PSOAS MUSCLE

In this article, I will talk about a muscle that I have been hearing a lot about recently, that has influenced me, that I have recognized as problematic in myself, and that I have worked on through yoga movements, Reiki practices, and mindfulness, successfully reducing its symptoms.

Our topic: The Psoas Muscle, also known as the "Muscle of the Soul."

It has been given this name because, when it is not tense or contracted but relaxed, it provides a sense of ease and tranquility. When we research how this happens, the situation explains itself.

The Psoas muscle is the only bilateral muscle that connects the upper and lower body, extending from the lumbar vertebrae to the hip bone. It is located in the deep layers of our body, making its issues difficult to detect immediately.

In terms of location, it is directly connected to the diaphragm, which is responsible for our breathing. It also connects to the pelvis and bladder at its lower end, and it is associated with our internal organs as well.

As is well known, muscles are directly connected to the nervous system and receive commands from it. Their contractions or relaxations occur based on the information transmitted by the nervous system. For this reason, the tension level of the Psoas muscle is determined by our nervous system, and the balance of strength in our lower back and hip area is maintained by this central muscle.

It is known that the Psoas muscle is significantly and directly affected by fear, a crucial emotion that triggers the sympathetic nervous system and activates the fight-or-flight response. All emotions that create a "danger" alarm—especially fear—as well as the thoughts and beliefs that cause these emotions, lead to contractions in the Psoas muscle. If one is unaware of these emotions, does not address the needs indicated by these feelings, and continues to behave according to the same thought patterns, the sympathetic nervous system continuously signals the muscle that there is danger. The muscle, remaining in fight-or-flight mode, stays constantly contracted, and a constantly contracted muscle shortens over time.

When the Psoas muscle shortens,

• It compresses the diaphragm, leading to breathing difficulties.

• It presses on the bladder and pelvis, causing urinary and menstrual problems.

• It applies pressure on internal organs, which may result in digestive issues.

These conditions can reinforce the belief of "I am sick," increasing anxiety and stress even further.

For this reason, the flexibility of the Psoas muscle is extremely important. To achieve this, adopting proper breathing habits, using the fear response appropriately, learning stress management, engaging in exercises such as yoga and Pilates, and most importantly, maintaining self-awareness and staying mindful are some general recommendations.

I personally prefer Reiki, yoga, and mindfulness practices, and I have been seeing positive results. I recommend them to you as well and wish you a month where your Psoas remains relaxed and your soul feels expansive and free.