Dear Reader,
In the fast-paced whirlwind of modern life, we often overlook the silent sentinels within our bodies that bear the brunt of our daily habits—chief among them, the Iliopsoas and Quadratus Lumborum (QL). These are not just any muscles; they are the very anchors of our movement, stability, and balance. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, long hours at desks, and constant staring at screens have a profound impact on these muscles, turning them into tight, overworked knots of tension, crying out for attention.
Let's delve deeper. The iliopsoas, composed of the iliacus and psoas major, is the primary hip flexor, bridging the lower spine to the thighbone. It plays a vital role in every stride we take, every step forward. Meanwhile, the QL sits nestled in the lower back, like a sturdy pillar stabilizing the spine, especially when we walk or stand. In today’s world, with prolonged sitting and poor posture, these muscles often develop trigger points—tiny contraction knots—that restrict movement and cause lingering pain, especially in the lower back and hips.
The iliopsoas becomes rigid and short when subjected to hours of sitting. Imagine this muscle, designed for the dynamic actions of walking, running, and hunting (as our ancestors once did), now forced into a state of prolonged contraction. The QL, on the other hand, compensates for our imbalances. It works overtime to support the spine and maintain our upright posture. Over time, it accumulates tension, becoming a hub of myofascial restrictions, leading to that all-too-familiar lower back ache.
A Retrospective Journey to Our Origins
When I analyse the human body, I always find myself looking back to our beginnings. The iliopsoas and QL have been with us since the dawn of our evolution, playing a crucial role in our transition from four-legged creatures to upright beings. The iliopsoas allowed us to bend, jump, and move forward with purpose, while the QL provided the stability to support this newfound verticality. In essence, they are the muscles of movement, balance, and survival.
Yet, in today’s society, we've imprisoned these once free and flowing muscles. Their natural rhythm, designed for dynamic movement, is now stifled by chairs, cars, and screens. This is why, in the JANMI Method, we approach these muscles not merely as anatomical structures but as part of an evolutionary story, yearning to return to their natural state of balance and fluidity. Our method is designed to help you understand and reconnect with your body's natural rhythm, allowing you to move with the ease and freedom our ancestors once knew.
The Dynamic JANMI Approach
In the JANMI Method, I focus on identifying these tension-filled trigger points and myofascial restrictions within the iliopsoas and QL. Through targeted trigger point therapy, we gently coax these muscles to release their hold, liberating the fascia that surrounds them. This isn’t just about stretching; it’s about understanding how these muscles interconnect with the entire kinetic chain, affecting everything from posture to movement patterns.
Our work here in Marylebone is unique because we tap into the body’s natural rhythm. My aim is to guide you, not just through physical release, but towards an understanding of how these muscles fit into your personal journey. By focusing on these critical areas, we empower your body to find balance and relief, allowing you to move through life with the ease and freedom our ancestors once knew.
Comentarios