Trigeminal Neuralgia — Finding Relief Through Gentle Craniosacral Therapy
When every touch hurts
Living with trigeminal neuralgia can feel like navigating life with the volume turned all the way up on pain. Simple acts — washing your face, brushing your teeth, even a cool breeze — can trigger sharp, electric-like pain that stops you in your tracks.
It’s a condition rooted in irritation or compression of the trigeminal nerve, one of the major nerves responsible for sensation in the face. While medications or medical procedures are often part of treatment, many people still experience lingering pain, sensitivity, or tension — especially during flare-ups.
That’s where craniosacral therapy (CST) can help. Through gentle, targeted touch, CST supports the soft tissues and structures surrounding the trigeminal nerve, helping the body reduce tension, ease nerve irritation, and find a calmer baseline.
Understanding the trigeminal nerve
The trigeminal nerve has three main branches that travel through the jaw, cheeks, and forehead. When these pathways become compressed, inflamed, or irritated — often due to trauma, tension, or postural strain — the resulting pain can range from dull and aching to sharp and electric.
In addition to facial pain, many people experience:
Eye or jaw discomfort
Ear or sinus pressure
Tightness in the neck and scalp
Fatigue or stress from chronic pain
Because this nerve system is highly sensitive, even small amounts of inflammation or tension can cause significant discomfort.
How craniosacral therapy helps
Craniosacral therapy works by supporting the body’s cranial rhythm — a subtle, rhythmic motion of the membranes and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord. By applying light touch, CST practitioners help release restrictions in the skull, jaw, and neck that may contribute to nerve irritation or imbalance.
For trigeminal neuralgia, CST can help:
Gently release fascial tension around the cranial and facial bones
Improve circulation and reduce inflammation near affected nerves
Ease muscle guarding in the jaw and neck
Support nervous system regulation to lower pain sensitivity
Over time, these changes can help the body shift from constant reactivity to a more relaxed, resilient state — reducing the intensity and frequency of flare-ups.
Why gentle touch matters
Many people with trigeminal neuralgia are understandably hesitant about touch — and that’s why CST is so well-suited. The contact is subtle, slow, and always within the client’s comfort zone. There’s no pressure, no manipulation, and no triggering movements.
Sessions are designed to help the body feel safe — because when the nervous system feels safe, it begins to release.
What to expect
At Same Stars Wellness, craniosacral therapy sessions take place in a calm, low-stimulation environment. You’ll remain fully clothed while your therapist uses gentle hand placements around the head, face, and neck. Most clients describe the treatment as deeply relaxing and grounding.
You may notice a reduction in tension, improved facial comfort, or a general sense of lightness after treatment. Like all forms of nervous system work, progress is gradual — and best supported through consistency and collaboration with your broader care team.
Further Reading & Resources
The Facial Pain Association: Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia
Harvard Health: Nerve Pain and the Role of Relaxation Therapies
Learn how Same Stars Wellness in Calgary supports patients living with trigeminal neuralgia through gentle, evidence-informed craniosacral therapy.
