Core RESTORE - week 4 | Psoas and Kidneys

Published: Sun, 06/18/17

Image
Hey ,


Welcome to this week's class Round Up.

A couple notes before we get the ball rolling (no pun!) on today's agenda:

~ ball order has gone in - please let me know if you need a yoga therapy ball set. The cost is 25$ and you can pay when you pick the balls up - I should have them by next week.

~ your preferred fall registration rate expires on Tuesday, June 20th - please be sure to take advantage of the early enrollment to save 20$ off registration fees. Here is the link to registration e-mail.




This week's structural theme:
  • Front to back | Gluts to Psoas - the functional pair
  • Psoas and Kidneys - what's the connection?
  • Challenging the balance - unstable surfaces and standing postures



This week's off - the - mat challenge:

Loading the gluts with lateral movements. Try these:

  • Side-step on even surface
  • Cross - step on even surface - are you "twinking" (technical term!) the pelvis
  • Side-step up /down the stairs
  • Cross-step up / down the stairs


This week's breathing practices:
  • Ball breathing - 3 zones: diaphragm | mid belly | low belly
  • Turbo breathing for low | mid abdominal area


This week's on - the - mat movement challenge:

core restore week 4




    Additional  Reading:

    Kidney to Psoas connection: right kidney lies behind the liver on the right psoas muscle, and the left kidney lies behind the stomach on the left psoas muscle. The kidneys are kept in position by the suction effect of the diaphragm  and a connective tissue pouch, and through the pressure of the stomach and other muscles. This allows the kidneys an amazing amount of flexibility - and is also the reason why the kidneys, through their fascial connections - have a great amount of influence on the state of sacroiliac joint, the knee, the entire lumbar region and, of course, the hip flexor group.

    Try this kidney breathing exercise on your own:

    • In a seated posture, touch your kidneys with both hands at the mid-level of our back.

    • Guide your breathing into the kidneys - imagine that your kidneys are doing the breathing.

    • Exhale with an "SSSS" sound, and imagine kidneys relaxing.

    • After a few breaths take your hands away and feel your kidneys. How does your back and posture feel?

    • Now do a few knee bends - imagine kidneys are being carried up and down.

    • Imagine that the leg strength is transferred to the kidneys, as if the legs were in direct contact with the kidneys. Walk around until you feel that your kidneys are supported by your legs.

    • Now take a moment to feel the results!

    See you on the mat!


    Julia + Satori Team