336.331.3203 – 4605 Country Club Rd, Winston-Salem | 276.628.3486 – 458 E. Main St, Abingdon VA

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Specialized Acupuncture for Chronic Pain & Chronic Conditions

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Acupuncture for Wellness & Improved Quality of Life

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Formerly Abingdon Acupuncture

Specializing in the Treatment of Macular Degeneration, Trigeminal Neuralgia and Neuropathies

Serving Winston-Salem and Abingdon, VA

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When Seeking Solutions, Consider Acupuncture

  • Are you struggling with severe, chronic pain or chronic conditions?
  • Have you exhausted other resources or treatment options for a chronic condition?
  • Would you like to explore supplemental treatment to increase your chances of recovery?
  • Would you like to improve overall wellness and quality of life?
  • Are you willing to give acupuncture a try?
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On Point for Finding Solutions

For those with chronic health conditions, Don Thompson, D.Ac., L.Ac. is the acupuncture specialist who has the training and expertise to provide complementary solutions to traditional medical care for long-term relief and improvement through acupuncture for chronic pain and chronic conditions.

Treatments Available for

Specialized Acupuncture for Chronic Conditions

If you have been seeking relief or improvement from a chronic condition and feel like you have tried everything…. acupuncture for chronic pain and illness is an overlooked solution.

Close up of a women's eye.

Macular
Degeneration

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Man is pricking his finger with a blood sugar monitor
Complications
of Diabetes
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Women is hold heating pad to her head for pain relief.
Trigeminal
Neuralgia
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Photo of a man rubbing his hand to relieve pain.
Peripheral
Neuropathy
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Photo of woman comforting another women with a head covering who has gone through chemotherapy.
Complications of
Chemo & Radiation
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Photo of an African American couple taking a selfie while holding a positive pregnancy test.
Infertility
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Wellness Acupuncture for Chronic Pain & General Wellness

Improve healing, feeling and functioning by stimulating nerves and connective tissue.

Artisitic photo of a man with acupuncture needles in his ear.

Chronic Pain

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Artistic photo of acupuncture needles running along someone's back.
General Wellness
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Photo of depressed woman with her head in her hands.
Anxiety &
Depression
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Acupuncture When All Else Fails

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ABOUT DON THOMPSON
ACUPUNCTURE

DON THOMPSON'S ACUPUNCTURE PHILOSOPHY

Photo of Dr. Don Thompson, Acupuncturist, against a brick wall.

Meet Dr. Don Thompson

Don Thompson, D.Ac., LAc.

Dr. Don Thompson , D.Ac., L.Ac., is an acupuncturist who’s been practicing for over 20 years. He has practiced in every setting- hospitals, private practice, research, and in his own clinic. His practice has developed over the years and now he focuses on chronic illnesses that have been hard to treat by traditional path like Long COVID, macular degeneration, trigeminal neuralgia/ facial pain, TMJ and complications of diabetes including peripheral neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy. His work blends both Chinese and Western medicine concepts to create a treatment plan specific for the patient’s needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?

No; however, if you are coming for eye diseases you must be currently under the care of an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

I use mobility aids. Can you still treat me?

Yes.

Do you travel to hospitals?
No. Hospitals require credentialing of anyone working in the hospital.
Can I travel to you?
Absolutely! Our office can help you find appropriate accommodations in the area as well as a list of restaurants and activities you might enjoy while staying in the area for treatment.
What is the training of an acupuncturist?

After 4 years of undergraduate education, an acupuncturist completes 3-4 years of post-graduate training. Courses include several hundred hours in western medicine (internal medicine, gynecology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and psychiatry), but the primary focus is on Traditional Chinese Medicine (approximately 3400 hours) which includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and lifestyle (diet, exercise, and stress reduction) management.  Following 3 years of acupuncture school, acupuncturists complete a minimum of 1 year of clinical training under the direct supervision of a Licensed Acupuncturist. At the completion of formal education, acupuncturists are required to pass a comprehensive National Board examination (NCCAOM), and complete a minimum of 60 hours of continuing education to maintain Board certification.

What is the difference between an acupuncturist, physician acupuncturist, chiropractic acupuncture, and physical therapy “dry needling?”
An acupuncturist (LAc) has 4 years (approximately 3400 hours) of formal education which includes a year long internship in making a diagnosis in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and creating a treatment plan which is specific to the patient. Acupuncture points, herbs, etc, are prescribed based on the TCM diagnosis. Additionally, acupuncturists (L.Ac.) are trained in various needling modalities which is why acupuncture treatments are very rarely uncomfortable. Medical doctors (MD’s and DO’s) take an abbreviated course of 300 hours in acupuncture in order to qualify as a medical acupuncturist; Chiropractors (DC’s) take 200 hours of training in acupuncture in order to qualify in chiropractic acupuncture. Physical therapists require 54 hours of training in “dry needling.”
How many treatments will it take?
This varies on several factors, including age, length of time a person has had the health issue, overall health, medications taken on a regular basis, diet, activity level, surgeries, etc. The L.Ac. will be able to give a better idea of length of treatment after the initial examination.
Does acupuncture hurt?
When acupuncture is performed correctly it should be painless. Some normal sensations associated with acupuncture include tingling, warmth, or pulling sensation at the site of the insertion, but no pain should be experienced. Acupuncturists have excellent training in needling skills to help minimize any discomfort normally associated with needles.
Where do the needles go?
Most needles are placed below the elbows and knees; occasionally ear points will be used as well. In the treatment for eye issues, needles are NEVER placed directly in the eye.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
More insurance companies are providing some help with acupuncture care. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to see if your insurance company (and your specific policy) covers acupuncture. We do not file insurance, but will provide you with all the necessary information to receive a reimbursement from your insurance company if that is a covered expense.

