Deep Core Strength is Accessed Through Activating the Psoas - Inner Thigh Junction on the Lesser Trochanter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The psoas is an enormous muscle attached in six strands on either  side of the front of the lowest six vertebrae, from the lowest lumbar vertebrae to the lowest thoracic vertebrae: L5 L4 L3 L2 L1 and T12. 

 

 

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There are six strands on each side, so it is actually twelve strands of muscle making up the psoas-lumbar relationship.

 

 

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I love that there is this number, twelve, intrinsic to our deep core because of how that number relates to the months of the year, the twelve disciples, twelve tribe nations, twelve astrological signs, twelve making up a dozen bagels or eggs or twelve inches to a foot.

 

 

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Twelve is prevalent in our social structures because it is in our deepest structure of support in the body.

 

 

 

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Below is an amazing rotating digital display of the three-dimensional aspects of the psoas from www.dipity.com/timeline/Psoas-Muscle :

 

 

 

The psoas is attached directly on to the front of these six lowest vertebrae, meaning that these strands of psoas are underneath the abdominal organs as well as being much deeper than any of the abdominal muscles since the abdominal muscles stretch over the organs.

Thus the psoas is essentially the deep core, not to imply that the abdominals aren't important, but just to make a distinction between what is deep spinal support and what is more outer support for the abdominal cavity's contents.

There is what I consider a cylindrical core, made up of the transversus abdominis, which is attached to either side of the back of the lumbar vertebrae.

But in my view, and in my experience with my own body and in guiding and witnessing my clients, you can't utilize the three-dimensional wrap of the transversus without the psoas stabilizing the lower vertebrae.

The psoas must be directed as a rooting force, so that the transversus can be expanded off of the extended lumbar vertebrae and become a wrapping force from back to front.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In addition, the place where L-5 and T12 meet, which is where the extending curve of the lumbar subtly changes into the opposite curve of the thoracic, contributing to the serpentine line of the spine, is often referred to as the lumbar-thoracic junction.

So essentially, your true deep core extends from one important spinal junction down to another important muscular junction.

When I hear myself describe this connection to a client using the term junction, I cannot help but think of a television show from my childhood, Petticoat Junction, which is about the people who work in a place where trains come in and connect to other trains.

This may seem silly, but watch how the train winds down the track, and imagine how you have this deep core muscle that is attached to your spine, and how it winds down to the inside of each of your legs.

 

 

 

Sensing your lesser trochanters as junctions could be akin to sensing deep pathways of transport from your legs to your spine and your spine to your legs.

 

Maybe I have this perception because I go underground to transport myself everyday in the subway, which winds me through the city from station to station. There are certain stations that are junctions where you can transfer and make a connection to another train, such as Columbus Circle where you can go from the 1 Train to the A Train. 

 

The lesser trochanters, which are little nubs, can also be perceived as hubs on a winding deep subway-like line in terms of transferring from the spine to the legs and the legs to the spine. The lesser trochanter - inner thigh - psoas junction is  like the Columbus Circle of your core. When I look at a subway map, I cannot help but be reminded of the charts I've seen in fitness studios that show the winding pathways of the nervous and muscular systems.

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You can also see the relationship between

the psoas,

lesser trochanters, and

the lumbar spine in

three-dimensions in the book,

Anatomy of Movement

 

 

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Comments

[Miriam Hernandez]

Tim – thank you so very much for the "quick" heel session. I am now walking better and comfortably in my fab Heels! It's taking some conscious effort on my part to do so, but I'm loving it. Each time I take a step, you come to mind “am I walking correctly?!” It was a great pleasure meeting you yesterday at Eva Scrivo's book signing and look forward to seeing you soon : )

[Tim Driscoll]

Dear Miriam, So grateful to read such a great response from you who learns and applies the High heel Healing principles so quickly - and that you have been thoughtful about the connections you were able to make that night and continue to use them is even greater! I've developed the principles for foot pain, knee pain, hip pain, and lower back pain, but even when someone doesn't have acute or chronic pain from wearing heels, using the heel-to-hamstring connection - which empowers you up the back of the leg and takes weight off your toes - always grants more comfort. Next you'll begin to realize how using the top of the hamstring where it connects up to the hip also bring you muscular tone in that upper part of the leg! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment. I really appreciate that. Tim