3 ways to stretch your “soul muscle” to combat discomfort

The psoas, also called the “muscle of the soul,” is the deepest muscle of the muscular system and, furthermore, the one that contributes the 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 legs, helps us stay upright and makes it possible for us to lift our legs so we can walk. A psoas in good condition promotes correct body posture and offers support to the internal structure of the body.

Eastern cultures have given it the title of “muscle of the soul” for its relationship with the central nervous system.because being connected to the diaphragm, it is related to breathing.

We know that the respiratory rate 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 mind.

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 shrunken stomach.”

Psoas tension, the impact on our emotional health

Stress, together with the lifestyle that accompanies it, can strain the psoas, causing it to shorten or harden. This fact causes pain in the back and lumbar area, digestive problems, painful menstruations, etc.

If the state of stress becomes chronic, the psoas ends up shortening and hardening, affecting our physical and emotional state, generating great discomfort that ends up exhausting our body.

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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 “muscle of the soul”

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 seen in the images, the muscle begins in 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, since Doing so helps 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 make the “muscle of the soul” more flexible.. However, before starting to define them, we must know that we must hold 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 convenient 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 The entire left leg is stretched. Rest your hands on the right knee and hold it for a few seconds. Sit up calmly, return to the beginning and do the same exercise with the other leg.

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Variant: lunge with element. It involves performing the same exercise but placing a stool, box or chair at knee height in order to support it and bring the entire weight of the body forward so that the left leg is stretched. Repeat with the other leg.

2.Spinal stretch

Lie face up 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 above the left, rotate your hips, and rest on the floor. The 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 face up on a mat or mat. Raise your right knee toward your chest and hold it with both hands. Press a little to get 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 daily will favor our physical and psychological balance. Taking time daily to fill ourselves with psychological oxygen is something that we cannot “leave for later”, Well, our well-being is something that we should never postpone. Our lives are in it.

Main image by Claudia Tremblay