le'nai,
Many people who practice Reiki have some sort of chronic illness. That shouldn't keep you from learning if you want to.
As for the other question. You will have to do your research. Talk to people, check out local new age type stores for ads, try a search on this site for someone in your area who teaches, check out local massage schools they sometimes offer Reiki classes to their students and may be able to give you a couple of names.
When you have a few names talk to them and see how thier philosophy fits with yours. There are many different ways to practice Reiki these days and you need to know what the person who is going to teach you adds into their practice and you need to be comfortable with whatever it is.
Personally I would try to find someone who sticks to the Usui Reiki basics. If you haven't already, check out James Deacon's website for Reiki info.
Walk in beauty,
Rebecca
