The Difference Between Usui Reiki and Kundalini Reiki
Two Paths, One Purpose: Healing Through Energy
Both Usui Reiki and Kundalini Reiki are powerful systems of energy healing, but they come from different roots and operate in distinct ways. While their shared goal is holistic healing, the way they work with energy, intention, and the human system varies beautifully.
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right path—or blend both—to support your unique journey.
What is Usui Reiki?
Usui Reiki is the most traditional and widely practiced form of Reiki, founded by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1900s. It focuses on channeling universal life force energy through the crown chakra, flowing through the hands into the recipient’s energy body.
Usui Reiki is structured, symbol-based, and taught in levels or degrees. It emphasizes:
- Attunements passed from teacher to student
- Hand placements for healing sessions
- Reiki symbols for enhancing energy flow and intentions
- A meditative, intuitive approach to healing
This form is gentle, safe, and ideal for beginners stepping into the world of energy healing.
What is Kundalini Reiki?
Kundalini Reiki is a more modern system introduced by Ole Gabrielsen, and focuses on awakening the Kundalini energy—a primal life force located at the base of the spine. This energy is activated and guided upward through the chakras, clearing blocks and enhancing consciousness.
Unlike Usui Reiki, Kundalini Reiki:
- Does not use traditional symbols
- Focuses on direct energy flow and chakra activation
- Requires fewer steps to learn and integrate
- Encourages self-healing and rapid energetic transformation
It’s powerful, intense, and often described as a fast-track to deep energetic awakening.
Aspect
Usui Reiki
Kundalini Reiki
Origin
Dr. Mikao Usui, early 1900s
Ole Gabrielsen, modern era
Energy Source
Universal Life Force
Kundalini Energy (root chakra awakening)
Learning Style
Structured with levels and symbols
Simpler, symbol-free attunements
Healing Approach
Hands-on, meditative, intuitive
Focused energy flow through chakras
Ideal For
Gentle healing, emotional and physical support
Rapid transformation, spiritual awakening
Which One Is Right for You?
Both Usui and Kundalini Reiki offer immense healing benefits. If you're seeking gentle, structured healing with gradual deepening, Usui Reiki is a wonderful start. If you're ready for fast-paced energetic shifts and deeper chakra work, Kundalini Reiki may resonate more.
There’s no competition—only complement. Many practitioners integrate both into their personal and professional practice, allowing each to support different phases of their spiritual journey.