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.
A yoga eagle for your back
A Micro Pause to release tension and create space in the shoulder and upper back area. Using the yoga asana Garudasana, and with a somatic focus and small negotiations with the body.
Half yoga gombukhasana
A Micro Pause with a strong shoulder exercise. Using the yoga asana Gombukhasana to build strength and mobility in the shoulder joints.
Easy twist with cactus arms
A Micro Pause to create a sense of spaciousness through the upper body. Rotating the spine using only the muscles of the upper to activate without using too much force.
