Meet Our Acupuncture Team

Dr. Karolina Zagaja of Herba Acupuncture, Naturopathic Doctor specializing in Acupuncture

Dr. Karolina Zagaja

Naturopathic Doctor, Specializing in Acupuncture

DrZagaja@HerbaAcupuncture.com

My name is Dr. Karolina Zagaja and I am a licensed Naturopathic Physician, specializing in acupuncture. I graduated from the University of Bridgeport, where I earned my doctorate in naturopathic medicine. I am also board-certified with an active physician’s license in the state of Connecticut, along with being a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians 

Becoming a naturopathic physician was not always the plan for me. While in undergrad at Quinnipiac University, I always thought I wanted to become a dentist. It wasn’t until my last year of undergrad that I really took a moment and decided that dentistry was not the right path for me. I always knew I wanted to do something in healthcare, and luckily, my sister, a medical doctor, introduced me to naturopathic medicine. 

Within my first year of naturopathic medical school, I struggled with my eczema flaring up to the point that I couldn’t get any relief from any steroid or prescription medicine. I consulted my naturopathic professor and followed her recommendations of changing my diet, discontinuing steroids/prescription medications, and starting natural supplements. Shortly after, my eczema went into remission, and I knew that the naturopathic field was for me.

Dr. Zagaja’s Acupuncture Specialities are

  • General Pain

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders (bloating, acid reflux, IBS, constipation)

  • Arthritis

  • Migraines/Headaches

  • Bell’s Palsy

  • TMJD

  • Women’s health (perimenopause, menstrual cycle regulation, hormone balance)

  • Fertility (natural, IVF, IUI, birth stimulation)

  • Mental health (fatigue, anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances)

  • Seasonal Allergies/congestion

Maura Emerick, L.Ac of Herba Acupuncture

Maura Emerick

Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist

Maura@HerbaAcupuncture.com

My name is Maura Emerick and I am a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist with specialized training in orthopedic acupuncture. I earned my degree at the New England School of Acupuncture, now a part of MCPHS University in Worcester. I am also a nationally certified Diplomate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine through the NCCAOM.

My original undergraduate degree was in Business and Marketing, but after working in the marketing field for 4 years, I realized it was burning me out more than lighting me up. Around that time, I started doing yoga and ended up doing a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. I loved teaching yoga, but still felt like something was missing. After a minor car accident, my chiropractor suggested I try acupuncture and after my first session I knew that was the right path for me.

The beauty of acupuncture is that it can treat a wide variety of ailments because we are really treating the whole person instead of just the complaint. After about 4 years of practice, I have seen this medicine provide relief from many different symptoms. However, I have also found that allowing patients space to take a break from their busy lives and have an hour to connect with themselves and settle their nervous systems is another important benefit of the treatment.

Maura’s Acupuncture Specialities are

  • Pain management

  • Fertility (natural, IUI, IVF, labor support)

  • Women’s health (perimenopause, menstrual cycle regulation, hormone balance)

  • Migraines/Headaches

  • Mental Health (anxiety, depression, stress)

  • Sleep issues

  • Seasonal allergies/congestion

  • Fibromyalgia symptoms

  • Orthopedic issues

Natalia Medero

Licensed Acupuncturist

Natalie@HerbaAcupuncture.com

My name is Natalia Medero and I am a licensed acupuncturist. I graduated from the University of Bridgeport, where I obtained my Doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I studied abroad at the Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shengyang, China, where I earned my internship certificate in Chinese medicine. I am a board certified Doctor of Acupuncture and nationally certified Diplomate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine through the NCCAOM.

I come from a family with a strong agricultural background. Growing up with a grandmother who was a big proponent of “kitchen healthcare”, I value natural herbal remedies and holistic care as a way to keep the body in a state of vitality and balance.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine were first introduced to me over 20 years ago, when I was involved in a motor vehicle accident that left my neck and back badly injured. My primary care doctor recommended I try acupuncture, and I took his advice. After treating my injuries solely with acupuncture and Chinese herbs, I learned first hand about the rapid pain relief and healing ability of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Almost immediately after, I dedicated my career to becoming a practitioner.

