Introduction to the Psoas Muscle

The Psoas (pronounced so-as) is located at the gravitational midline behind the abdominal muscles deep within the belly core. The psoas is a pendulum that spans from the solar plexus to the upper leg allowing free-swing of the leg while walking. Influencing every aspect of health and well-being, a healthy, dynamic psoas is a powerful expression of coherency and responsive functioning. The psoas is essential to:

  • Skeletal balance
  • Flexibility
  • Range of motion
  • Joint rotation
  • Organ functioning
  • Breathing
  • Circulation
  • Adrenal health
  • Nerve functioning
  • Emotional stability
  • Natural birth

Additionally, working with the psoas helps to dismantle layers of tension and a multitude of muscular and skeletal compensations. Thus, gaining and maintaining a functional psoas is vital for recovering from symptoms and conditions such as:

  • Low back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Excessive menstrual cramping
  • Hip socket tension
  • Groin pain
  • Scoliosis
  • Knee, neck, and ankle tension
  • Bladder disturbances
  • Digestive upsets

An essential aspect of the sympathetic neuro-core (fight-flight-freeze response), the psoas expresses a person’s innate sense of safety. The psoas is an involuntary muscle which is instinctive and emotionally responsive. By tuning into the psoas through awareness rather than deploying invasive techniques or manipulative releasing approaches, enables a person to gain a deep sense of calm, integrity, and empowerment.