Mitzvah Technique?

Most of us are born with bodies that function well, but during childhood, we learn unhealthy habits of posture.
We sit too long in school, hunch our shoulders, cross our legs, and poke our heads forward. We unbalance our bodies with books and bags on our hips and backs. Carelessly, we flop in front of televisions, and lounge on sofas that are too soft.
As we mature, these habits interfere with the proper development of our skeletal and neuro-muscular structure.

Mitzvah Techinique Exercise

In adulthood, this postural misalignment can result in aches and pains, a slouched appearance, and decreased body functioning and co-ordination.
In some cases there can be chronic pain, and severe distortions of the spine that stress the neck, hips, and knees. Though we may find remedies for our symptoms, most of us are still operating from a structure that is less than optimal.

Meaning of Mitzvah

The Mitzvah Mechanism was discovered by M. Cohen-Nehemia, an established Alexander Technique Teacher. As a member of the Inbal Dance Troupe in Israel, he had become concerned about the pattern of pain and injury in dancers that originated in postural faults and the consequent misuse of the body.
Through his observation of the nomadic Bedouin of the Sinai Desert he realized that good posture was a natural phenomenon. The body is actually designed with a corrective mechanism that works with gravity to realign and rebalance the entire neoro-muscular and skeletal system with every move and each step that we take.
He called this mechanism, which is also apparent in young children, the Mitzvah Mechanism. When activated it triggers an upward motion that lengthens the spine, expands the chest, widens the back, and results in the free balancing of the head on the spine. The Mitzvah Mechanism is associated with a wide range of health benefits.
Mitzvah is a Hebrew word means "A good deed returning good to the doer"

Nehemia Cohen's Profile

Nehemia Cohen, founder of the Mitzvah Technique, was born and raised in Israel. While working as a dancer and choreographer with the renowned Inbal Dance Theatre in Israel, he developed a deep interest in the misuse of the body. This led him to acquire skills in helping dancers address injuries and postural difficulties.

At the special request of the Ministry of Defense Forces, Nehemia began assisting with the physical rehabilitation of patients suffering from back problems at a government hospital. He later spent five years in London, England, completing his studies to qualify as an Alexander Technique teacher, followed by postgraduate work. During this time, he worked and conducted research with the late Israeli physicist Moshe Feldenkrais.

Over the years, Nehemia engaged in extensive study of the movement patterns of young children, animals, and the nomadic Bedouin of the Sinai Desert. It was through this research that he developed the concept of the Mitzvah mechanism.

He went on to found the Canadian Centre for the Alexander Technique and later established the Mitzvah Technique Centre and Training School. Nehemia gave lecture-demonstrations and workshops throughout Canada, the United States, England, Germany, Spain, and Austria, working with medical professionals, school teachers, musicians, actors, and other interest groups.

He also worked with special groups from York University and the National Ballet School and served as a member of the teaching staff at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Supported by many doctors and artists, Nehemia focused on private coaching, international workshops, and the training of Mitzvah Technique teachers.

He remained dedicated to his practice until the age of 94 and was deeply appreciated by the many people whose lives were positively affected by the Mitzvah Technique.
(1924-2018)