Iliopsoas
Body region：Hip and buttock
Deep pain in the lower back and groin, cannot fully straighten the back when standing up
Function
Originates from the lumbar vertebrae and the 12th thoracic vertebra and inserts at the lesser trochanter of the femur. Flexes the hip and stabilizes the lumbar spine.
Common causes
Prolonged sitting shortens the hip flexors, long periods of driving, and a weak core.
Massage and stretching
- Kneeling on the back, slowly sink fingertips down
- Lunge hip-flexor stretch
Related acupoints
- Qihai (CV6)：About 1.5 cun below the navel
- Tianshu (ST25)：2 cun lateral to the navel (about three finger-widths)
Related meridians
Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin、Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming
Posture and muscle patterns
When to see a doctor：Leg numbness or weakness, or tingling that extends to the calf: see a doctor to rule out a lumbar cause.