Robert Genn's Twice Weekly Letter
Insight and inspiration for your artistic career.

Dear Artist,

In the Thought Garden outside the Acupuncture Center, I strike up a conversation. Marie tells me she's in for "calmness, nicotine and fertility." She's a sinewy Hollywood type who looks like she could make herself into a pretzel. "I do it in combination with yoga, colon hydrotherapy and Rolfing," she tells me. "Looks like you're a bit out of line yourself," she adds. She speaks gently, thoughtfully. I tell her I'm trying to find out if acupuncture might help in creativity. "For sure," she says. "You're a painter--I can tell by your nails." It was my time for the inner workings of the Center.

Ms. Chang could have been a heroine in a Kung Fu movie. Her smooth consultation was over in minutes. She spoke with the matter-of-fact certainty of a religious convert or an anaesthetist about to administer gas. "You may need to book several times," she said as she delicately laid her needles on a white towel. I told her I was only in Malibu for a few days. "Even one visit will help," she assured me. Her needles went in with nary a whimper from me. I admired a hanging basket of shiny foliage. I thought it could use a dusting. A chart on the wall reiterated the benefits I had read before. My needles stayed in for a while with an occasional wiggle or wag. Ms. Chang hummed a bit, left, came back. Then she systematically removed my needles and I was released to the new me.

I tore back to the beachside condo and squeezed out. There were ample subjects on the beach below, but I was into my head. The cries of delighted children catching the Frisbees thrown by their fathers made me think of the blessing of good health and the wisdom of family life. But I was alone, an outsider in these parts. Anyway, I seldom have much trouble concentrating in strange places. My efforts were more casual than usual, more laid back. I had the distinct feeling that this 11" x 14" was an extra. Do you know what I mean? This one didn't count because it was outside the regular pattern. It felt good, perhaps because it went a bit brighter, fresher, and, like my recent treatment, faster.

The next morning the painting didn't look so hot. But maybe that's just me. Maybe it's my out-of-line posture. I wondered if I might ever see Marie again so I could ask her where she does her Rolfing. Anything is possible in California.

Best regards,

Robert

PS: "Movie directors come to me before going on the set so they can be more centered and clearer in the way they want their films to evolve." (Carlotta Chang, L.Ac.)

Esoterica: Acupuncturists here in California claim results in cases of "high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, chronic and acute pain, fatigue, headaches, menopausal symptoms, pregnancy, infertility, weight and immune system issues." They also claim value in general health maintenance, stress relief, clarity of thought and decision making. Many practitioners also offer a variety of "holistic modalities." These include herbal medicine, nutritional counselling, aroma therapy, flower remedies, moxybustion and emotional clearing.

If you would like to read more information related to the above letter please visit the Creative acupuncture Clickback


* SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES* : www.PaintersKeys.com