The PSOAS muscle is a deep-seated core muscle that connects your vertebra to your femur. Its primary action is to flex the hips. It also plays an essential role in stabilizing the spine and offering structural support for your internal organs.
When this muscle is tight, it can result in discomfort, low back pain, aches, pelvic imbalance, structural and postural problems, interference of the movement of fluids, constricting of the organs and nerves, and even limiting breathing.
This muscle is associated with the flight or fight response, gut instinct, circulation, and emotions, and acts as a messenger of the central nervous system. Energetically it’s been called the muscle of the soul. “Psoas literally embodies our deepest urge for survival, and more profoundly, our elemental desire to flourish.”~Liz Koch, Core Awareness
Sitting for long periods of time, sleeping in the fetal position, bad posture, and excessive running or walking are all things that can contribute to your PSOAS being tight. Strengthening the surrounding muscles, general exercise, yoga, and stretching are all things you can do to keep your PSOAS happy and healthy. Look up some easy stretches to do every day!
