Toothpick Pulse

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Get ready to perform a little medical magic! Magician Ryan Oakes shows you how to check your friend's pulse -- with nothing but an ordinary toothpick!

Two toothpicks

SOMETIMES WE USE MATERIALS THAT REQUIRE ADULT SUPERVISION…LIKE SCISSORS SO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY AROUND WHENEVER YOU DO MAGIC TRICKS!

Hold one of the toothpicks at the tip between your left thumb and index finger, with your middle finger pressed tightly against it. This way, you create a lot of necessary tension between your fingers while your thumb holds the toothpick in place. Extend your remaining fingers so you can see everything.
Take the second toothpick and lay it across the first toothpick at one tip, balancing the other tip against your palm.
To perform the trick, just squeeze your friend’s wrist with your free hand to feel his or her pulse.
Slowly push your left index finger up and because of the tension in your fingers, the balancing toothpick will begin to pop up against your middle fingernail. This may take some practice but when done correctly, your friend will think you’re channeling his or her pulse through your body to make the toothpick bounce!