I’m Nicky Thomas and I practice at York Natural Health in Acomb, which is a center for natural health care.
When I’m not practicing here, I enjoy teaching yoga at the York Yoga Studio, as well as teaching students, who are doing a three year degree course in Chinese Medicine, within the teaching Clinic at the Northern College of Acupuncture.
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.
“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.”
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.
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:
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.
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...
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.
10/03/2023
High quality evidence from a number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found acupuncture to be effective for osteoarthritis, superior to both sham acupuncture needling and usual care, including pain medication.
24/02/2023
This day is going to be gorgeous! Heal your own aches and pains, learn movement strategies to help you and your patients. Spine care is so central to all health.
Nicky and Helen are such a qualified team. Join them for this nourishing workshop for Acupuncturists.
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Nicky Thomas Acupuncture & Yoga:
I have been an acupuncturist since 1999, after completing four years of studies in Chinese Medicine. I have a busy Practice at York Natural Health, as well as teaching at the Northern College of Acupuncture in York, which provides practitioner training to degree and postgraduate degree level for students. I am a yoga teacher and offer classes and workshops at at York Yoga Studio.
As an acupuncturist I use a combination of techniques, including acupuncture, cupping, moxa, acupressure massage and relaxation techniques to treat a wide range of health problems. Also I teach gentle yoga-based stretching exercises to strengthen muscles, provide support for joints and ease muscular discomfort, as well as give personalized dietary advice, to complement treatment where appropriate.
I am experienced in a range of pain conditions, digestive, mental-emotional, gynaecological and pregnancy-related problems. I have a developed a special interest in women’s health and addressing hormonal imbalances over the years. I have seen how effectively Chinese Medicine can offer much needed support and elegantly tailored treatments for symptoms associated with menstruation, pregnancy, peri-menopause and menopause. These include menstrual pain and heaviness, PMT, fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, hot flushes and night sweats. I am dedicated to making the experience of having acupuncture one in which you have time to be listened to and understood, and feel supported through the physical and emotional challenges that you may be facing.
Teaching yoga allows me to help people cultivate health, balance and well-being but via movement and meditation.
As a member of the British Acupuncture Council, I am committed to the highest standards of care and support. I am always happy to discuss any questions or concerns your may have prior to making any decisions regarding treatment. You are invited to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have by phone (07583-291616) or email (tonyandnick123@gmail.com) or through my website (www.nickythomasyork.com).
