April 12, 2026

By L Chehab-Fabry

Yoga glossary O and P – Om and Psoas

This chapter of the Yoga Nest Glossary combines the letters O and P. Each term is presented with a factual definition, followed by a more embodied Yoga Nest version.

White Om symbol on blurred glass — The sacred Om symbol stands out against a delicately blurred background. An invitation to serenity and meditation.

Yoga glossary: letters O and P

🔠 Letter O

Opening

Definition: Joint movement aimed at increasing amplitude in a given direction, often associated with extension or abduction. In the language of yoga, it can also refer to a feeling of expansion.

Yoga Nest version: An opening is measured not just by its amplitude, but by the quality of what you feel.

Om

Definition: A fundamental sound in the yogic tradition, often used at the beginning or end of a practice. It is composed of several vibrations (A-U-M) and symbolizes unity.

Yoga Nest version: A seemingly simple sound that requires you to dare to let it resonate, without trying to be the longest in the room.

Ojas

Definition: Ayurvedic concept of a subtle vital energy linked to vitality, stability and regenerative capacity.

Yoga Nest version: An energy that’s more stable than spectacular, that builds over time.

Shoulder blades

Definition: Bones in the upper back, essential for shoulder mobility and stability.

Yoga Nest version: A key zone for understanding many upper-body postures.

Oscillation

Definition: Back-and-forth movement used in certain somatic approaches to explore mobility.

Yoga Nest version: Oscillation, a simple movement that helps the body find its own rhythm.

Obliques

Definition: Lateral abdominal muscles involved in trunk rotation and stabilization.

Yoga Nest version: Muscles that really come into their own with slow twists.

Organs

Definition: Internal structures responsible for vital functions, influenced in particular by respiration and movement.

Yoga Nest version: Invisible, but very sensitive to the way you breathe and move.

Shoulder prosthesis close-up in black and white — Scapula and humerus: artistic detail of a shoulder prosthesis in black and white. A visual exploration between medicine and design.

🔠 Letter P

Psoas

Definition: Deep muscle connecting the lumbar spine to the femur, involved in posture and hip flexion. It can be influenced by stress and prolonged sitting.

Yoga Nest version: A central muscle, often used without realizing it, especially after long hours of sitting.

Perineum / pelvic floor

Definition: Muscles at the base of the pelvis, involved in organ support and stability. It is also worked consciously in yoga and Pilates.

Yoga Nest version: A discreet but essential zone that benefits from being felt rather than simply contracted.

Pranayama

Definition: A set of breathing techniques that are an integral part of yoga, and can be practised on their own or as part of a session.

Yoga Nest version: Taking the time to breathe becomes a practice in itself.

Prana

Definition: Yogic concept referring to the vital energy circulating in the body.

Yoga Nest version: A way of naming what animates the body beyond the visible.

Proprioception

Definition: Ability to perceive body position in space without vision.

Yoga Nest version: Know where you are, even with your eyes closed. Not to be confused with interoception.

Posture

Definition: Organization of the body in space, influenced by habits and the nervous system.

Yoga Nest version: A constantly adapting balance, rather than a perfect position.

Pratyahara

Definition: A stage of yoga that involves the withdrawal of the senses and the reduction of external stimuli.

Yoga Nest version: A moment when the outside takes up less space.

Progressiveness

Definition: Principle of gradual evolution respecting the capacities of the body and nervous system.

Yoga Nest version: Step by step, slowly but surely.

Pingala

Definition: Nadi associated with solar energy. It is represented as winding around Sushumna with Ida in a spiral movement.

Yoga Nest version: A dynamic in motion, always in relation to its opposite equilibrium.

Piriformis

Definition: Deep hip muscle that may be involved in certain types of sciatic pain.

Yoga Nest version: Small muscle, but often very present when it shows up.

Dancer in motion with soft focus effect — Slightly twisting opening movements that stimulate the psoas and obliques in particular, and call on proprioception.

To learn more

If you would like to delve deeper into some of the topics covered in letters O and P :

Sources and references

Nervous system and regulation: Stephen W. Porges, The Polyvagal Theory. Editor’s page
Fascias and movement organization: Thomas W. Myers, Anatomy Trains. Official website
Pranayama and traditional practices: Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. Presentation
Yoga philosophy: Patanjali, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, translation by Swami Satchidananda. Buy the book
Anatomy of movement: Blandine Calais-Germain, Anatomy for movement. Official website