"Awakening" the Psoas Series-Part 2

4 Part Series of “Awakening” the Psoas- Part 2

Did you know that...Chronic physical pain can be caused by the Psoas?

Trapped in a constant “flight or fight” state, psoas muscles are stressed and constricted, almost from the time of birth. As Liz Koch, author of The Psoas Book  notes, “this situation is exacerbated by many things in our modern lifestyle, from car seats to constrictive clothing, from chairs to shoes that distort our posture, curtail our natural movements and further constrict our psoas.”  This lifelong chronic stress put on the psoas can lead to many problems like back, hip, or knee pain, and even digestive issues and dysfunctional breathing. It could also be a major cause why people suffer from chronic physical pain. 

The physical body is not the only part of you that suffers from a chronically-stressed psoas. The psoas is much more than a muscle used for structural stability. It influences every element of life, from how you feel, to how you look at the world, and even how you treat others. A variety of problems have been associated with a chronically-stressed psoas muscle: it can negatively affect your emotional state; it can impact your interpersonal relationships; and it can influence your general contentment with life. Awareness that a healthy psoas is important to emotional wellness, as well as physical health, is the first step towards ensuring that we give this muscle the attention it deserves. 

Koch states, “Whether you suffer from sore back or anxiety, from knee strain or exhaustion, there’s a good chance that a constricted psoas might be contributing to your woes.” 

How To: *2st Pose of “Awakening” the psoas Parsvottanasana/Intense Side Stretch Pose :

Parsvottanasana progressively turns the pelvis, activating the psoas in a slightly different manner than in Trikonasana. This synergistically “walks” the awakening around the muscle.

Placing the hands in Namaste` behind the back rotates the shoulders inward and intensely stretches the muscles that turn the bone in the upper arm outward. But hands on the ground or blocks works just fine.

The psoas works two ways: it helps the front hip bend and it holds the back hip steady, stabilizing the extended leg. The back foot is fixed on the mat. Thus the energy from extending the thigh bone is felt at the back of the knee, increasing the stretch of the hamstrings and the calf muscles down the length of the back leg.

The quadriceps of both legs straighten the knees. Also the muscle beside the shin of the back leg, shortens to allow that ankle to bend toward the shin, enabling the calf muscles to stretch more.

If the front leg needs to bend a little bit, go ahead and let it bend.

*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 Fear and the Psoas.