that, I've been searching for ages and nothing comes up. Please help!

I think its a state of trance and meditation form. Saw this live and was astounded.

The technique was learnt by him via another Magician whose name escapes me right now, though 'Prostini' sounds similar though.

I believe it is also a type of asphyxiation - much like reaching the top of a mountain where the air is thinner.

Much can be done when you have control over your breathing, many women are told to breathe away their Labor pains for example, breathing to reach a relaxed and clear headed state of being.

Children who walk on hot coals, it never ceases to amaze me. Human beings and their pain threshold, controlled or not.

quote:

Originally posted by odd kid:
Does anyone know the technique he used to make his pulse slow down so he could walk on the glass? also does anyone know any sites explaining how any of his stuff is done? i actually find that more facinating than the tricks themselves.

Remember, he is an illusionist, so that what appeared to be his heart rate quite possibly wasn't. Also, a friend of mine saw this show at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon, and one of the supposed members of the audience selected at random in the TV show was also 'selected at random' in the show she saw. Interesting.

I assume that the originator of this thread, and some of those who responded, are very young. If so, wait a few years, and whenever you go to the doctor, you will have your blood pressure taken.