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Discover the connection between physical and emotional well-being through the muscle of the soul.
This week, a few of my clients presented with acute lower back pain, which prompted me to write about this important muscle.
The psoas muscle, also known as the "muscle of the soul," plays a crucial role in our emotional and spiritual well-being. This deep core muscle connects the upper body to the lower body, and is responsible for many of our daily movements, such as walking, running, and sitting. The psoas muscle is also closely connected to our emotional and spiritual state. When we are in a state of stress or tension, the psoas muscle tightens, causing pain and discomfort in the lower back and hips. This muscle tension can also manifest as emotional stress, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and a sense of disconnection from our spiritual selves.
When it is relaxed and open, it can contribute to a sense of emotional and spiritual balance, self-kindness, and connection to our sexuality and arousal. This can be achieved through practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing, which help to release tension in the psoas muscle and promote overall well-being. It's also important to note that the psoas muscle is closely connected to the diaphragm, which is responsible for breathing. When we're breathing deeply, it can help relax the psoas muscle and promote a sense of calm.
The resonance body of a cello, like the human body, is a vessel for vibrations and energy. The deep, rich tones produced by a cello resonate not only through the instrument, but also through the player's body. This physical connection can be felt in the chest and diaphragm as the musician breathes and plays, much like the connection between the breath and the psoas muscle in the human body. The psoas, also known as the "hip flexor" muscle, is responsible for the movement of the hips and lower back and is closely connected to the breath and emotional state.
Just as a musician must be aware of their breath and body position to produce the best sound on a cello, we must also be aware of our own breath and physical alignment to maintain a healthy psoas and overall well-being. In both the cello and the human body, resonance and vibration are not just about sound, but also about connection and balance.
Incorporating exercises that specifically target the psoas muscle, such as lunges, leg raises, and backbends, can also help to release tension and promote emotional and spiritual well-being. In conclusion, the psoas muscle plays a vital role in our emotional and spiritual health. By paying attention to this muscle and incorporating practices that promote relaxation and release tension, we can improve our overall well-being and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Research has shown that trauma and chronic stress can cause the psoas muscle to become tight and constricted, leading to physical pain and emotional discomfort. In contrast, practices such as yoga, breathwork, and body-centered therapy can help to release tension in the psoas and promote a sense of emotional and spiritual balance.
One study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that a specific yoga practice that included poses to stretch and release the psoas muscle, along with deep breathing, led to a decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression in participants.
Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that specific breathwork techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, can help to release tension in the psoas muscle and improve overall well-being.