Headaches, Tension, and the Weight We Carry
When your body forgets how to relax
If you find yourself reaching for pain relievers several times a week, massaging your temples during long days, or waking up with a sore neck and heavy head — you’re not alone.
Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches in adults. They’re often linked to stress, posture, jaw clenching, or screen fatigue — but over time, they become more than just muscle tightness. They represent a body that’s forgotten how to “let go.”
Craniosacral therapy (CST) offers a gentle, body-based approach to help your system remember what calm feels like — easing tension, improving fluid movement, and reducing the cycle of chronic headaches.
The anatomy of a tension headache
Tension headaches usually start with tightness in the neck, scalp, or jaw. Over time, this tension compresses blood vessels, restricts movement in the fascia (connective tissue), and irritates nerves in the head and upper back.
Common symptoms include:
A band-like pressure across the forehead or behind the eyes
Dull, aching pain at the base of the skull or temples
Jaw stiffness or clenching, especially during stress
Sensitivity to light or mild nausea
Fatigue or poor sleep from ongoing discomfort
Many people also describe feeling mentally “foggy” or emotionally drained — a reminder that physical and mental stress are deeply intertwined.
Why traditional treatments don’t always last
Massage, stretching, and pain medication can all provide temporary relief. But if the underlying tension pattern isn’t addressed — especially in the cranial membranes, neck, and jaw — the pain often returns.
That’s because tension headaches aren’t only about tight muscles. They’re about how the nervous system holds and releases stress. When your body stays in a state of alertness for too long, it becomes harder to truly unwind — even during rest.
How craniosacral therapy helps
Craniosacral therapy works gently with the central nervous system using light, sustained touch. Your practitioner will focus on key areas like the skull, spine, and diaphragm to encourage natural movement of the cerebrospinal fluid and release restrictions in the fascia.
This helps your body:
Reduce muscular and fascial tension around the head and neck
Balance internal pressure that contributes to headaches
Calm the stress response, helping the nervous system settle
Improve posture and mobility over time
Unlike deep massage or manipulation, CST works quietly with the body’s own rhythm — encouraging lasting change through relaxation and awareness rather than force.
The link between stress, posture, and pain
Modern life asks a lot of the human body — long hours at desks, constant screens, mental strain, and emotional load. Over time, the head and neck absorb that tension, pulling the entire system out of balance.
Craniosacral therapy helps release those stored patterns so your body can find its natural alignment again. Clients often describe feeling “lighter,” more focused, and able to breathe more freely after treatment — a sign that the nervous system has shifted from survival mode into recovery.
What to expect during treatment
At Same Stars Wellness, sessions are quiet, comfortable, and restorative. You’ll remain fully clothed, lying on a treatment table while your practitioner uses gentle, supportive hand placements around the head, shoulders, and spine.
Most people feel deeply relaxed during treatment — some even drift into sleep. Afterward, you may notice a sense of clarity, improved range of motion, and reduced headache frequency as your body continues to rebalance.
When to reach out
If you’re experiencing recurring headaches that limit your focus, sleep, or quality of life, craniosacral therapy can be an effective addition to your care plan. It complements medical treatment, massage therapy, or physical therapy beautifully — addressing both the structural and nervous system components of pain.
Further Reading & Resources
Discover how Same Stars Wellness in Calgary provides gentle, evidence-informed craniosacral therapy to support long-term headache relief and whole-body calm.
