The Vital Psoas Muscle

Located deep within the anterior hip joint and lower spine, the psoas major (usually referred to as just the psoas) is critical for optimal postural alignment, movement, and overall well-being. The psoas is the only muscle in the human organism that connects the upper body to the lower body, and its importance extends to the nerve complex and energy systems. As modern-day populations grow more sedentary and excessive sitting becomes commonplace, psoas-related lower back and hip pain are on the rise. Even the most active of athletes can suffer from psoas imbalance and pain. The Vital Psoas Muscle demonstrates how to keep the muscle in balance through specific exercises designed to strengthen and utilize this amazing muscle. The book discusses the vital role the psoas has in one’s emotional and spiritual state. The interconnection between the psoas and the root chakra is explored, along with yoga poses and postures that stimulate the psoas. Eighty full-color illustrations depict anatomical details and show the key stretching and strengthening exercises in this practical and comprehensive treatment of the most important skeletal muscle in the human body.

Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones is a professor of kinesiology and dance. She is a certified Pilates and yoga instructor with a master's degree in dance and education. She received degrees at the University of Kansas and New York University before pursuing a career as a performer, choreographer, teacher, and movement scientist. She currently teaches interactive movement workshops across the United States and sponsors international holistic retreats.

Part 1. Anatomical Prelude Chapter 1. Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Psoas Area Chapter 2. Maintaining a Healthy Psoas Chapter 3. The Strain of Lower Back Pain Chapter 4. The Psoas and Pilates Part 2. The Psoas and Emotions Chapter 5. Connections – Somatic Memory: The Gut/Brain Connection Chapter 6. When the Psoas Strikes Back Part 3. The Psoas and Spirituality – “Energetic” Anatomy Chapter 7. What Do We Know? Chapter 8. The Psoas and Chakra 1: “Kinesthetic Balance” Chapter 9. The Psoas and Chakra 2: “Flow Like Water” Chapter 10. The Psoas and Chakra 3: “Function Meets Breath”