I believe a number of factors affect the healing that takes place for a recipient of Reiki. Some of these factors are:
 

Consistent treatment: In rare instances one treatment may bring about a complete healing. More commonly, a condition requires multiple treatments given consistently over time, especially if the condition is chronic. Mrs. Takata advised that any condition existing for more than three weeks be treated daily until healed.
 

Willingness and Intention: Reiki never forces healing. In a gentle way, it helps to bring about the healing of all that is ready to be healed. The recipient must truly desire healing, be willing to accept it, and make changes that may be necessary to complete it. Sometimes the recipient may block healing on a subconsicous level, even though intellectually he or she wishes to be healed.

Life Purpose: Sometimes a condition may be necessary for the recipient to fulfill his or her purpose in this lifetime. The condition itself may or may not be healed, but in either case, Reiki can help bring about healing on the emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. It can help reveal and integrate the lessons to be learned from the condition, as well as mitigate the fear, pain, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and confusion that may accompany chronic or terminal illness.

Reiki always heals on some level: The recipient may experience immediate relief of symptoms or receive healing that is so subtle it only becomes apparent over time. It is also possible that neither the recipient nor the practitioner may be aware of the healing, but healing always takes place.

For an in-depth discussion of the factors that affect healing, see  Reiki: A Guide for the Practice of Levels I and II, pages 12-14. 

Become a Distant Reiki Angel

Distant Reiki Angels are a group of Level II or above practitioners who have agreed to receive email requests for distant Reiki from fellow practitioners. The request may be for the practitioner, a family member, or friend.