"Awakening" the Psoas Series -Part 1

Did you know.....The way that we use the psoas in our yoga practice can either help keep it healthy, strong, and flexible, or can keep supporting harmful imbalances?

The psoas aka “The Seat of the Soul” or “Muscle of the Soul”, this core-stabilizing muscle located near the hip bone affects mobility, structural balance, joint function, flexibility, and much more. The psoas originates from the lumbar vertebrae and forms a strip of muscle almost as big as a wrist along each side of the spine. The iliacus joins the psoas on its path downwards to attach to the femur.

Not only to its function to help keep the body upright and moving, the psoas is believed to allow you to connect with the present moment especially when it is stretched out and tension is release from the body.

Liz Koch, author of the Psoas Book, states that our psoas “literally embodies our deepest urge for survival, and more profoundly, our elemental desire to flourish.” This means that there can be a bit more to the psoas than one might initially think. It is entirely possible to harness healing energy and improve mental health by keeping the psoas healthy.

Keep in mind, that since this muscle is usually “hidden” in the unconscious part of the brain, we must first isolate it in each pose and bring it back into conscious awareness. Isometric contraction is one way to isolate and awaken a dormant muscle. This means that the muscle is activated, but instead of being allowed to lengthen or shorten, it is held at a constant length. 

How do we do this? For example in our 1st pose in this series, Triangle/Trikonasana; Isolate and hone your awareness of the psoas by attempting to flex the trunk or lift the leg. Placing the arm on the knee can be used to accentuate this by resisting the action.

How To: *1st Pose of “Awakening” the psoas Triangle/Trikonasana:

Awakening the dormant psoas begins with a pose such as Trikonasana. In this pose the pelvis faces relatively forward. Contracting the psoas in Trikonasana flexes the front hip, tilts the pelvis forward.

The front and back leg quadriceps contract, extending the knees and stretching the lower region of the hamstrings.

Muscles on the lower side of the abdomen, the obliques activate to turn the torso upward, along with active erector spinae, which or the muscles that run the length of the spine.

The triceps extend the elbows, straightening the arms, drawing the shoulder blades toward the spine and opening the chest.

For the lower arm, you can use a yoga block to place your hand on, place the hand on the shin or finger tips on the ground, just depending where your body is at.

*Hold for 20-30 seconds while belly breathing.

Let me know how this pose goes for you.

I would also love for you to come check out a class sometime! Our classes are a beautiful balance of fun and peace. 

**Stay tuned for next week, as we continue this Series with talking about the Psoas and it’s relationship with Chronic Stress.