Awakening the Psoas

The Psoas Awakening Series synergistically combines the standing poses to awaken the psoas muscle. We accomplish this by first contracting the psoas in poses that face forward, then in poses that face the side. We complete the series with twisting postures.

Click here to review the details of this important muscle in our Sample Chapters section.

Remembering that this muscle is usually “hidden” in the unconscious part of the brain, we must first isolate the psoas in each pose, bringing it back to consciousness.

I use the technique of isometric contraction to isolate and awaken a dormant muscle. This technique requires an understanding of the action of the various muscles. For example, the psoas acts to flex the hip, i.e., contracting the psoas either bends the trunk forward or draws the knee up. Isolate the psoas by attempting to flex the trunk or by trying to lift the leg. Accentuate this by resisting the action. To better understand the instruction, look at the diagram of Trikonasana below.

Remember that Hatha Yoga combines opposites—the sun and moon or yin and yang. With this in mind, balance contracting the psoas by stretching it.

Finally, experience “Body Clairvoyance.” This refers to the awakened body’s ability to anticipate an action and use the most efficient muscles to accomplish it—without thinking about it. The Psoas Awakening Series sequentially activates different parts of the psoas—incrementally and synergistically. When the brain sees a conscious combination of actions like this, it will then automatically use the psoas in unrelated actions. This is analogous to running up a flight of stairs. The first steps are taken consciously, but once we get going we ascend unconsciously (and rhythmically). The act of typing on a keyboard is another example of this.

Put another way, once we’ve awakened the dormant psoas muscle, we begin to use it unconsciously in new tasks.

I demonstrate this phenomenon in my workshops by finishing the Psoas Awakening Series with an inversion such as Full Arm Balance. Students regularly report a sensation of rock solid stability in their pose. This comes from the unconscious brain automatically activating the newly awakened psoas and stabilizing the pelvis. Experience this for yourself by practicing an unrelated asana at the end of the series.

Note: Alternate the right and left sides with each pose in the series. Return to Tadasana between each pose and each side. This helps to prevent fatigue and soreness in the psoas.

1) Begin with Tadasana, the Mountain Pose. Return to this pose between doing the alternate sides of the body in the Psoas Awakening Series.
2) Trikonasana: Begin with the front knee slightly bent. This releases the hamstrings at their origin on the ischial tuberosity, allowing the psoas to contract freely. Now, place the elbow on the front thigh and press down with the torso, attempting to flex it. This action isometrically contracts the psoas.

Alternatively, hold the leg down with the elbow and attempt to lift the leg. This simulates flexing the hip and also contracts the psoas. Maintain the torso in a flexed position and straighten the knee by contracting the quadriceps. This general sequence will be repeated for each pose throughout the series. Return to Tadasana between each side and also between each pose to give the body a rest.

3) Virabhadrasana II: Again place the elbow on the knee and isometrically contract the psoas by attempting to flex the trunk or lift the leg.

4) Parsvottanasana: Begin by bending the front knee, as with Trikonasana. Now, squeeze the torso against the thigh. This activates the psoas in the side plane.

5) Virabhadrasana I: Attempt to lift the front leg in this pose—but don’t actually lift it. You should feel the pelvis lower with this action, again through contracting the psoas (also in the side plane).

6) Parivrtta Trikonasana: This pose works the psoas in the turning plane. As with Parsvottanasana, bend the front knee to release the hamstrings. Then squeeze the torso against the thigh. Hold the torso in this position and straighten the knee.
7) Parivrtta Parsvakonasana: Begin in a twisted lunge, with the back knee on the floor. Place the back elbow on the front knee to turn the body. As with Parivrtta Trikonasana, gently squeeze the torso against the front thigh. This isometrically contracts the psoas.
8) Prasarita Padottanasana: Here we return to the frontal plane. Bend the knees to release the hamstrings as you bend forward. Contract the psoas to flex the hips. You should find that you can consciously access the psoas at this point in the series. Holding the torso flexed, engage the quadriceps to straighten the knees.
9) Counter stretch: Finish the series by stretching the psoas in a lunge. This stretches the back-leg psoas by extending the hip. Contracting the back-leg buttocks accentuates this stretch. Hold this for several breaths.
10) Now try an unrelated posture that you have experience with. I use Purvottanasana here. Note how the psoas automatically engages now that it is awakened, stabilizing the pose. This is “Body Clairvoyance.”
11) Supported Setu Bandha: Finish with a passive stretch of the psoas by placing a block or bolster under the sacrum. Close the eyes and relax for several minutes. Please note that if you experience back pain in this posture, do not do it. Check with your teacher for modifications.
12) Savasana: Relax in Savasana.
You can apply this same technique of muscle awakening to the accessory muscles of breathing to dramatically expand your lung volume during pranayama. Click here for more information.

Practice tips:

1) Always build contraction of a muscle gently and slowly. This aids to minimize the risk of injury and soreness.

2) Only contract the psoas to approximately 20% of its maximum force.

3) Awakening a muscle is accomplished by contracting it. Balance engaging a muscle by stretching it at the end of your practice.

4) Allow ample time for recovery between practice sessions.

5) Always practice under the guidance of an experienced teacher.

6) Always, in your particular case, consult your health care provider before doing yoga or any exercise program.

If you are new to integrating anatomy into your practice, remember that it is not necessary to memorize this technique on your first pass. Begin by enjoying the beautiful images of the body in yoga. This alone will awaken your brain's awareness of the anatomy during your practice. Return at a later date for a closer look, and then gently go through the motions illustrated above as you do the pose. Then leave it. Your unconscious mind will create new circuitry while you rest. Enjoy this process, and when you return to the mat, you will be surprised at how easily you access this technique.

Namasté,

Ray and Chris