I vow to tailor each of my patient’s treatments to provide them with the best chance to regain balance and harmony, as well as a literal and figurative “therapeutic touch” to their overall wellness journey. While my focuses are broad, my treatments are thorough - I always take a look at each individual issue holistically. Part of why I love TCM is because it looks at the body as a whole, and helps to reconnect our mind, body and spirit back to one another, and I bring that with me into my treatments.

When I’m not practicing acupuncture, I enjoy cooking, traveling, staying active, making downtime for reading and self-care, and visiting my Neurophysiologist son in Boston, MA.

Natalia’s Acupuncture Specialities are

  • Pain management

  • Surgical support

  • Cosmetic acupuncture

  • Sports injuries (acute and chronic)

  • Digestive Health (IBS, acid reflux, constipation, Chrohn’s disease, nausea)

  • Orthopedic issues

  • Women’s health (perimenopause, menstrual cycle regulation, hormone balance)

  • Fertility (natural, IUI, IVF, labor support)

Dr. Zagaja’s treatment schedule is as follows:

Monday : 1pm - 7pm

Tuesday : 2pm - 7pm

Wednesday : 12pm - 7pm

Thursday : OFF

Friday : 9am - 2pm

Saturday : 9am - 1:00pm (every other weekend)

Maura’s treatment schedule is as follows:

Monday : 11am - 5pm

Tuesday : 1pm - 7pm

Wednesday : OFF

Thursday : 12pm - 7pm

Friday : 8:30am - 2pm

Saturday : 9am - 1:00pm (every other weekend)

Natalia’s treatment schedule is as follows:

Monday : OFF

Tuesday : OFF

Wednesday : OFF

Thursday : 12pm - 4pm

Friday : OFF

Saturday : 9am - 1:00pm (once a month)

Testimonials

  • "Maura has been an amazing help to me during my cancer journey. I was anxious about trying acupuncture and she put me at ease and made the process easy and relaxing. I truly believe that acupuncture helped reduce the many side effects of chemo and aided in my recovery throughout my treatments. Maura is kind, thoughtful and gentle in her approach. I highly recommend her to anyone considering acupuncture."

    -NS

  • "Maura was so wonderfully kind, empathetic, and helpful throughout my fertility struggles and in every consult before the treatment I felt like I had her undivided attention. I strongly believe acupuncture is the reason I have had such a healthy and vibrant pregnancy! Again, at every consult Maura listens attentively as I describe any aches or pains I have and works to remedy them. It is always such a pleasant and relaxing experience and is one of my favorite parts of the week. Thank you so much Maura!"

    -MO

  • I had a wonderful experience at Herba Acupuncture! Dr Karolina is such a warm, thorough and knowledgeable practitioner. She spent a lot of time going over my issues/concerns and gave me some options as to how to proceed. She took extra time explaining the process and making sure i was comfortable. The space is quite comfortable and welcoming. Whether you've had acupuncture before or this is your first time you absolutely must try out Herba Acupuncture! You will be happy you did!

    - LK

  • I've been doing acupuncture for years and I love this practice! The space is clean, warm and peaceful. Maura and Karolina are great practitioners who use several techniques to help you. I highly recommend checking out Herba Acupuncture!

    -MS

  • I've tried many practices for acupuncture and nothing compares to the comfort and company at Herba acupuncture. I've worked with both Maura and Karolina and they're both so sweet and precise in making sure you're comfortable during treatment and getting the results you need. I cannot recommend them enough!

    -SE

  • Karolina and Maura are fabulous. I’m so impressed with their business, the space they’ve curated, the cleanliness, the responsiveness and caring environment. Beyond that, they are truly skilled and have been instrumental in my care. I recommend them to everyone I know, especially women being treated for fertility.

    -AO

  • Hello! I was excited to continue my acupuncture therapy as I feel it is helping me manage my migraines and body pain. The space was welcoming and inviting . The rooms were perfect and made to help the patient relax! I can't say enough about the staff they are so welcoming, professional and you can tell they really care about the patient/client. I am happy to be a client at Herba Acupuncture!

    -AS