Nicky Thomas Acupuncture & Yoga

17/04/2026

A painting breathes through its empty spaces. So do we.

In painting, it’s tempting to keep adding, adjusting, refining… until the life disappears beneath our effort.

In the body, we can do the same, filling every moment, holding tension, forgetting that space is what allows us to feel and loosen tension.

This painting is a reminder to leave room for breath, for movement, for space so that something unexpected can emerge.

We’re looking forward to exploring this essential experience through movement and art as part of our upcoming retreats in Spainrhis year. Only 1 place left im May and two in September.

For further information, or to book, please visit:

https://www.ioneharrison.co.uk/service-page/andalucia-painting-yoga-retreat?referral=service_list_widget

19/02/2026

We’re delighted to be returning to Andalucía, Spain this September and to Kerala, India in January 2027 to host our Art, Yoga & Qi Gong retreats.

There are just three places remaining on each retreat. If you’d like to join us, please visit:
https://www.nickythomasyork.com/events for full details.

Here’s what previous participants have shared:

“A deeply uplifting and beautifully curated retreat. We came away feeling restored and inspired, both creatively and physically.”
“Thank you so much, Ione and Nicky, for a thoroughly enjoyable retreat! I loved it so much, I’m rebooking for next year.”

To book your place, please visit:
https://www.ioneharrison.co.uk/book-online
We’d love to welcome you.

Watercolour workshops have a maximum of 12 participants so you can be sure of lots of individual attention. They are suitable for both beginners and more experienced painters.

23/01/2026

We’ve just returned from a wonderful couple of weeks in Kerala, one of which was spent co-hosting our very first Art and Yoga Retreat as OMARA Retreats. It was a truly magical week, filled with inspiring sights and sounds of India, painting, yoga, qi gong, delicious food, and the joy of new friendships.

We loved it so much that we’re already planning another retreat in Kerala next year. But before then we’re excited to be heading to Andalucia, Spain this spring and autumn.

I’m grateful to everyone who made this so special.

https://www.ioneharrison.co.uk/book-online

16/06/2025

I’m excited to share that I’ll be co-hosting a Yoga, Qi Gong and art retreat in Spain next year.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a daily restorative yoga practice, be introduced to the mindful movement practice of Qi Gong, and connect with your inner artist in the natural beauty of beautiful Andalucia, this retreat is for you. No experience necessary. It’s going to be a little nourishing, restful, and creative getaway for your mind, body and soul.

Date: 12th - 18th May 2026
Location: Competa, Andalucia

If this sounds like something you need, just send me a message, or for more information visit:

https://www.ioneharrison.co.uk/_files/ugd/081a97_032167499cb942aaa114df55e02e3c49.pdf

Or to book:

https://www.ioneharrison.co.uk/service-page/andalucia-painting-yoga-retreat?referral=service_list_widget

Find balance, creativity and wellness with this painting and yoga retreat in Casa Surrender, Andalucia. All levels of experience welcome!

06/04/2025

Join myself, and professional watercolour artist Ione Harrison, for a creative, nourishing, and relaxing Yoga, Qi Gong and Art retreat In gorgeous Kerala, Southern India, next January. Here you’ll enjoy immersing yourself in daily yoga and Qi Gong sessions, painting workshops, and the natural beauty of this tropical paradise.

Only a few places left. For more information, or to book a place, please visit….

Find balance, creativity and wellness with this painting and yoga retreat in Kerala, Southern India. All levels of experience welcome!

15/05/2024

An interesting article, by the new course director of the NCA, about the importance of ‘movement’ for mental health

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week focusing on raising awareness about the importance of “movement” for people who are experiencing mental health difficulties. Acupuncture Course Director Tony Sigrist has been a long-time mental health campaigner. Read his take on the campaign and its important message - which is probably pertinent for us all. https://www.ncablog.co.uk/tonys-take-on-mental-health-awareness-week-2024/

14/01/2024

What will happen when I go for acupuncture?

We know that, for some, the idea of that initial appointment can be a little daunting. Trying anything unknown can cause apprehension but you’ve done it, you’ve contacted your local BAcC practitioner for that initial appointment – so, what can you expect?

Traditional treatment is based on a thorough consultation – an holistic overview of your health, lifestyle and any other contributing factors such as diet.

A BAcC acupuncturist will take your medical history, read your pulse, may examine the site of your symptoms, and may look at your tongue. Your individual treatment plan will be based on your current health and lifestyle, and your acupuncturist will decide which combination of points is right for your whole body, as well as your symptoms.

For other frequently asked questions, visit: https://acupuncture.org.uk/faqs/

12/12/2023

As the growing evidence (including the NICE recommendation for primary chronic pain) brings acupuncture more and more into the public domain, increasing numbers of biomedical healthcare professiona…

16/10/2023

“💪 This study provides insight into the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of in primary management and depression prevention.

The risk of developing depression was reduced by 64% in acupuncture users compared with non-acupuncture users during the 19-year follow-up period. The decrease was dose-dependent.”

Acupuncture may protect against the development of depression in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. This study provides insight into the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of acupuncture in primary dysmenorrhea management and depression prevention. The risk of develop...

14/09/2023

An article that I recently wrote about finding your path through the menopause...

https://www.nickythomasyork.com/blog/2023/7/15/acupuncture-support-for-the-menopause

Please contact me at nickyjanethomas123@gmail.com if you have questions about how acupuncture might support you.

Drawing on acupuncture as a steadying resource

14/04/2023

An article I wrote about the benefits of acupuncture for chronic back pain in Family Medicine magazine.

For further information, or an appointment, email: nickyjanethomas123@gmail.com.

Acupuncture treatment for lower back pain was removed from the NICE guidelines in the 2016 update, but the British Acupuncture Council say that it can provide pain relief, reduce inflammation and improve the outcome when added to conventional treatments such as rehabilitation exercises.