Psoas Release to Treat Cancer

I disrobed and lay on the table. Brad asks how my weekend went and I recount some of my adventures taking on the world. How I got chomped in a gate at the Rec center and the increasing levels of fear and feeling "I'm not safe!" He chuckles and listens with empathy. He applies a regimen of Young Living essential oils: Lemon, Lime and Orange on the feet, Lemongrass and Lavender oil on the chest. The oils are soothing and calming and it is a well established anchor that helps me feel secure. As he checks my muscles, he smooths out knots along my calves and thighs. His technique is firm and assuring. Over time, his treatment is much less painful then when I started. I would scream and sometimes cry but now it is a comfortable pain.

Today, he focused on the abdomen, "waking up the root" as he called it. He had me extend my arms and legs to check flexibility; the lower back has made some progress, yes! He performed a psoas muscle release, in which he puts pressure on points along the abdomen to lengthen the muscles. The psoas is an important muscle making it possible to run. It is rope-like muscle found deep in the abdomen and attaches to the spine and connects to the leg. It is joined at the hip by another muscle called the iliacus which travels from hip to thigh. It makes up a powerful hip flexor. A large tumor pressed up against the Psoas muscles.

The psoas is critical for good posture. Along with a coordinated team of core muscles, the psoas helps stabilize the abdominal region. Every time I stand, walk, or run, I'm engaging the psoas. Brad asks me to do the "worm" while laying down on the table. Funny story, at the conclusion of one of my appointments I did a wave like motion on the table like a worm with an impressive display of fluidity. We all laughed. Today my worm was a bit sub par.

My treatment plan includes a daily juice of carrots and apples, green smoothie and a daily workout session. In addition to checking tumor reduction, I have been gauging recovery by noting flexibility and strength. My ongoing sessions with Sports Massage Specialists has been a critical part of my holistic treatment plan. It has been a lot of work over the past year and I'm very happy with the results.