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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.
In this pause we continue to practice moving the spine in a circular shape. When we are on all fours, or, as in the Micro Pause, leaning forward with our hands on a chair (which is more comfortable on the knees), the pelvis can move more freely than if we sit on it, so you may feel as if you're making an overall bigger movement in the spine. The spine is, of course, connected to the pelvis so when the pelvis move the spine will also move.
The spine is designed to move. It can bend in all directions and it can rotate. In this Micro Pause we practice moving the spine in a circular shape. When we move the spine in a circular shape we cover a great part of the range or motion of the spine. This is good for many reasons: It will stimulate the production of synovial fluid in the joints. Synovial fluid works as a lubricant to the joints, making them move smoother and function better.
It gives a massage to the discs, helping to increase blood flow and to even out any uneven pressure on the discs.
It gives inner massage to the muscles along the spine.
It may enhance the function of the central nervous system, helping nervous impulses to travel faster along the spinal cord.