Yoga International – The Psoas-Diaphragm Connection

Teacher: Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones

This short course with Jo Ann Staugaard, professor of kinesiology and author of The Vital Psoas Muscle: Connecting Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Well-Being, is a great opportunity to learn about the psoas muscle in the context of therapeutic movement and yoga practices. You’ll first learn about the anatomy and function of the psoas, the importance of doing psoas-focused movement practices for relaxation and when working with trauma, and how to work with diaphragmatic breathing and the chakras in yoga practices that target the psoas.

Then, to deepen your understanding of what Jo Ann calls “the most interesting muscle in the human body,” you’ll do two practices: “Somatics and Satya” and “Exploring the Psoas/Diaphragm Connection With the Chakras.” Throughout the classes, Jo Ann draws your attention to the anatomy of the psoas and the benefits of the poses you’re doing so you can make connections between your physical, emotional, and energetic experience.

This course is appropriate for all levels and for both students and teachers.