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The Vital Psoas Muscle

Connecting Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Well-Being

Author Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones
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Paperback
$19.95 US
North Atlantic Books
6.9"W x 9.67"H x 0.3"D   | 12 oz | 44 per carton
On sale Aug 21, 2012 | 128 Pages | 9781583944585
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Located deep within the anterior hip joint and lower spine, the psoas major (usually just referred to as 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, psoas-related lower back and hip pain, and the ailment of "sitting too much," 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, and discusses its vital role in the emotional and spiritual state of the human being. 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.
"This book has enlightened and assisted me in my own personal and professional evolutionary process, and I feel that any reader, after taking this journey with the author, will be able to add a layer of knowledge and enlightenment on their own path to a better understanding of optimal health and function."
—Gary Mascilak, D.C., P.T., C.S.C.S

“The Vital Psoas Muscle considers this specific muscle, located in the front hip joint and lower spine and critical for postural alignment, movement and overall well-being. It tells how to solve lower back pain and reduce trauma through understanding the physical, emotional and spiritual ramifications of this muscle, offering in-depth illustrations and key stretching and strengthening routines that incorporate the use of yoga or pilates.”
—Midwest Book Review
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, and 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 U.S. and sponsors international holistic retreats. View titles by Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones
Partial Table of Contents:

Foreword by Gary Mascilak, D.C., P.T., C.S.C.S.
Part I: The Physical Aspect
Chapter 1 Anatomy & 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 II The Psoas and Emotions
Chapter 5 The Connections
Chapter 6 When the Psoas Strikes Back
Part III 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 "Function Meets Breath"
Bibliography
Index

About

Located deep within the anterior hip joint and lower spine, the psoas major (usually just referred to as 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, psoas-related lower back and hip pain, and the ailment of "sitting too much," 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, and discusses its vital role in the emotional and spiritual state of the human being. 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.

Praise

"This book has enlightened and assisted me in my own personal and professional evolutionary process, and I feel that any reader, after taking this journey with the author, will be able to add a layer of knowledge and enlightenment on their own path to a better understanding of optimal health and function."
—Gary Mascilak, D.C., P.T., C.S.C.S

“The Vital Psoas Muscle considers this specific muscle, located in the front hip joint and lower spine and critical for postural alignment, movement and overall well-being. It tells how to solve lower back pain and reduce trauma through understanding the physical, emotional and spiritual ramifications of this muscle, offering in-depth illustrations and key stretching and strengthening routines that incorporate the use of yoga or pilates.”
—Midwest Book Review

Author

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, and 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 U.S. and sponsors international holistic retreats. View titles by Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones

Table of Contents

Partial Table of Contents:

Foreword by Gary Mascilak, D.C., P.T., C.S.C.S.
Part I: The Physical Aspect
Chapter 1 Anatomy & 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 II The Psoas and Emotions
Chapter 5 The Connections
Chapter 6 When the Psoas Strikes Back
Part III 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 "Function Meets Breath"
Bibliography
Index

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