Keepers of the Soul

by Nora Franglen

Published February 2012

The five elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water - are fundamental to Chinese medicine and metaphysics, but it can be difficult to get beyond the purely intellectual level of understanding. This rich book gets to the heart of five element theory, and offers passionate reflections on the spirit of each element, and the practice of five element acupuncture.

The author provides accessible accounts of each element, explaining what it looks like, how it presents in an individual's characteristics, how it can become unbalanced and how treatment might be approached to restore balance. With profiles of various well-known figures, including David Beckham and Elvis Presley, the author explores what it means to live in harmony as a unique being and how the five elements help shape and cultivate our body and soul. The book explains how Chinese physicians understand and diagnose their patients and offers invaluable insights into how to practise five element acupuncture effectively.

A valuable and thoughtful addition to any library, this book will be of particular interest to acupuncturists, practitioners and students of complementary medicine as well as anyone contemplating Chinese medicine as a treatment option or interested more generally in human psychology.


Nora Franglen's straightforward, accessible guide introduces this ancient Chinese system of medicine. She briefly covers its history and explores the philosophy behind it, explaining how it can benefit the reader personally by addressing specific health needs and general well-being. Five element acupuncture treats the whole person by accessing the natural energy channels each of us possess and correcting the imbalances between our five elements to restore both physical and mental wellbeing. With case studies of patients throughout, the guide provides immediate insight into how an acupuncturist diagnoses and treats patients, looking at the importance of each of the five elements in turn, and how they relate to each other.

This deceptively simple guide will help anyone interested in learning about the benefits and traditions of five element acupuncture, five element theory or Chinese medicine in general. It will be of particular interest to students as well as a great resource for practitioners to recommend to patients.


Patterns of Practice

by Nora Franglen

Published 21 November 2013

Rather than simply a different version of western medical practice, acupuncture, as the author of this thoughtful and challenging book shows, is based on a different philosophy and leads down directly into the deepest areas of human experience. Based on many years as a five element practitioner, Nora Franglen explores the way in which the practice of acupuncture enlarges the experience and understanding of the practitioner. She shares, through case study and reflection, some of the larger questions and insights that emerge from a dedicated approach to this form of healing work.

Her insights and astute observations will encourage acupuncturists of any style as well as other therapists to reflect on their own practices, their relationships with their patients, and their fears. They also shed further light on the expression of the five elements within us all.


What does it mean to 'be' an acupuncturist? How does a highly experienced acupuncturist view her practice, her patients, and the world in general?

Based on her widely-read blog about the wholeness of life as a Five Element practitioner, Nora Franglen's breadth of interest shows how the curiosity and life experiences of the individual lie at the heart of what makes a true acupuncturist, over and beyond the necessary knowledge and expertise in the technicalities of practice. From her penchant for coffee shops to reflections on challenges she has experienced in the clinic, Nora illustrates how the Five Elements influence, illuminate and, ultimately, enrich all aspects of her life, and vice versa.

With reflections gathered from over several years of posting linked by Nora's commentary, this diary is truly enlightening reading for anyone interested in the inner workings of a practitioner at one with her craft.


A practical companion for students and practitioners of five element acupuncture that helps stimulate thoughts, refresh memories and strengthen the foundation of practice.

With detailed outlines of the different components of five element diagnosis and treatment and overviews of the main characteristics of the five elements, this complete manual will support and invigorate practice. Full of examples, it explores the skills and techniques needed to nurture patient-practitioner relationships, assess patients correctly, select appropriate treatments and needle the points effectively. The book also includes a Teach Yourself Manual to further refresh understanding of this ancient form of healing.

This comprehensive handbook will be of immeasurable use to students and practitioners of five element acupuncture, as well as those who are interested in studying acupuncture and want to know more.


A Five Element Legacy

by Nora Franglen

Published 19 April 2018

Explore Nora Franglen's insights derived from decades of practice as a five element acupuncturist in this new collection. Covering tips on patient care and the patient-practitioner relationship to advice on a deeper understanding of the elements, of the healing practice, and of humanity's links to nature, the book also touches on the spiritual aspects of the work and the need for self-awareness in the practitioner.

For acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners, or anyone interested in the healing arts, this book is full of useful guidance.


Blogging a Five Element Life

by Nora Franglen

Published 21 August 2017

Based on her widely read blog, this collection includes Nora Franglen's reflections on her own continually developing five element practice, and the lived world between 2014 and March 2017, a time of enormous change.

Covering everything from politics, to her penchant for coffee shops, to how to treat patients effectively, and from tips on using moxa sticks to her acerbic thoughts on the effects of technology on society, Nora illustrates how the five elements influence, illuminate and enrich all aspects of her life, and vice versa.