Jefferson City already has been named "America's Most Beautiful Small Town," but with the help of Debi Leon, she hopes another title will be bestowed upon the Capital City - America's most well-rested.
With more than 38 years of experience in wellness, Leon hopes to bring her skill set to Jefferson City. She lived in Las Vegas before recently moving to the area where she worked in an osteopathic (whole person approach) doctor's office, practicing neuromuscular therapy. Leon began focusing on pillow therapy over 25 years ago, incorporating pillows into her neuromuscular sessions. Now, she can be found at Marshall & Company Hair & Body Wellness, helping clients get the best sleep of their lives, one pillow at a time.
The idea is simple - placing pillows in specific positions around the body to support the musculoskeletal system, balancing both blood and oxygen flow.
"There is more to the body than just the head," Leon said, noting there are a multitude of things you have to consider. "It only takes one joint in the body to send a signal to the brain."
That's why people toss and turn at night, she said. The body's joint receptors send messages to the brain when there is potential for pain or discomfort from being in a strained position.
"People just don't realize the power of a pillow," Leon said, explaining the inspiration behind the business name - Debi's Pillow Power.
Leon does not sell pillows, but instead directs people to local stores that do. Her work involves a pillow consultation, where she begins by asking "How many pillows do you sleep with?"
She assesses the position in which clients sleep, and places pillows of all different sizes behind the head, under the arm, between the knees, etc. until the client can feel the stress lift from every joint and muscle. A "pillow prescription" gives clients the tools they need to recreate the scenario in their own home.
"Why didn't I think of that?" is the most heard quote she hears as she explains the importance of keeping the body balanced.
Good sleep is essential to good health, and Leon said she has found her calling in educating people on just how to achieve that. Losing sleep due to uncomfortable conditions is unnecessary, she said.
Pillow therapy can help anyone, and especially those with previous injuries. Joint receptors hold on to the memory of injury indefinitely, "if they are not reset and reprogrammed," Leon said.
"Pillows can and do reset and reprogram the neuromuscular system."
Leon, a self-proclaimed "pillow therapist" said people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and many more can all be helped through pillow therapy. The local entrepreneur has already visited several businesses in Jefferson City, including local nursing homes and with members of the city staff. She hopes to visit local factories as well.
"It's hard for anyone to get the concept of what I do, unless they actually experience it. I have a lot of educating to do here in Jeff City, so I can make this "The Best Well-Rested Town in America.'"