NEW! The Psoas and its related visceral structures.

In this three days workshop we will learn how to evaluate and treat the function of the Psoas muscle. As we know from anatomy the psoas moves our legs and not our backs. However the psoas also contributes  to the inner dynamics  of inner spaces in front of the back. By that it has influence on the curves of the spine and on the fluid dynamics of the vertebral discs.

We will have a look on the anatomy of the main fascial  connections around the Psoas, to understand its role as the “crossroad of the motormechanics and the viscera”(Ida P. Rolf).

In theory and practice our focus will be::

• The spacious interaction of the muscle activity and the motion of the kidneys, that is caused by the activity of the respiratory diaphragm.
• The adhesions present between the posterior peritoneal wall and the anterior part of the fascia of the psoas and  the renal fascia.
• The role of the paranevric fat for stabilization of the retoperitoneal space.
• The connections between parts of the intestinal tract  - especially the colon - and  the psoas.
• The direct  relationship  of the Fascia transversalis to the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies of the lumbar spine.
• The bony framework  and the related ligaments of coccyx, ischia and sacrum for maintaining  the spaces for psoas action.

The main emphasis of this course is practice. Each step of evaluation and treatment will be introduced in terms of anatomy and followed by practical demonstration. We will start discussing the traditional approaches of Ida P. Rolf, her ways to work on the “space, that the Psoas runs through.” We will compare the Rolfing view with the similar psoas work of Ludwig  Schmitt, the founder of Reflexive Breathing Therapy.

And finally we will learn NEW manual techniques for the psoas and its neighboring elements, especially the kidneys. In addition we will experiment with a new type of movement exercise for activation of the psoas. We will aim for profound impact on deep layers, but nevertheless respect the vulnerability of tissues around the groin, especially the peritoneum and the fascia of the transversus abdominis muscle.

Aside of the preventive value of the psoas techniques all this aims for effective treatment of 

• Dysfunctions of the pelvic area and of the hip, knee and ankle.
• Specific disc problems on the level of the lumbar spine
• Dysfunctions of the human gate on the level of coordination.