ARTICLE reticular activating system ( RAS ) is located - and in certain segments of the spinal cord , particularly the dorsal horn structures which transmit sensory information . One of these segmental regions lies between T10 and L2 , precisely where the psoas is located . The neuropeptides in question transmit information very rapidly , through biochemical responses , and influence connective tissue conditions . 2
The fear modulation cycle involves neuropeptides such as the CCK peptide system , the endogenous cannabinoid system and neuropeptide Y . All these neuropeptides are abundantly present within the same structures that are defined as the fear reflex or HPA axis and all are in constant and direct communication with the RAS and the segments of the thoraco-lumbar region . 11
The psoas system thus receives signals via the sympathetic nervous system , the neuropeptide-based information system , fascia and adjacent muscular structures when the fear response has been activated . When this fear response is subliminal and chronic with chronically imbalanced levels of cortisol , it keeps the psoas fibres in sustained contraction , finally leading to their exhaustion and weakness . 8
An appropriate clinical response to such a condition necessitates a holistic viewing of the psoas in relation to its adjacent structures , the nervous system itself and its interrelationship with the emotional landscape . Traditional medical systems such as Ayurvedic Medicine and TCM have long taught about the significance of the interplay between the physical and the emotional realms . More recently , researchers have opened doors of perception that provide a scientifically acceptable foundation for traditional wisdoms . 2
Pert 2 concluded after many years of meticulous laboratory-based research investigating the mystery of neuropeptide-based information systems in the human body : ‘ I can no longer speak about the brain and the body as separate entities . I can only speak about the “ bodymind ”’. 2 Researchers such as Bordoni and Simonelli 3 and Myers 6 have also highlighted the properties of connective tissue , such as fascia , and the intricate communication channels it creates between different structures of the human body , as well as its sensitivity to emotional stimuli .
Much research has indicated that chronic back dysfunction often responds well to an integrative approach that takes into consideration the interplay between the physical body and the emotions . 1 The scope of this article does not allow for an elaboration of such an integrative therapeutic approach to psoas dysfunction . ( My ATMS webinars and seminars provide substantial detail about therapeutic methodology .) Suffice it to say that such an approach of necessity needs to highlight the importance of restoring healthy motility to the psoas tissue rather than just focusing on its properties of motricity and mobility . A deep listening to connective tissue condition at such a level can identify areas of debilitating inertia within the muscle tissue and at the same time contribute to the resolution of such inertia and restoration of greater health . This focus is inherent in craniosacral therapy , myofascial release and acupressure .
In addition , it is of ultimate importance that the therapist meets the client with a grounded and assuring presence that communicates depth of nonjudgmental interest in a neutral space that is completely safe . Chronic psoas dysfunction due to an over-activated and unregulated fear reflex is often due to a perceived lack of safety in the client ’ s life . 12 The ‘ anxious quiver of being ’ is at the heart of our human condition . 13 It substantially influences the structure and function of our client ’ s bodies and needs to be taken into consideration during therapeutic engagement .
As bodywork therapists we have the scope to perceive and treat our clients holistically , considering their physical conditions in the context of their emotional landscape . The treatment of psoas dysfunction benefits substantially from such a holistic approach . When our therapeutic perspective and process supports the feedback loops of the ANS and restores motility in the cellular matrix of a psoas system that has been pathologically affected by an overactivated fear reflex , we not only contribute to the resolution of pathology in the psoas fibres but also support the healing of the ANS and its ability to regain resilience .
REFERENCES
1 . Davis CM . Integrative Therapies in Rehabilitation . Thorofare : SLACK Incorporated , 2017
2 . Pert CB . Molecules of Emotion . London : Simon & Schuster , 1999
3 . Bordoni B , Simonelli M . The Awareness of the Fascial System . Cureus , 2018 ; 10 : 3397
4 . Staugaard-Jones JA . The Vital Psoas Muscle : Connecting physical , emotional and spiritual well-being . Chichester : Lotus Publishing , 2012
5 . Arbanas J , Starcevic Klasan G , Nikolic M , Jerkovic R , Miljanovic I , Malnar D . Fibre type composition of the human psoas major muscle with regard to the level of its origin . Journal of Anatomy . 2009 ; 12 : 636-641
6 . Myers T . Anatomy Trains : Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists . London : Churchill Livingstone / Harcourt Publishers , 2001
7 . Hebgen EU . Visceral Manipulation in Osteopathy . Stuttgart : Thieme , 2011 8 . Koch L . The Psoas Book . Felton : Guinea Pig
Publications , 2012
9 . Oschman JL . Fascia as a body-wide communication system . Nature ’ s Own Research Association , Dec 2012
10 . Levine P . Healing Trauma . Boulder : Sounds True , 2008
11 . Mallory EB , Choi DC , Ressler KJ . Neuropeptide regulation of Fear and Anxiety : Implications of Cholecystokinin , Endogenous Opioids and Neuropeptide Y . Physiological Behaviour . 2012 ; 107 ( 5 ): 699 - 710
12 . Denner SS . The science of energy therapies and contemplative practice . Holistic Nurs Pract . 2009 ; 23 ( 6 ), 315-334
13 . Bayda E . At Home in the Muddy Waters . Boston : Shambala , 2012
JATMS | Autumn 2021 | 13