Vanessa Castello Pereira

Biography and Expertise of Vanessa Castello B. Pereira

Vanessa Castello B. Pereira stands at the forefront of a unique and emerging field within integrative medicine: Olfactory Therapy. Her work is dedicated to understanding and applying the power of scent as a therapeutic tool, grounded in the principles of the Biopsychosocial Model of Health. As an independent scholar and practitioner, she has carved a niche in Brazil by developing methods that use olfactory sensory enrichment, based on affective memories, to improve quality of life and overall well-being.

Her approach is profoundly aligned with the 3rd WCTCIM’s motto, “Knowledge Diversity,” as she brings a novel therapeutic modality rooted in sensory science to the global stage. This work directly engages with the Thematic Axis, “Diversity of TCIM Modalities,” by presenting a practice that, while complementary, draws its evidence from neuroscience, psychology, and traditional knowledge systems. Therefore, her contributions exemplify how innovative, non-invasive therapies can be integrated into holistic healthcare frameworks.

Furthermore, the research of Vanessa Castello B. Pereira on sensory-perceptual processes and affective-olfactory memories provides a compelling case for the evidence-based contributions of TCIM to global public health. By investigating olfactory disorders and developing rehabilitation techniques, she addresses health challenges that impact millions, offering a scientifically grounded yet deeply personal therapeutic experience. Her work from Brazil also highlights the importance of South-South collaboration in developing and sharing new healthcare solutions.

Professional Career

The professional journey of Vanessa Castello B. Pereira reflects a consistent dedication to building a new therapeutic discipline from the ground up. Her career began with a solid foundation in naturology, which provided a holistic perspective on health. Over time, she has systematically integrated advanced knowledge from psychology and neuroscience to refine her clinical methods and establish a scientific basis for her practice.

Her independent clinical practice has been a living laboratory for developing and testing Olfactory Therapy protocols. Beyond direct patient care, she has focused on disseminating her findings through academic channels and professional training, thereby cultivating a new generation of practitioners interested in this sensory-based approach to health. This trajectory demonstrates both clinical expertise and a commitment to advancing the field.

• 2007 – Present: Founder and Clinical Practitioner at her private practice, dedicated to Naturology and the development of Olfactory Therapy. She provides individualized care using a biopsychosocial framework, with a focus on sensory enrichment, affective memory, and well-being.
• 2015 – Present: Independent Scholar and Researcher, focusing on the cognitive and perceptual processes of olfaction. Her research explores themes such as olfactory social bonds, cultural heritage related to scents, and the development of new models for olfactory rehabilitation.
• 2010 – 2018: Guest Lecturer at various institutions in Brazil, delivering workshops and courses on complementary and integrative practices, with a special emphasis on the therapeutic applications of aromatherapy and a precursor to her formalized Olfactory Therapy.

Academic Qualifications of Vanessa Castello B. Pereira

The academic background of Vanessa Castello B. Pereira is a testament to her interdisciplinary commitment. She has deliberately pursued education across complementary medicine, psychology, and neuroscience to build a comprehensive understanding of the mind-body connection. This unique academic trifecta provides the theoretical and scientific scaffolding for her pioneering work in Olfactory Therapy.

Each degree has added a critical layer to her expertise, allowing her to bridge the gap between traditional holistic practices and modern scientific validation. Her Master’s research, in particular, solidified her focus on the psychological dimensions of olfaction. Consequently, her qualifications uniquely position her to lead research and clinical innovation in her specialized field.

• Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology: Earned from the prestigious Institute of Psychology at the University of São Paulo (USP), this degree provided her with a deep understanding of cognitive processes, sensory perception, and affective science, which are central to her therapeutic model.
• Postgraduate Specialization in Neuroscience Applied to Psychology: Completed at Mackenzie Presbyterian University, this program equipped her with detailed knowledge of the neural pathways underlying olfaction, memory, and emotion, adding a critical neurobiological dimension to her work.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Naturology: Obtained from Anhembi Morumbi University, this foundational degree instilled in her a holistic health philosophy and provided training in various complementary and integrative practices, setting the stage for her future specialization.

Research and Publications

The research agenda of Vanessa Castello B. Pereira is centered on creating a robust evidence base for Olfactory Therapy. Her investigations delve into the complex interplay between the olfactory system, cognitive functions, and emotional regulation. This work is critical for moving sensory-based therapies from anecdotal practice to scientifically validated interventions. Her Master’s thesis at the University of São Paulo (USP) served as a cornerstone of this effort, exploring the nuanced connections between scent, memory, and identity.

Her scholarly pursuits are characterized by an interdisciplinary approach, drawing methodologies from psychology, neuroscience, and qualitative research. This allows her to explore not only the neurobiological mechanisms of olfaction but also the rich cultural and social meanings of scent. Therefore, her work contributes significantly to a more holistic and person-centered understanding of health, aligning with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which call for the integration of science and evidence in traditional medicine.

Vanessa Castello B. Pereira is committed to disseminating her findings to both academic and clinical audiences. She has presented her research at national conferences and is working on publications that detail her therapeutic models and clinical outcomes. Her focus areas include the development of protocols for olfactory rehabilitation after viral illnesses, the use of scent to support emotional well-being in elderly populations, and the concept of “olfactory heritage” as a component of cultural identity and mental health.

Connect with Vanessa Castello B. Pereira

To follow the innovative work of Vanessa Castello B. Pereira and learn more about her research and clinical practice in Olfactory Therapy, you can access her professional and academic profiles through the links below. These platforms provide further details on her publications, presentations, and contributions to the field of integrative medicine.

Lattes Curriculum (Brazilian Academic Platform): View Academic Profile

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn