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.
Breathe and roll the shoulders
A Micro Pause to connect breath and movement to access deeper layers of relaxation. We move the shoulders slowly and use the breath as a focus point to help us get into a meditative state.
Standing, breathing rotation
A Micro Pause that gives a sense of spaciousness in the upper body. Connecting breath and a rotation of the spine, working slowly and with a curious mind.
Knee to nose
A Micro Pause that energises and gives a sense of aliveness through the entire body. We work the legs one at a time to help release the lower back.
