Deciding which route to take needn’t be a difficult task, many people choose to start with one and then also learn the other as both systems complement each other and provide different tools.  Both utilize the same universal energy so there is no clash or negative results from learning both together and each provides certain advantages which are discussed below.

How is Usui Reiki and Kundalini Reiki different?

Usui Reiki seems to work on the etheric energy level of the body, or the ‘blueprint’ of the body.  Energy from the Universe travels through our hands and into the body automatically and without thought or intention.  The healer can actually be asleep or can be an animal and the reiki will still flow, as if by osmosis.  Energy will travel from areas of high energy ie. the Universe, to areas of low energy ie our body.  It is a very simple, natural and totally automatic response.  The Reiki workshops activate the Reiki in a person’s hands and allows this process to flow.  As a result you do not need to be aware of energy, or of flow, or indeed of any sensations.

Usui Reiki treatments for both self-treatments and treating others last from 30 to 60 minutes and induce a deep sense of relaxation, similar to meditation.  As a result when treating yourself with Reiki you will feel much calmer and it will probably put you to sleep!  The Usui system’s advantage is in its ease of use and automatic flow – meaning you do not need to be aware of what you are doing, or have any feelings or sensations for the energy to work.

At the level 1 Workshop you will learn how to give a treatment to yourself, to others and to plants and animals.  However, if you wish to do distance healing, cleanse environments or work on specific blockages you will need to attend a level 2 workshop to learn the symbols to activate these processes.

More on Usui Reiki, click here

Kundalini Reiki appears to work through the mental energy (a higher vibration energy level) and requires mental thought to activate the healing.  Practitioners are taught to think ‘Reiki’ to get the flow going.  As a result the practitioner is more involved, and more influential in the healing process, this is particularly true at higher levels of healing in Kundalini Reiki 2 and 3.  Although this may seem more like hard work, the process is quickened and shortened because of this higher energy involvement.  It also means that through intention, the practitioner can manipulate the energy and move it around the body, as well as harmonising situations and events, releasing emotions and conducting distance healing.  This is much wider in range than Usui Reiki 1 (these techniques are taught in Usui Reiki level 2).

Kundalini Reiki treatments are 5 minutes in length and as a result people find it an easier system to do as a daily practice.  There is also an optional 20 minute mediation given at the level 1 class for those who enjoy meditation and want a longer treatment.  This system’s main advantage is in its speed to treatments and the flexibility and range of tools offered at level one.  In general we feel Kundalini Reiki 1 is equivalent to Usui 1 & 2.

More on Kundalini Reiki, click here

The benefits of beginning with Usui Reiki is that it is absolutely the best foundational healing course for the beginner, or the skeptic.  It is also the original Reiki and for some it has the attraction of its long tradition and reputation.  It is truly a tried and tested system of effective healing.

The benefits of beginning with Kundalini Reiki is that it is more versatile, faster and easier to incorporate into daily life.  It is also much faster to learn and you can benefit from a huge range of tools in a very short period of time.