Roots: The Mitzvah Technique

Amelia’s work is based on the teachings of M. Cohen-Nehemia, with whom she studied. The text below, attributed to M. Cohen-Nehemia, is displayed on the walls of Mitzvah Teacher Toshie Okabe’s studio and used with her generous permission.

Mitzvah Principle  

The Mitzvah Principle is the name given to the interplay of forces acting between the pelvis and the spine. This interplay ripples the spine with every move and step we take to reinforce the body’s balance with gravity. This corrects and exercises our entire body, releasing tension and stress naturally. The Mitzvah Principle is designed by nature to help maintain the body’s total fitness and its high performance.

Mitzvah Technique

The Mitzvah Technique is a gentle art and discipline based on the Mitzvah Principle. It deals with the faulty postural patterns which we all exhibit from early childhood. These patterns interfere with the activation and operation of the Mitzvah Principle, causing much of the tension and stress, much of the aches and pains and disabilities inflicted on the human body.

Mitzvah Exercise

Developed by M. Cohen-Nehemia to activate the Mitzvah Principle and restore its’ proper function, the Mitzvah Exercise is a set of simple, unforced movements involving sitting, standing and walking. It brings immediate and continuous changes to the body.  It corrects and exercises the entire body, releasing tension and stress naturally. Thus, the spine lengthens, the back widens, the chest expands and the head freely balances atop the spine, allowing the body to perform at its' highest level with ease and grace.

Both the Mitzvah Technique and Itcush Method evolve optimal physical function by balancing muscle tissue and aligning the skeleton. Each fosters a flexible, strong and mobile structure, helping to free the body from pain and physical restrictions.