There is an updated version of this video! "Effective, Easeful Self Healing For Lower Back & Psoas:    • Effective, Easeful Self Healing For L...  

Discomfort and persistent pain in the low back can be caused by a shortened psoas muscle. The psoas (actually 2 large muscles that attach the trunk to the legs) connects to both sides of the lumbar spine. It's main muscular duty is to flex the hip (bring the thigh toward the abdomen). When the hip is taken into extension (think of your back leg when you walk), a psoas that is engaged and won't release can cause the lumbar spine to arch and shorten causing pain in the low back (hyperlordosis). The pain can also be in the front of the hip crease or even at the sits bone. Typically, the psoas is only tight on one side leading to further imbalance and discomfort. 

This practice starts with a simple assessment you can do to find out if your psoas is a potential "gripper muscle" and then a reclining somatic movement to release and lengthen the psoas. Why would the psoas be a gripper? Sadly, the reason for many people is too much sitting.  But it also responds to emotional stress and overuse.  

If you think your psoas is causing part of your back pain, you may want to do my 40 minute video, "The Psoas"    • Psoas Release  
#psoasrelease #somaticyoga #backpainrelief

Sending appreciation to my students & Patreon community! If you enjoy Megan's free YouTube classes, join Patreon and support the continuation of new content.
➡️   / meganmaccarthy  

Prefer to do a 1 time donation? Click on the "Yoga with Megan Donations" button at the bottom right corner of the banner art on the home page.

You can also visit my website to schedule personalized yoga therapy (virtual or in person), sign up for virtual classes, learn about upcoming retreats and training opportunities and access my audio meditations and blog.
➡️ http://embodywithmm.com

Some of my free meditations are also on the Insight Timer app
➡️ http://insig.ht/meganmaccarthy

If you just want to know when free videos are added, subscribe and choose the reminder button to receive notifications. Thanks for finding me and connecting!

➡️   / embodywithmm  
➡️   / embodywithmm  
➡️ Email: [email protected]
➡️    / meganmaccarthy