Ear acupuncture is a simple, widely-used approach for supporting mental health, stress, and emotional regulation. Our group sessions follow the NADA protocol — offered in a quiet shared environment at the clinic, with a parallel online format for those who prefer to participate from home.
What these sessions are for
Many people attend to support anxiety, sleep difficulty, low mood, or a general sense of overwhelm. Sessions are simple and unstructured: you arrive, get settled, and either receive a set of small acupuncture needles in the ear (in-person) or follow a guided online awareness practice (the subtle sensation awareness format). Most people then sit quietly, rest, or simply notice what is happening.
There is no pressure to talk, perform, or achieve anything. No prior experience is needed. You’re welcome to begin in whatever way feels natural.
These sessions are offered at Ajax Harwood Clinic in Ajax, Ontario, and online to participants across Durham Region, the Greater Toronto Area, and beyond.
Session schedule
Wednesday · 4:00 PM
Ajax Harwood Clinic, 88 Harwood Avenue South. Approximately 45 minutes. NADA protocol in a quiet shared space.
Saturday · 11:30 AM
Ajax Harwood Clinic, 88 Harwood Avenue South. Approximately 45 minutes. NADA protocol in a quiet shared space.
Additional weekday sessions are sometimes available — ask when you request a spot.
Online session via Zoom
The online format is based on subtle sensation awareness (sometimes called Anapana). It explores the same underlying process as the in-person sessions — noticing experience as it unfolds — through direct attention rather than acupuncture. Often attended by people who have experienced the in-person sessions, though not required.
If you’d like to explore the format first, see our Subtle Sensation Awareness page for more context.
Two ways to begin
1 · Start with a one-to-one visit (via referral)
You meet with Dr. Yu first to explore your situation and receive personalized guidance. This can help clarify how the group sessions may fit for you.
To request a referral:
- Ask your family doctor for a referral to Dr. Carlos Yu at Ajax Harwood Clinic for group ear acupuncture
- Or download the referral form below and bring it to your doctor
📄 Download Referral Form (PDF)
Fax: 905-683-1431
2 · Join a session directly (no referral needed)
You can simply attend a group session and experience it for yourself. Many people begin this way. Some later choose to involve their family physician so their care can be more connected.
Ready to request a spot?
Tell us a bit about what you’re looking for and we’ll guide you from there. This takes about 2 minutes through our Patient Access portal.
Or call reception at 905-683-0690 — Monday to Thursday 9 am – 7:30 pm, Friday 9 am – 3 pm, Saturday 9 am – 11:30 am.
What to expect at your first session
- Arrive a few minutes early to get settled
- You’ll be welcomed quietly and shown to a seat
- Small sterile acupuncture needles are placed in the outer ear (in-person sessions)
- You rest quietly for the session — eyes closed or open, whichever you prefer
- Afterward there’s an optional brief opportunity to share observations
- No pressure to talk, perform, or achieve anything
About the NADA protocol
NADA stands for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association — the standardized 5-point ear acupuncture protocol developed in the 1970s and now used in mental health, addiction recovery, and trauma support programs internationally. It’s safe, widely studied, and intentionally simple. It works best as part of a broader care approach rather than as a standalone treatment.
The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Group sessions are a complementary support, not a substitute for ongoing medical or mental health care. If you are in crisis or have thoughts of harming yourself, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. For non-urgent concerns, our Patient Access portal reviews submissions within 1 business day.