Meet Your Providers

Dr. Karolina Zagaja

Naturopathic Doctor, Specializing in Acupuncture

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 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.

Acupuncture Specialities:

  • 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

Naturopathic Specialities:

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

  • Allergies (food, seasonal)

  • Eczema

  • General Health (high blood pressure, high cholesterol)

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

  • General Pain 

  • Arthritis

Maura Emerick

Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist

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.

Acupuncture Specialities:

  • 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

Maura is also our resident Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbal specialist. If you are interested in herbal support, Maura can help to determine what formula will be the best for your specific condition. Let us know if you would like an herbal consultation from Maura!

Dr. Zagaja’s treatment schedule is as follows:

Monday : 1:30pm to 7pm

Tuesday : 9am to 2pm

Wednesday : 12pm to 7pm

Thursday : OFF

Friday : 9am to 2pm

Saturday : 9am to 12:30pm (every other weekend)

Maura’s treatment schedule is as follows:

Monday : 9am to 2pm

Tuesday : 2pm to 7pm

Wednesday : OFF

Thursday : 12pm to 7pm

Friday : 9am to 2pm

Saturday : 9am to 12:30pm (every other weekend)

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

  • Dr. Zagaja has been an integral part of my healing process. Dr. Zagaja has helped me through countless medical conditions, always lending an ear and actually listening to my concerns, unlike most other doctors I've seen. Both Dr. Zagaja and Maura are the kindest, warmest, and best there are in Connecticut holistic medicine!

    - VB