About

Makanani it is an Hawaiian world that combines ‘Nani’ that means beautiful and ‘Maka’, that is much of a single narrative, it means eye, view. presence but is also referred to the beginning, the origin and the beloved one.

Makanani’s invitation is to embrace our authentic inner beauty as essential first step in radiating positivity and balance into the world. My purpose is to support your self-healing journey through transformative bodywork and the power of herbal medicine.

I’m Vanessa, a licensed Lomilomi Massage Practitioner and certified Classic Massage Therapist. Currently I’m advancing my skills through the Naturopathy School. I combine my Mediterranean herbalist roots with a grounded knowledge on Hawaiian holistic approach and a solid training on body anatomy. My work includes: chants, joints manipulation, reflexology, deep tissue techniques, stretching, manipulation, aromatherapy and plant medicine.

I’m member of the Ahahui Lomilomi Hawai’i Association (ALH).

Education:

  • 2025 – 2018 Naturopath education at Holistic Medicine School SIMO – Milan, Italy  Specialities: Aromatherapy – Essential Oils. Thesis on ‘Natural Remedies for Moon Cycle’
  • 2023 Life Cycles, Moon Cycles – Herbalism with Fernanda Botelho and Olivia Fite, Portugal
  • 2021 – 2016 Lomilomi Master Training course with kumu Jeana Iwalani Naluai, at Ho’omana Spa Maui, Hawaii:
    • Lomilomi Hapai – massage for pregnancy (32h)
    • Hawaii Core & Skeletal Alignment (32h)
    • Extremities and Attachments (32h)
    • Kua lua Hawaiian Back Walking (24h)
  • 2021 Solstice Wildcraft Herbal Course (1 week). Distillation and Natural cosmetics, Mentor: Dr. Laura Dell’Aquila, at Botanical School and wild herbalism, Bologna, Italy
  • 2021 Ho’oponopono (online course) with Uncle Howard Pe’a Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi, Hawaii, USA
  • 2021 La’au Lapa’au (online course of Hawaiian herbalism) level 1 and 2, with Kumu Po‘okela Ikaika Dombrigues at Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi, Hilo, Hawaii, USA
  • 2020 Healing plants for women. (16h) Mentor: Laura Dell’Aquila, at Botanical School and wild herbalism , Bologna, Italy
  • 2019 Lomilomi Oncology and La’au Lapa’au at Hale Ola with Kumu Dane Kaeholani Silva, Hilo, Hawaii
  • 2018 – 2019 Lomilomi practitioner diploma (352h) – Kumu Noëlle Delaquis, Aloha Spirit, Meilen, Switzerland
  • 2018 Ancient Lomilomi – (50h) Jody Mountain, Kiental, Svizzera
  • 2017 Wild Edible Herbs workshop, Pietro Leemann, Joia Vegetarian Academy, Valle Maggia, Switzerland
  • 2014 Degree in Massage therapist for Health and Wellbeing (170h) – Swedish Method, licensed by Swiss Federation of Massage Therapists FSM, Switzerland
  • 2009 PhD in Design, Politecnico di Milano

My Journey into Bodywork, Plant Medicine, and Natural Skincare

My path in healing began with my first shiatsu massage course in 2012, followed by a certification in Classical Massage in 2014. In 2016, everything shifted when I encountered Lomilomi in Maui, Hawai’i—a turning point that deepened my connection to Hawaiian culture and life teachings. Since then, I’ve returned to Hawai’i multiple times, immersing myself further in the art of bodywork and traditional la’au lapa’au (plant medicine), amassing over 500 hours of education and hands-on training.

Throughout my travels and places I’ve called home, my study of plant medicine has been a constant companion, inspiring me to create solutions for my own sensitive, reactive skin. This journey led to my first formulations, using calendula and oat extractions, under the name Caleddacare—the precursor to Salvaje Artisanal Cosmetics. Caledda, meaning marigold in dialect, represents the potent, nurturing properties of this flower, especially for skin and lunar cycles.

With a desire to broaden my expertise, I later pursued Naturopathy to explore the full spectrum of natural therapies, including phytotherapy, spagyrism, and nutrition. Specializing in aromatherapy, herbal transformations (from seeds to bottle), and natural remedies for women’s health, I now bring these tools together to support well-being holistically and honor the wisdom of the plants that guide this path.

Research

As a phD in Design with experience in Italy and Switzerland, I have spent years designing media and tools aimed at making science more accessible and engaging. My work is grounded in the belief that design can foster stronger more healthy connections between people and the natural environment. My passion for plants has taken me on a journey through botanical gardens across Europe, Australia, India, Hawaii, Madeira, and now the Canary Islands.

In addition to my research, I’ve spent five years leading educational programs and horticultural projects in a community garden, where I discovered the transformative potential of tropical plants during my time volunteering with the Quetirrisi community in Costa Rica. These experiences deepened my understanding of plants as not just biological entities, but as key players in the cultural and ecological relationships that shape our world.

Here her publications’ list.

I’m passionate about ethnobotany especially related to the combination of culture, medicinal and crafting plants. I promote a personal agency in biodiversity and a mindful use of our precious natural resources including ethical foraging. As permaculturist I support communities and NGO to connect earth care practices and new generations providing funding research, talks and walks.

Bridging Self-Healing through Bodywork and Herbal Medicine

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