The word Kundalini refers to the dormant energy that is found at the base of the spine in the etheric body, and while dormant nourishes and vitalises the physical body. When the kundalini awakens its vibratory action graduylly increases the energy flow of chakras. As the kundalini moves up the chakra column (the shushumna) the pituatary & pineal glands are stimulated and the third eye opens, revealing the subtle planes of existence, creating a higher visual state to receive greater intuitive information. It is the experience of living within a constant consciousness of the life force energy and is the sought-after awakened state of enlightenment of spiritual masters.
The first attunement opens the healing channels to allow channeling of reiki energy.
In the Kundalini Reiki Levell 1 attunement procedure, all of the knots/blocks in the chakras are removed (except for the root chakra). The main energy channel, from the crown chakra to the root chakra, is cleansed and prepared for the Kundalini awakening that you will experience in Kundalini Reiki 2. The Heart chakra becomes enlarged and the energy channel from the hands to the Crown chakra is opened so that the Reiki energy can flow.
Kundalini Reiki level 1 includes Usui reiki, therefore you can use the symbols of Usui reiki if you wish. Kundalini Reiki itself does not require symbols.
I hope these clarifiy some of your questions.