Acupuncture sits between Eastern and Western medicine and can be a compliment/companion to both. Dr. Don Thompson feels it is an overlooked solution to many chronic conditions and wants to raise understanding, awareness and use of the modality as specialized medicine.

Testimonials

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"I highly recommend Abingdon Acupuncture."

“I highly recommend Abingdon Acupuncture. A very professional atmosphere, I felt comfortable immediately with my consultation and first treatment. Being treated for muscle trauma, I have felt improvement and continue to be seen weekly. Very professional, extremely knowledgeable and able to answer all questions and concerns I may have had. I am lucky to have found this place.”

– Stacie Spahr

"I never feel rushed, he always has plenty of time to talk to me about my concerns."

“I never feel rushed, he always has plenty of time to talk to me about my concerns. Don is genuinely kind, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable about my health issues. The office is immaculately clean and peaceful. He is very strict about hand washing and disposing of the needles in a proper way. In addition to the acupuncture, he also dispenses Chinese herbs that have really helped my stomach issues. I would wholeheartedly recommend Abingdon Acupuncture to everyone!”

-Johanna Galyen

"Not only has Don Thompson provided the best relief for my chronic back pain resulting from a broken back, but he has provided acupuncture to alleviate stress and anxiety."

“Not only has Don Thompson provided the best relief for my chronic back pain resulting from a broken back, but he has provided acupuncture to alleviate stress and anxiety. It is amazing how well this works! Many thanks to Don Thompson at Abingdon Acupuncture!”

-Ann Cupit Cox

"Don worked wonders on me focusing on overall health first..."

“Don worked wonders on me focusing on overall health first and then helped me achieve my weight loss and fertility goals! Highly recommend!”

-Allison Witt Price

"I highly recommend giving it a try!"

“I’ve tried several neurologists to treat my trigeminal issue, but haven’t in 8+ years had the relief from pain I’ve had since starting treatment with Dr. Thompson at Abingdon Acupuncture. I highly recommend giving it a try!”

-Toni Peirce

"My eye doctor can’t believe how much better my eyes are.”"

“I have had eye issues since the 8th grade; my vision has continually deteriorated throughout my life which required me to have trifocals lenses around the age of 30. Three years ago I was diagnosed with macular degeneration and was told I would likely be blind within 10 years. I worked with Dr. Thompson for the macular degeneration and followed up with my eye doctor for an exam after finishing a series of treatments. The eye doctor said not only had my vision
improved, but my macular degeneration had also significantly improved. The back of my eye looked the best they have in years.””

-Beth Bradshaw

"I highly recommend Don Thompson Acupuncture."

“I highly recommend Don Thompson Acupuncture. A very professional atmosphere, I felt comfortable immediately with my consultation and first treatment. Being treated for muscle trauma, I have felt improvement and continue to be seen weekly. Very professional, extremely knowledgeable and able to answer all questions and concerns I may have had. I am lucky to have found this place.”

– Stacie Spahr

"I never feel rushed, he always has plenty of time to talk to me about my concerns."

“I never feel rushed, he always has plenty of time to talk to me about my concerns. Don is genuinely kind, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable about my health issues. The office is immaculately clean and peaceful. He is very strict about hand washing and disposing of the needles in a proper way. In addition to the acupuncture, he also dispenses Chinese herbs that have really helped my stomach issues. I would wholeheartedly recommend Don Thompson Acupuncture to everyone!”

-Johanna Galyen

"Not only has Don Thompson provided the best relief for my chronic back pain resulting from a broken back, but he has provided acupuncture to alleviate stress and anxiety."

“Not only has Don Thompson provided the best relief for my chronic back pain resulting from a broken back, but he has provided acupuncture to alleviate stress and anxiety. It is amazing how well this works! Many thanks to Don Thompson Acupuncture!”

-Ann Cupit Cox

"Don worked wonders on me focusing on overall health first..."

“Don worked wonders on me focusing on overall health first and then helped me achieve my weight loss and fertility goals! Highly recommend!”

-Allison Witt Price

"I highly recommend giving it a try!"

“I’ve tried several neurologists to treat my trigeminal issue, but haven’t in 8+ years had the relief from pain I’ve had since starting treatment with Dr. Thompson. I highly recommend giving it a try!”

-Toni Peirce

"My eye doctor can’t believe how much better my eyes are.”"

“I have had eye issues since the 8th grade; my vision has continually deteriorated throughout my life which required me to have trifocals lenses around the age of 30. Three years ago I was diagnosed with macular degeneration and was told I would likely be blind within 10 years. I worked with Dr. Thompson for the macular degeneration and followed up with my eye doctor for an exam after finishing a series of treatments. The eye doctor said not only had my vision improved, but my macular degeneration had also significantly improved. The back of my eye looked the best they have in years.””

-Beth Bradshaw

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