Releasing the Psoas Muscle.

This is my second post on the Psoas, I am just fascinated by this deep muscle within our core.

Syl Carson, of Bodhi Yoga, where I have been learning and practicing, says that "Releasing tension in the psoas realigns the experince of existence... an emotional feeling of standing on ones own two feet".

According to Liz Koch, the Constructive Rest Position is an excellent way to release the psoas. This in turn relieves back, pelvic and leg tension.

Lie on your back, knees bent, feet on the floor parallel to each other, about 12-16 inches from your buttocks. I find it more relaxing if I bring my toes closer to each other and open the heels, letting the knees rest agains each other. Do not flatten the spine, allow the normal curve to be there. Rest in this position 10-20 minutes.

A variation would be to rest your lower legs on a chair or couch, while lying on the floor, knees bent.

I have so much to learn about this, but I'm beginning to notice the emotional ease that comes as I move towards allowing the release of my psoas.

The Psoas

Before I began my yoga studies with Syl Carson at Bodhi Yoga, I didn't even know I had a PSOAS muscle.

I have learned that this muscle is located deep in the abdomen and that it stretches from the lumbar vertebrae to the thigh bone. It flexes and rotates the hips, flexes the trunk toward the thigh and tilts the pelvis. As I become aware of this muscle, I am beginning to understand why it is said that the psoas is also linked to our emotions.

Our teacher training manual quotes Liz Koch:

At the very core of your physical body lies a muscle that influences every aspect of well being. The psoas muscle, critical for balance, alignment, joint rotation and range of motion, also influences the circulatory system, the functioning of organs and diaphragmatic breathing. The only muscle to link the lumbar spine to the legs, it is a dynamic psoas that massages your vertebrae, viscera and organs with every walking step. 

The sensation of being centered and grounded comes from a healthy psoas in combination with a balanced weight-bearing pelvis.

The internal awareness that develops through yoga is the most important tool for learning to release the psoas. And releasing the psoas will bring new freedom, ease and structural integrity to yoga practice. 

Is Yoga the Next New ‘Antioxidant’?

Have you ever wondered why people who do yoga often look a lot younger than their age? A new study on yoga might have some answers.

A study in the July 2015 Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that 12 weeks of yoga amped up the body’s natural defense system against toxins. Yoga raised the level of natural antioxidants in the body and strengthened the immune system....

For the complete article, go to HEALTH FREEDOM ALLIANCE. 

For more information about yoga classes, trainings, etc, go to GOBODHIYOGA.COM