The psoas muscle is more than a physical structure—it is a gateway to deeper emotional and energetic health. When we stretch and release the psoas, we not only unlock physical tension but also support the kidney meridian, enhancing vitality, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
Incorporate mindful psoas stretches into your routine to nurture this powerful connection between body and energy. Over time, you’ll likely experience greater freedom of movement, a calm mind, and a rejuvenated spirit.
Kidney responds well to the stretch below that in addition to stretching the inner thighs, stretches part of the actual meridian and also the psoas muscle associated with it. It then opens up the chest and will aid lung capacity.
o Sit with legs bent in front of you, soles of feet touching. feel free to sit on a cushion for comfort. Smile and take a couple of deep breathes - come into yourself.
o EXHALE and bend forwards a few inches until you feel the stretch in the inner thigh.
o Hold for a while
o Gently turn the feet out and feel the stretch increase.
o Hold the feet with thumbs on the K1 points of each foot (the ball) – massage these Kidney points and then along the inside of the foot, which represents the entire spine.
o place the hands on the floor behind you, fingers pointing away from you, palms pressed down. [it this is a step too far, just place your hands over your kidneys and backward stretch over them – think of a heavily pregnant lady and how they do this].
o Inhale and lengthen up the spine, trying to keep the knees as close to the floor as possible.
o Squeezing the shoulders back to open up the chest area.
o Hold, taking some deep breaths
o Inhale, release and extend the legs in front of you, shaking them to release the muscles.
Go Slow: The psoas responds best to gentle, sustained stretches rather than forceful movements.
Breathe Deeply: Connect your breath to the stretch to enhance release and relaxation.
Listen to Your Body: Avoid overstretching or creating discomfort.
The psoas muscle, often called the "muscle of the soul," is a deep-seated muscle that plays a central role in our physical, emotional, and energetic well-being. When we look at its connection to the kidney meridian, as described in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a fascinating relationship emerges that highlights how stretching and releasing the psoas can have profound benefits for the body and mind.
What Is the Psoas Muscle?
The psoas major is a long, deep muscle that originates in the lumbar spine and runs through the pelvis to attach to the femur (thigh bone). It is the only muscle in the body that connects the spine to the legs, making it essential for posture, movement, and stability.
Functions of the Psoas Muscle
Core Stability: It provides foundational support for the spine and pelvis.
Mobility: It enables hip flexion, allowing you to walk, run, and lift your legs.
Connection to Breath: The psoas is closely linked to the diaphragm, influencing breathing and stress responses.
In TCM, the kidney meridian is a vital energy pathway that runs through the body, beginning at the soles of the feet and ascending through the inner legs, pelvis, and torso to the chest. The kidneys are considered the storehouse of vital energy (Qi) and life essence (Jing).
The kidney meridian governs:
Vitality and Longevity: It regulates energy reserves and overall health.
Emotions: The kidneys are associated with fear and courage.
Water Metabolism: It balances the body’s fluids.
Connection to the Lower Back and Hips: The meridian’s pathway overlaps with the psoas and lumbar region.
The psoas muscle lies directly along the kidney meridian’s pathway. Its proximity and connection mean that tension or imbalance in the psoas can disrupt the flow of energy (Qi) in this meridian, leading to physical, emotional, and energetic blockages; and visa versa - In kinesiology this is one of the muscles used to test the 'balance' of the Kidney pathway of energy. Stretching and releasing the psoas muscle helps unblock the kidney meridian, allowing the free flow of Qi. Stretching the psoas relieves pressure on the kidneys, allowing them to function more efficiently. This can revitalize the body, restore balance, and enhance resilience against stress.
The psoas and kidneys share a deep link with fear. Chronic tension in the psoas can store unresolved fear or trauma, restricting the kidney meridian’s flow and contributing to feelings of fatigue, insecurity, or anxiety.
As the psoas is deeply tied to the fight-or-flight response, stretching it can help release pent-up emotions, fostering a sense of calm and groundedness.
Tightness or imbalance in the psoas can compress the lower back and pelvis, affecting the kidneys’ physical health. Stretching and releasing the psoas can alleviate this pressure, promoting better posture and organ function.
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