Discover why the psoas is known as "the muscle of the soul" and how releasing it through yoga can help you let go of stored emotions, relieve tension, and reconnect with your inner balance.
The muscle that connects body, mind, and soul
The psoas is one of the deepest and most important muscles in the human body. It originates in the lower spine and extends to the femurs, connecting the back to the legs.
Physiologically, it is responsible for keeping us upright, walking, running, and maintaining balance.
But its function goes far beyond movement: the psoas is also an emotional and energetic center, a true bridge between the physical body and the soul.
Teacher and therapist Liz Koch, author of "The Psoas Book", maintains that deep emotional memories are stored within it, especially those related to fear, anxiety, or trauma.
The psoas and emotions: where science and energy agree
When we are under stress, the body activates the defense reflex known as "fight or flight." The psoas, due to its flexion and protective function, contracts automatically.
If the stress is repeated or not properly released, that contraction becomes chronic: the psoas remains tense and shortened, causing lower back discomfort, fatigue, or a feeling of stiffness in the abdomen and hips.
From an energetic perspective, the psoas is intimately connected to the root chakra (Muladhara) and the sacral chakra (Swadhisthana), centers related to security, stability, and emotional expression.
When it is tense, it may reflect a fear of moving forward or difficulty letting go of control; when it relaxes, it restores confidence and fluidity.
Releasing the psoas, then, is not just a physical act: it is a way of releasing stored emotions and recovering the feeling of being at home within your own body.
Signs of a tense psoas
-- Lower back pain or stiffness in the lower back area.
-- Tight hips or difficulty stretching.
-- Constant fatigue or shallow breathing.
-- Anxiety or a feeling of being "on alert" even at rest.
The body speaks through these symptoms. Listening to them carefully is the first step toward harmony.
How to release the psoas through yoga and breathwork
Yoga works on the psoas through body awareness and deep breathing.
Poses such as Anjaneyasana (low lunge), Supta Baddha Konasana (reclined bound angle pose), or Setu Bandhasana (bridge pose) help open the pelvic area and release tension. Combined with slow breathing and long exhalations, these poses stimulate the parasympathetic system and help the body feel safe again.
A path of release and trust
The psoas teaches us that true balance lies not in tightening, but in letting go.
When it relaxes, the body opens, breathing deepens, and the mind finds calm.
Releasing this muscle is, in essence, learning to trust life again.
"The body remembers what the mind tries to forget. Listening to it is a form of healing." -- Liz Koch
At EYO Yoga Madero, we accompany you in reconnecting with your body and emotions through yoga, breathwork, and body awareness practices.
Come discover how, by letting go from the inside, everything begins to flow naturally again.