History of studying and using of body sounds in medicine gets back to ancient times. In order to know the diagnosis, the physicians of Ancient Greece applied their ears to listen to the sounds of the lungs or heart. At the first sight, is seemed to be primitive but the skilled physicians were able to define the state of heart or lungs.
In the eighteenth century, Leonard Auenbrugger was the first who invented the technique of percussion. It is the technique of tapping the thorax with the fingers. Percussion is the indicator of the state of health. The development of studying of body sounds continued with the new force in 1816, with the invention of the stethoscope. There are many controversy sounds that can be listened only with the help of stethoscope.
Every our word produces sounds that can be pleasant or unpleasant for the ears. Our body is not the exception of the rules and the sounds produced by our body have the physiological character. Body sounds can be intense, subtle, middle, bass, trouble, voluntary, involuntary, etc. These are the sounds of our voice, breath, burps, snores, hiccups, claps, sneezes, finger clicks, whistles, etc. As we see, there are a lot of sounds that are produced by our body intentionally or unintentionally. The variety of body sounds is infinite and they can differ in every person.
Somebody sounds even provoke funny jokes when we begin to think of them. It is difficult to list all the sounds produced by our body and we even do not notice many of them. It is necessary to mention that body sounds are changing during our lives. In childhood, our body produces some sounds, as adults we use absolutely different sounds. One also distinguishes appropriate and inappropriate sounds that should be controlled.
The origin of body sounds is connected with the development of human body. The scientists are still exploring the origin of body sounds. This theme is always open for studying as every sound has its goal and purpose. Production of a variety of sounds proves that the human body is healthy; for example, the movement of air through the mouth and nose, the sounds of beating heart, blood pulsating, etc. Do not you ever reflect about the fact that our body is the instrument that produces its own melody?
Without doubt, it is necessary to remember that some sounds maybe the signals that tell us about diseases or other dangers for our health, for example, coughing or hiccupping. Therefore, sounds produced by our body have the physiological character.
Human Body as an Instrument of the Production of the Sounds
Speaking about a human body, it is necessary to say that it is like a wonderful musical tool for the production of the different sounds. Everybody owns this musical instrument, but in every person it has its peculiarities. Its musical potential is endless and when our organism is healthy, the sounds are inspiring and demonstrate our strength and energy.
Indeed, one can regard body percussion as a musical genre. Body percussion is the use of the human body to create melody and rhythm. Whistling, clapping, flicking the cheeks, hitting the chest, stomping the feet, slapping the thighs are body percussions that create body melodies. Maybe it sounds strangely but Ethiopian music can be created with the help of armpits.
Stomping, clapping, and snapping are the main sounds for creating percussive variety of music. Have you ever thought that human body is the most accessible musical instrument? However it is worth saying that not every person has a talent to create music with the help of his/her body.
Many people suppose that body percussion is the most favorite musical form. First of all, it is fascinating. Secondly, it is accessible. The person who does not suppose himself/herself to be a musician can create the special melody. The main thing is to have an innate sense of rhythm. It is not obligatory to have the special training in music. Thirdly, it is inexpensive as one does not need the expensive musical instruments and tools for the production of music. It is not time-consuming to produce such kind of music. Fourthly, it is a mobile way of music production. One does not need much space and move other musical instruments. Fifthly, body music is a very exclusive and creative expression. One supposes that body percussion is a musical expression in its barest form. It is possible to combine body percussion with the use of musical instruments. It will be original and exciting. Music can be performed any time and in any possible way.
Therefore, it is necessary to mention that human body is an instrument for the production of the sounds. It is fascinating, accessible, inexpensive, mobile, creative, original and exciting, so that everybody can use his or her body to create body sounds, melody and rhythm.
Types of Body Percussion
Speaking about body percussion, it is necessary to say that it is an ancient form of music that was used in the ancient times when there were no musical instruments. These are Ethiopian armpit music, the gumboot, the Indonesian Saman, the Hambone, the flamenco, stepping, clogging, tap dance, etc. Let us analyze the oldest forms of body percussion:
1. Ethiopian Armpit Music. It was originated in Africa and was used in courtship rituals and for entertainment. It was not very quick body music as quickness created the terrible sounds.
2. The Gumboot. It is also African body music. However, except body percussion, it includes the use of gumboots. The first who performed this music were mine workers. It was their way of communication and entertainment.
3. The Indonesian Saman. It is Indonesian body music. It is the use of body percussion in a subtle way. The Indonesian Saman involves rocking and clapping motions which were harmonically combined.
4. The Hambone. It is body music and a dance in the USA. It was performed by African-American plantation workers as they were not allowed to use any musical instruments.
5. The Flamenco. It is the dance of roman gypsies that involves clapping, body slapping, and rhythmic tapping.
It is necessary to mention that body percussion is useful. It is not only a form of music and dance, but a form of entertainment. One can use it for a team building activity, percussion games and even for an ice-breaking.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the sounds produced by our body have the physiological character. Body sounds can be intense, subtle, middle, bass, trouble, voluntary, involuntary, etc. These are the sounds of our voice, breath, burps, snores, hiccups, claps, sneezes, finger clicks, whistles, etc. As we see, there are a lot of them that are produced by us intentionally or unintentionally. The variety of body sounds is infinite and they differ in every person.
It is necessary to mention that human body is an instrument for the production of the sounds. It is fascinating, accessible, inexpensive, mobile, creative, original and exciting. Body percussion is the use of human body to create a melody and rhythm. Whistling, clapping, flicking the cheeks, hitting the chest, stomping the feet, slapping the thighs are body percussions that create body melodies.
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