Meet Our Acupuncture Team
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
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
Dr. Natalia Medero
Licensed Acupuncturist (DAOM) and Herbalist
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 : 1pm - 6pm
Tuesday : 10am - 3pm
Wednesday : OFF
Thursday : 12pm - 7pm
Friday : 9am - 2pm
Saturday : 9am - 1:00pm (every other weekend)
Natalia’s treatment schedule is as follows:
Monday : OFF
Tuesday : 3pm - 7pm
Wednesday : OFF
Thursday : 12pm - 4pm
Friday : OFF
Saturday : OFF
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