The psoas, also known as the “soul muscle,” is the deepest muscle in the muscular system and also the one that contributes most to stabilizing the human body. It helps us maintain balance, joint mobility, range of motion, and the correct functioning of the organs located in the abdominal area.
This muscle, which connects the spine and the legs, helps us stand upright and enables us to lift our legs so we can walk. A healthy psoas promotes correct body posture and supports the internal structure of the body.
Eastern cultures have given it the title of “muscle of the soul” due to its relationship with the central nervous system since being connected to the diaphragm, it is related to breathing.
We know that the respiratory rhythm has a bidirectional relationship with our emotional state, which is why it is the messenger of our psychological state. It is, therefore, the muscle responsible for helping us oxygenate our minds.
The psoas, or “muscle of the soul,” is considered the spokesperson for emotions, emotions that manifest themselves both with “butterflies in the stomach” and with “a clenched stomach.”
Psoas tension, the impact on our emotional health
Stress, combined with the lifestyle that accompanies it, can strain the psoas, causing it to shorten or harden. This can lead to pain in the back and lumbar area, digestive problems, painful periods, etc.
If the state of stress becomes chronic, the psoas ends up shortening and hardening, affecting our physical and emotional state, and generating great discomfort that ends up exhausting our body.
On the contrary, the stronger and more flexible the “soul muscle” is, the more vitality we will emanate since the energy will be able to flow freely through the gaps, muscles, joints, organs, etc.
Exercises to relax the “soul muscle”
To work on the flexibility and strengthening of this muscle we can carry out various exercises or stretches. To do this we have to take into account that, as can be seen in the images, the muscle begins at the T12 vertebra, continues through the five lumbar vertebrae, and connects to the upper part of the thigh bone (femur).
Disciplines such as yoga focus on working this muscle, as doing so helps to release unnecessary tension and flow through truly liberating body movements that help us reconnect with our needs.
Let’s look at some of the exercises that allow us to stretch, strengthen, and flex the “soul muscle .” However, before we begin to define them, we must know that we must stay in each position for a few seconds, as well as repeat it with each leg. In addition, we must know that it is advisable to do them daily, and it is also advisable to do them in the morning.
1. Lunge
- Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your back straight, it will help you contract your abdominal muscles.
- Step forward with your right foot.
- Lower your left knee toward the floor and slide it back until your entire left leg is stretched.
- Place your hands on your right knee and hold for a few seconds.
- Slowly stand up, return to the start, and do the same exercise with the other leg.
Variation: lunge with an element. This involves performing the same exercise but placing a stool, box, or chair at knee height to support the knee and shifting the entire weight of the body forward so that the left leg is straight. Repeat with the other leg.
2. Spinal stretch
- Lie on your back on a mat or mat.
- Place your arms perpendicular to your body, in the shape of a cross. Your palms should touch the floor.
- Bring your right knee over your left, rotate your hip, and rest it on the floor. Your leg should be at a right angle.
- The left leg should not be bent.
- Hold for a few seconds and repeat with the other leg.
3. Knee to chest stretch
- Lie on your back on a mat or mat.
- Lift your right knee towards your chest and hold it with both hands. Apply a little pressure to bring it closer.
- Do not lift your right foot off the ground.
- Hold for a few seconds and repeat with the other leg.
Creating the habit of doing these simple exercises every day will help our physical and psychological balance. Taking time every day to fill ourselves with psychological oxygen is something we cannot “leave for later,” because our well-being is something we should never postpone. Our lives depend on it.