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bones of the skeletal system to amorphous consciousness of the mental system, is a holographic parallel to the matter-energy continuum of the physical universe and to the levels of energy of the chakra system, which we will explore in a later chapter. These ten systems are closely interrelated and their functions overlap. Getting a sense of the actions and relationships of these ten can be very useful in the practice and understanding of yoga.
The Skeletal System
    Our bones are the densest parts of our bodies. Though we might tend to think our skeletal system has grown and developed to a complete and static form and strength by the time we reach maturity, in fact our bones are living tissue that can be strengthened through use or weakened by inactivity throughout life. This dynamic fact was clearly evident to astronauts living in the weightless environment of space. Beyond Earth’s pull of gravity, astronauts’ bones begin to decalcify and their muscles weaken. As a result, systems of exercise that use springs and internal tensions are necessary in space travel and space stations aredesigned to revolve, simulating gravity with centrifugal force. The skeletal system is stimulated to strengthen and remain strong by the weight-bearing effects of yoga practice. Additionally, yogis learn how to move and mobilize all of the joints, where bone meets bone, in the body. A balanced practice has upper-body work and weight bearing on many body parts and moves and articulates all of the body’s joints.
The Muscular System
    The skeletal structure is supported and articulated by the muscular system. A healthy, balanced muscular system requires more than just strong, toned muscles. To maintain the symmetry and alignment of the body, muscular tensions on different sides of the body and within opposing muscle sets are equalized by yoga practice. Excessive resistance and tension within the muscles waste energy. Muscles strengthened and lengthened by yoga are less prone to injury than short, tight muscles and they work and use energy more efficiently. Yoga asana practice teaches us how to use, tone, build, and balance the muscular system.
The Circulatory System
    Numerous medical studies have shown the important health benefits of building and maintaining good circulation in the cardiovascular system. Good circulation involves blood, lymph, and all the bodily fluids. Good health, vitality, and immunity require keeping fluids moving well in veins, arteries, capillaries, the lymphatic system, and even in the bones, marrow, and spinal disks. Pumping and working the circulatory system on a daily basis is key for health, well-being, detoxification, and the relief of tension. Asana practice has many unique circulatory effects. Many postures direct circulatory flows to specific body parts, glands, or organs. Using inversions like the Headstand, Shoulderstand, and even Downward Dog, for example, bring increased circulation to the upper body, the head, neck, face, and scalp, as well as the thyroid, pineal, and pituitary glands. The many compressingand squeezing actions in yoga postures assist the heart in keeping fluids moving, preventing stagnation. These circulatory benefits and effects also work on the lymphatic system fluids, which are vital to health and the immune system. Health experts have long pointed out that pumping and circulating one’s bodily fluids through exercise is one of the most important factors in health and disease prevention.
    The circulatory system offers a spiritual lesson too. After the lungs oxygenate the blood, the heart pumps the first, best, and freshest blood back to itself. The heart has learned and instructs us in the lesson that “charity begins at home.” Serving others is a key part of yoga and loving and caring for ourselves and our own bodies are essential to serve others well. Follow your heart. In all ways give your best energy to your own heart.
The Respiratory System
    Breath occupies a central role in Hatha