3 Ways To Stretch The “muscle Of The Soul “, Psoas, On

The psoas, also known as the “muscle of the soul”, is the deepest muscle in the muscular system. It plays the biggest role of all the muscles that balance your body. It also helps with joint mobility, your range of motion and the proper functioning of the organs in your abdomen.

This muscle, which connects the spine and legs, helps you walk on two feet. It allows you to lift your legs and walk. A healthy psoas will also help with good posture, and make room for all the internal structures in your body.

Eastern cultures have given it the name “muscle of the soul” because of its relationship to the central nervous system. Being connected to the diaphragm plays a role in breathing.

We know that your breathing has a two-way relationship with your emotions. This is why the psoas is the muscle that plays the role of sending oxygen to your brain.

The tension in your psoas affects your emotional health

Stress can cause tension in the psoas, which will either make it smaller or harder. Both of these things will lead to upper and lower back pain, digestive problems, painful menstruation and more.

On the other hand, the stronger and more flexible the “muscle of the soul” is, the more vitality you will radiate. This is because energy will be able to flow freely through bones, muscles, joints and organs.

Exercises to relax the “muscle of the soul”

If you want to strengthen your psoas and make it more flexible, there are certain exercises and stretches you can do. As you can see in this picture, the muscle on your T12 vertebra begins and extends down the five posterior vertebrae, eventually connecting the upper part of the femur.

Exercises like yoga focus on this muscle, because it helps you release unnecessary tension. It also allows you to flow through to truly release body movements that will help you connect with yourself.

Let us now look at some exercises that will help you stretch and strengthen the muscle of the soul. But before we start talking about them, remember to hold them for a few seconds, and repeat them with each leg. It is a good idea to do them every day, especially in the morning if possible.

1. Outcome

• Stand up with your legs apart shoulder-width apart.
• Keep your back straight. This will help you keep your abdominal muscles tight.
• Take one step forward with your right foot.
• Lower your left knee to the floor and push it backwards until your entire left leg is stretched out.
• Put your hands on your right knee and stay in that position for a few seconds.
• Get up slowly, go back to the beginning, and do the same exercise with your other leg.

Variation: Do the same exercise, but use a stool, box or chair at the height of the knee so that you can rest it there and put all the weight forward. That way, you can make sure you stretch your left leg completely, and then repeat with the other leg.

2. Spine stretching

• Lie on your back on a mat.
• Lay your arms perpendicular to your body, in the shape of a cross. The palms should touch the floor.
• Place your right knee on top of your left knee, twist your hips and rest on the floor. Your right leg should be at the right angle.
• Your left leg should not bend.
• Hold in that position for a few seconds, then change legs.

Knee-to-chest stretching

• Lie on your back on a mat.
• Take the right knee up to the chest and hold it with both hands. Then put some pressure on it to bring it closer.
• Do not lift the left leg off the ground.
• Hold this position for a few seconds and repeat with the other leg.

Making a daily habit out of these simple exercises will improve your physical and mental balance. Taking some time each day to refill yourself with mental oxygen is not something you can “postpone until later”. After all, your well-being is something you should never put off. Your life depends on it.

Main picture by Claudia Tremblay