Body Intelligence – Finding ease for the lower back, 6: the back and the psoas muscle
by josefine | Jun 6, 2025
In this Micro Pause we explore the relationship between the lower back and the iliopsoas muscle. The iliopsoas muscle is the main muscle that connects the upper and the lower body. Its a long muscle, and its located deep within the body. It goes from the lower back all the way to the thigh bone, or bones, because you do of course have to iliopsoas muscles, one on each side. If it is tense it may pull on the lower back, creating a sense of compression. For every step you take the psoas muscles are trained! Every time you walk you will both stretch and engage the iliopsoas muscles, simply by letting them do what they are designed to do. The more time you spend sitting down, the shorter, weaker and more tense they will become.
Interlace fingers into waist
Micro Pause to open up your shoulders. This one is especially for the area around the collar bones, or the front of the shoulders.
Easy seated twist
This Micro Pause will get you to know your back better. Increased self awareness starting from the spine. We make a twist and focus on the sensations along the spine, while trying to negotiate more space in the back.
Standing all 4 arm circle
Micro Pause to bring aliveness into the upper back. We use the chair to support our hands as we make a big circle with the arm, letting the movements ripple through the entire body. We end with negotiating more space in the body using a gentle rotation.
