In the past few decades a new profession has developed that combines the art of healing with the emotional pleasures of artistic creativity. Michael Samuels describes the dyadic relationship that occurs in a hospital setting between an artist and one who is suffering from an illness. Almost universally, the artist regards this relationship as one that is sacred. Virtually all of the arts, he says, have an intrinsic healing effect --drawing, dancing, music, gardening, poetry and drama.

Michael Samuels, M.D., is the author of sixteen books on holistic medicine including The Well Body Book, The Well Baby Book, Seeing with the Mind's Eye, Healing with the Mind's Eye, and Creative Healing (co-authored with Mary Stockwood Lane).