High-Level Overview of Human Design Human Design is a system that overlays the I-Ching on the...
How the Energies of the Hindu Chakra System Align with Human Design’s 9 Centers
The Hindu chakra system and Human Design's nine centers represent the energetic layers of our being. The chakra system outlines seven energy hubs while the nine centers of Human Design expand upon this framework, offering a more nuanced view of how these energies manifest in our form.
Evidence For The Chakras
The chakra system has been used for centuries in practices like yoga, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, reiki, and other modalities that focus on aligning and harmonizing the body’s energy.
Modern studies confirm the continued effectiveness of these modalities, even as our understanding of energy has evolved. For example:
- Acupuncture: Links energetic pathways to the chakras for improved health. Evidence.
- Yoga: Balances the chakras while enhancing physical and mental health. Evidence.
- Reiki: A hands-on healing technique shown to align chakra energies. Evidence.
Working with the 7 chakra system evidentially has confirmed results in our 9 centered bodies, so there must be a connection.
Similarities and Differences Between the Chakras and Centers
The connection between the chakras and centers can be seen in a few of their overlapping themes:
- Crown chakra (Sahasrāra) and Head Center: Visions and inspiration.
- Third eye chakra (Ājñā) and Ajna Center: Insights and answers.
- Throat chakra (Viśuddha) and Throat Center: Expression and communication.
Then everything below the throat starts to splinter off. The Solar Plexus chakra (Maṇipūra) especially highlights a significant divergence.
- In the chakra system, the solar plexus chakra governs willpower, identity, and boundary setting.
- In Human Design, the Solar Plexus Center is primarily about emotions. Defined, it becomes an inner authority; undefined, it amplifies others’ emotions.
This shift raised questions about how the chakra's original functions were redistributed in the transition to the nine-centered body.
Connecting the Sacral and Solar Plexus Centers
A recent revelation came during a Pranayama workshop led by a Himalayan swami who is also a biologist and scientist. He taught ujjayi breathing, an ancient technique that bridges the mind and body by controlling the breath. (Here's a free online class from Swami Vidyadhishananda teaching ujjayi).This method specifically targets the Sacral Chakra (Svādhiṣṭhāna). It involves deep, mindful breathing that:
- Oxygenates the body
- Boosts ketone production
- Enhances prana (life force)
- Releases emotional energy
Svādhiṣṭhāna is associated with the life forces of sexuality, creativity, and emotions. It is linked to the bladder.
Human Design divides the Sacral Chakra energies between the Sacral Center and the Solar Plexus Center:
- The Solar Plexus Center in Human Design holds emotional energy, the bladder, and the lungs.
- The Sacral Center generates life force, sexuality, and creativity.
By targeting Svādhiṣṭhāna with the ujjayi breath, one can access emotional clarity through the Solar Plexus Center while harnessing the vitality of the Sacral Center.
Distribution Of The Remaining Energy Hubs
Once I was able to separate the Solar Plexus Chakra from the Solar Plexus Center, despite the mental fixation around the similar names, it was easier to see how the rest of the chakras were distributed into the centers.
The Solar Plexus Chakra (Maṇipūra) governs willpower, identity, and boundary setting. In Human Design, these energies are distributed among three centers:
- Ego Center – Willpower
- Spleen Center – Boundaries
- G Center – Identity
The Heart Chakra (Anāhata) governs love, self-acceptance, and awareness. These energies are very similar to the G Center. It is also said the aura is generated from the heart chakra, which is a function of the magnetic monopole in the G Center (which I talk about extensively in this blog).
The Root Chakra (Mūlādhāra) governs security, stability, survival, and overcoming fears. In Human Design, these energies are distributed to the Root Center and the Spleen Center.
Bridging the Two Systems
By mapping chakra energies to Human Design centers, we see how the wisdom of the past remains active today. For those who use the chakra system, this alignment offers clarity on how these ancient teachings correspond to the nine-centered form.
Though the seven chakras may not directly mirror the seven-centered bodygraph, their correlation to Human Design's nine centers suggests an evolutionary reorganization, not a replacement. Both perspectives are valid and active, providing tools to harmonize with the universe's program.
While the body's vehicle evolves, the universal energies remain constant. Ancient systems like the I Ching, astrology, and the Tree of Life continue to guide us because they reflect these eternal forces.
This understanding has been transformative in my own journey, as I’ve come to recognize how these energies actively operate in my life. By aligning with the mechanics of both systems, we can better navigate our energy and live more harmoniously.
Conclusion
The Hindu chakra system and Human Design’s nine centers are two powerful tools for understanding the energetic layers of the body. By bridging these systems, we uncover a richer perspective on how energy flows within us, empowering us to connect more deeply with our essence.
Whether we use the chakra system, Human Design, or both, we are working with the same universal energies that define our reality. By understanding the connection between these frameworks, we can navigate our energy with clarity and purpose.
Blooming Your Design
To dive deeper into Human Design’s practical applications, watch this condensed version of my somatic Living Your Design course "Blooming Your Design":
