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Mitzvah Technique

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The Mitzvah Technique is focused on dealing with body mechanics in a state of motion. It is a development of the Alexander Technique, the Feldenkrais Method, and health-oriented work on musculoskeletal problems and stress diseases.[1] Each of these techniques is based on correcting common postural faults by addressing the neuromuscular system through postural re-education. The Mitzvah Technique includes a philosophy in addition to its set of procedures. This includes the discipline, exercises, and work that Mitzvah Technique practitioners do with their hands.[2]

Principles

The Mitzvah Technique has been designed as a rehabilitative and self-care discipline. It utilizes body mechanics in the acts of standing, sitting, and walking. The philosophy is that with practice, the discipline becomes integrated into all common activities of daily life.

The Mitzvah Technique is based on the philosophy of the Mitzvah Mechanism. The Mechanism consists of a sequence of natural body movements that magnify the rippling motion in the body. There are four components to the Mitzvah Mechanism. They are as follows:

(1) The interplay of physical forces acting between the pelvis and spine,

(2) the rippling spinal motion,

(3) the dynamic relationship involving the pelvis, spine, and head in a synchronized motion, and

(4) the freedom of the head to balance on its spinal support.[3]

The Mitzvah Technique is designed to improve posture and release tension and stress through exercises and therapeutic table work. It claims to realign, rebalance and exercise the entire body during sitting, standing, and walking. It aims to replace long-term work by practitioners by teaching people how to use the Mitzvah Technique themselves. Musicians, actors, and singers have been extensive users.[4]

The Mitzvah Exercise

According to the Mitzvah Method, the Mitzvah Workout must be activated, practised, and mastered in order to rectify poor posture and, consequently, many of the aches and pains it causes. The Mitzvah Workout consists of a series of sitting, standing, and walking motions. There is no extra equipment needed for the exercise other than a chair or stool and room to move around. When the body is sitting, the feet should be flat on the floor thanks to a strong, flat, and low seat. It is advised to wear loose clothing and no shoes. This permits flexibility at the hip joint and the flow of energy via the feet.

The exercise should be carried out in accordance with the guidance of a relevant Authority.

History

M. Cohen-Nehemia, the originator of the Mitzvah Technique, was born in Jerusalem in 1924. There he studied classical, modern and oriental dance and was a member of the Inbal Dance Theater of Israel. Similar to F. M. Alexander, who lost his voice as an actor and regained it through self-discovery,[5] Nehemia suffered major back problems as a dancer and gained functionality by successfully helping himself through his own experiences and research on body movement. He participated in training seminars for dance and physical education teachers at the kibbutz school which gave him insights into the relationship between body movement and body health.

Nehemia also studied anatomy with Dr. Yitzhak Farine of the Tel-Hashomer government hospital. This resulted in Farine inviting Nehemia to work at the hospital's rehabilitation center. Nehemia was introduced to the Alexander Technique through a course given at the Tel HaShomer Hospital to medical staff, which would influence Nehemia's later work. Together with his wife Malka, they travelled to London where Nehemia spent five years qualifying as an Alexander Teacher at the London School as well as studying at F.M. Alexander's studio. He concomitantly began developing his own version of the Alexander Technique, which he called the Mitzvah Technique to emphasize the rippling motion of the body.

When Nehemia returned to Israel, he assisted Moshe Feldenkrais by introducing the Mitzvah Technique into the Feldenkrais Method.[6] They worked together at the Tel HaShomer Hospital in the physical rehabilitation of wounded Israeli Defense Force soldiers suffering from severe back and spinal injuries. At the same time, Nehemia was taking classes given by Feldenkrais for teachers and actors. As a dancer and Alexander Teacher, Nehemia also spent years observing working bodies in action among animals, children, fellow Inbal dancers and the nomadic Bedouin. Out of these experiences and observations came the fuller development of the Mitzvah Technique, emphasizing the natural rippling motion of the spine.[7]

Nehemia came to Toronto in the late 1960s where he established the Centre for the Alexander Technique that later became the Mitzvah Technique Centre, which has since trained Mitzvah teachers and treated thousands of international clients. Nehemia died on 18 November 2018, at the age of 94 after years of debilitation by a stroke.

Notes

  1. ^ A.C. Mandal, 1985. The Seated Man:Homo Sedens. Dafina Publications: Copenhagan; Nikolaas Tinbergen 1974. “Ethology and Stress Diseases”. Science 185:20–27.
  2. ^ R. Omel. "The Mitzvah Technique: a proactive approach to optimizing the benefits of chiropractic care." Today's Chiropractic: July 2000 (29:4): 52–59.
  3. ^ M. Cohen-Nehemia. The Mitzvah Technique and The Mitzvah Exercise. Halifax: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University: 1981.
  4. ^ Cohen-Nehemiah, M. "The Mitzvah Technique." Presentation to the 18th World Congress of Natural Medicine, Havana, April 1990
  5. ^ Barlow, W. 1973. The Alexander Principle. London: Gollancz
  6. ^ Feldenkrais, M. 1972. Awareness Through Movement. New York: Harper & Row.
  7. ^ Cohen-Nehemia, M. The Mitzvah Technique and the Mitzvah Exercise Halifax, NS, Canada: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 1981
  • Lecture on the Mitzvah Technique Set for October 23. Jewish Tribune, October 23, 2008.
  • Steven Warburton: "Mitzvah technique embraces natural body movement". Brighton Ontario Independent, 2001 February.
  • Mel Borins: "Healing Herbs: Treatment for Back Pain?". Canadian Journal of Diagnosis, June 2007: 44–45.
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