Maria Aparecida das Neves is a clinical psychologist specialising in eating disorders and sports psychology, with over 35 years’ clinical experience in complementary and integrative therapies at the Institute of Psychiatry at Hospital das Clínicas in São Paulo.
She has been using essential oils since 2015 as complementary care to improve patients’ physical and mental well-being, using natural techniques. She has developed protocols such as Aromatic Touch-a weekly hand massage with essential oils-and Forest Bath-an innovative indoor project aimed at recreating the experience of nature with essential oils in the hospital environment.
These workshops aim to improve general well-being and reduce stress levels in patients.
Maria also teaches naturopathy at the Universidade Paulista (UNIP) and the specialisation in phytotherapy and medicinal plants at the Escola de Educação Permanente (EEP) of the University of São Paulo (USP).
Maria Aparecida das Neves is the winner of the René-Maurice Gattefossé 2024 International Prize.