Heidi Sullivan

has been a massage therapist for over 28 years. She has worked in a variety of environments: Sports and Physical Therapy Clinics, the Red Cross, the American Stuntmen’s Association and Fitness Centers. In 2003 Heidi was voted as the 2nd best therapist in La Jolla (Reader’s Poll, La Jolla Light)! She has shared her skills at Eight Elements West for the past 15 years.

In 1997 a car accident put Heidi into a physical therapy program for 7 months. Her condition only worsened. Orthopedic physicians informed her that she would never walk normally, would never be able to lift more than 10 pounds, and would no longer be able to stand or sit for more than 2 hours.

Rather than conceding to this prognosis, Heidi made the decision to commit to alternative medical care. Within five months of acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care, Heidi’s body and mind began to recall her natural state before the accident. Still not able to work, however, she moved from Seattle, WA, arriving in her native state of California in San Diego. There, a chiropractor worked with her for several months until her recovery finally became manageable.

In San Diego she decided to further her studies in massage at I.P.S.B. and explore better ways to utilize her massage skills. With an introduction to Thai therapy and invitation to study in Thailand, she took a leave of absence. An examination from her chiropractor confirmed that her status was stable, though not optimal, to embark on this journey.

Heidi’s studies took her across the world to Thailand where she studied this ancient traditional medicine of Thai medical massage (2500 year old style), or, “Thai Therapy”. Spending six months there and working with a tutor gave her a full perspective on the depth and impact of this work, a vastly different experience had she studied in the U.S. Heidi also spent 24 days hiking the Annapurna Mountains of Nepal. She carried a 45-pound pack over the highest pass at 17,770 feet, without assisted oxygen.

Upon her return to San Diego, a full examination from her Chiropractor revealed he could not detect any residual effects from the accident, an occurrence he would not have believed it had he not taken his own notes.

Heidi has her AA degree in Communications-Motion Picture Film, and looks forward to expanding her skills in this arena in conjunction with promoting the benefits of holistic health care at Eight Elements.