Unraveling the Connection: The Psoas Muscle, the Vagus Nerve, and Breathing in Emotional Release
In the intricate tapestry of human anatomy, certain connections weave through the body, bridging physical and emotional realms. Among these connections, the interplay between the psoas muscle, the vagus nerve, and breathing emerges as a fascinating nexus. In this blog post, we delve into the depths of these interconnected systems, exploring their roles in both physical function and emotional release.
Understanding the Psoas Muscle: At the core of our physical movement lies the psoas muscle, a deep-seated muscle nestled within the abdominal cavity. The psoas, composed of the psoas major and psoas minor, originates from the lumbar vertebrae and traverses through the pelvis, eventually attaching to the femur. This muscular giant serves as a primary flexor of the hip joint, facilitating actions such as walking, running, and climbing stairs (Motosko, J., Turo, D., & Bajka, B., 2019).
Beyond its mechanical role in movement, the psoas harbors deeper significance. Some theories posit that the psoas muscle can store emotional tension, acting as a reservoir for unresolved stress or trauma. Chronic tension in the psoas may manifest as physical discomfort or pain, reflecting underlying emotional states (Hanna, T., 1988).
The Vagus Nerve:
A Pathway to the Emotions: Enter the vagus nerve, the longest of the cranial nerves, which meanders through the body like a wandering poet, touching upon vital organs and orchestrating a symphony of bodily functions. Originating in the brainstem, the vagus nerve extends downward, innervating organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It plays a pivotal role in regulating the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and modulating the body's response to stress (Porges, S. W., 2001).
The vagus nerve serves as a conduit between the body and the brain, conveying sensory information and influencing emotional states. Recent research suggests that vagal tone, a measure of vagus nerve activity, correlates with emotional resilience and psychological well-being (Kok, B. E., & Fredrickson, B. L., 2010).
Breathing:
The Rhythm of Life and Emotion: Amidst this intricate dance of muscle and nerve, breath emerges as both a reflexive act and a conscious gateway to emotional release. The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle situated beneath the lungs, serves as the primary muscle of respiration. As we inhale, the diaphragm contracts, expanding the chest cavity and drawing air into the lungs. Upon exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes, expelling air from the lungs (Bojsen-Møller, F., Simonsen, E. B., & Dyhre-Poulsen, P., 1985).
Breathing is not merely a physiological function; it also mirrors our emotional state. During moments of stress or anxiety, breathing patterns often become shallow and rapid, reflecting heightened sympathetic arousal. Conversely, in states of relaxation or meditation, breathing tends to deepen and slow, signaling activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (Brown, R. P., & Gerbarg, P. L., 2005).
The Interconnected Triad:
Psoas, Vagus, and Breath: How do these seemingly disparate elements— the psoas muscle, the vagus nerve, and breathing— intertwine to influence emotional release? The answer lies in their intricate connections within the body.
The psoas muscle and the diaphragm, a key player in breathing, share a fascial connection known as the thoracolumbar fascia. This anatomical link suggests that tension or tightness in the psoas could potentially affect the functioning of the diaphragm, influencing breathing patterns (Gracovetsky, S., Kary, M., & Levy, S., 1985).
Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that the vagus nerve may modulate the activity of both the psoas muscle and the diaphragm. Vagal stimulation has been shown to promote relaxation of skeletal muscles, including the diaphragm, and to modulate respiratory function (Russo, M. A., Santarelli, D. M., & O’Rourke, D., 2017). Additionally, the vagus nerve extends its influence beyond the physical realm, regulating emotional states and stress responses.
Emotional Release through Body and Breath:
The interconnectedness of the psoas muscle, the vagus nerve, and breathing offers a pathway to emotional release and well-being. Practices that target these interconnected systems, such as yoga, somatic experiencing, and breathwork, hold promise for promoting emotional resilience and healing.
Yoga, with its emphasis on mindful movement and breath awareness, offers a holistic approach to releasing tension held within the psoas muscle. Specific yoga poses, such as pigeon pose and reclining bound angle pose, can gently stretch and release tension in the psoas, promoting a sense of openness and ease (Kerrigan, D. C., Todd, M. K., & Della Croce, U., 1998).
Somatic experiencing, a body-oriented therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine, focuses on releasing trauma held within the body. By attuning to bodily sensations and allowing for gentle movement and breath, somatic experiencing aims to discharge stored tension and restore a sense of safety and resilience (Levine, P. A., 1997).
Breathwork practices, such as diaphragmatic breathing and conscious breath awareness, offer a direct pathway to modulating the autonomic nervous system and promoting emotional regulation. By cultivating a deeper connection to the breath, individuals can learn to soothe the nervous system, reduce stress, and foster emotional well-being (Streeter, C. C., Gerbarg, P. L., & Saper, R. B., 2012).
In the symphony of human experience, the psoas muscle, the vagus nerve, and breathing intertwine to weave a tapestry of physical function and emotional release. Understanding the interconnectedness of these systems offers a pathway to promoting holistic well-being and resilience. Through practices that honor the body and breath, individuals can cultivate a deeper awareness of their internal landscape, fostering healing and transformation.
Free Professionally Filmed and Edited Course on Meditation and Neuroplasticity
For more information on how practices like Qigong and meditation influence mental and physical health, please head over to www.jadedragon.org.
If you found this post informative, we kindly request you to like, comment, subscribe, and share it with your friends and family. Spreading the word will help us reach more people, offering them the potential for improved health, strength, and peace of mind.
References:
Bojsen-Møller, F., Simonsen, E. B., & Dyhre-Poulsen, P. (1985). The pressure distribution in the knee joint with special reference to the influence of muscle action. Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica, 56(2), 149-161.
Brown, R. P., & Gerbarg, P. L. (2005). Sudarshan Kriya yogic breathing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression: Part I—Neurophysiologic model. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 11(1), 189-201.
Gracovetsky, S., Kary, M., & Levy, S. (1985). The psoas muscle and the lumbar spine. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume, 67(2), 169-178.
Hanna, T. (1988). Somatics: Reawakening the Mind's Control of Movement, Flexibility, and Health. Da Capo Press.
Kerrigan, D. C., Todd, M. K., & Della Croce, U. (1998). Gender differences in pelvic motions and center of mass displacement during walking: stereotypes quantified. Journal of Women's Health, 7(6), 699-705.
Kok, B. E., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2010). Upward spirals of the heart: Autonomic flexibility, as indexed by vagal tone, reciprocally and prospectively predicts positive emotions and social connectedness. Biological Psychology, 85(3), 432-436.
Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.
Motosko, J., Turo, D., & Bajka, B. (2019). Origin, Insertion, and Action of the Psoas Major Muscle: A Review. Cureus, 11(9), e5732.
Porges, S. W. (2001). The polyvagal theory: Phylogenetic substrates of a social nervous system. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 42(2), 123-146.
Russo, M. A., Santarelli, D. M., & O’Rourke, D. (2017). The physiological effects of slow breathing in the healthy human. Breathe, 13(4), 298-309.
Streeter, C. C., Gerbarg, P. L., & Saper, R. B. (2012). Effects of yoga on the autonomic nervous system, gamma-aminobutyric-acid, and allostasis in epilepsy, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical Hypotheses, 78(5), 571-579.