Studies show that regular Gua Sha massage can support lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness and sculpt skin.

It’s not magic, but it feels like it. Learn everything you need to know about Gua Sha routines and how to depuff and sculpt skin with just a cheeky little massage every day.

Shop the patented Gua Sha by NAYDAYA with 4 sculpting edges.

The science behind body sculpting

So you’ve seen the jaw-dropping before and afters on Instagram and you want a piece of The Gua Sha magic for yourself? First thing’s first, let’s empower your body care routine with the science:

Lymph

Lymph is a clear liquid that travels around the body to fight off infections, deliver nutrients, and remove toxins. Lymph contains white blood cells (lymphocytes), proteins, fats, and other waste products that are transported through the lymphatic vessels.

Every time you indulge in a few too many white wines your lymph works overtime, but it also removes cellular waste left over from biological processes. 

Lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels and tissues that move lymph around the body. It includes:

• Lymphatic Vessels: Thin tubes that carry lymphatic fluid throughout the body.

• Lymphatic Organs: These include the spleen, thymus, and tonsils, which also play crucial roles in immune function and the production of lymphocytes (white blood cells).

• Lymphatic Tissues: Found throughout the body, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system.

• Lymph Nodes: Small, bean-shaped organs distributed along the lymphatic vessels, serving as filtering stations for lymphatic fluid. These include:

The lymphatic system is vital to our health but unlike the circulatory system, it’s not pumped by the heart, so it gets a bit lazy. It needs manual activation, and this can come from exercise, deep breathing, good hydration and massage. Basically, we need to give it a kick up the arse to work its magic.

How lymphatic drainage works

Lymphatic massage helps this process along by activating the lymphatic system. This is the manual process of massaging the skin in upwards motions to drain the lymphatic system. As well as helping to fight off infections, lymphatic massage also:

• Reduces puffiness and swelling
• Reduces water retention
• Visibly sculpts the skin

“Lymphatic massage can help to support the body's natural process of removing waste and excess fluid away from the tissues. It can help to promote healing in the body and reduce swelling or puffiness.” - Hannah Johnson, Scar Massage Specialist

Lymphatic Drainage with Gua Sha

So where does gua sha come in? A gua sha tool helps you perform lymphatic massage. You simply glide the tool along the body, face and scalp to perform massage techniques.

Gua sha routines are flooding Instagram and Tiktok right now but this magic is not new. Gua Sha (pronounced gwaah shaah) originated in Traditional Chinese Medicine and literally means ‘scraping disease’. This refers to the practice of scraping the skin to depuff, sculpt and release toxins and inflammation. It took centuries for the sculpting science of gua sha to reach western skincare routines and honey, we’re making up for lost time.

The Gua Sha by NAYDAYA

Shop The Gua Sha

We’re on a mission to empower every woman to feel like the goddess she is, with the most innovative body care. 

The Gua Sha is our patented tool, with 4 sculpting edges, crafted in stainless steel to depuff, cool, sculpt and ease tension through lymphatic drainage.

Use for

• Sculpting face massage
• Full body tension relief
• Reducing puffiness and inflammation
• Skin cooling
• Scalp massage

Shop The Gua Sha by NAYDAYA here.

 

Your full-body Gua Sha routine with NAYDAYA

Our bodies aren’t DIY projects; we don’t need a whole toolbox to feel great (and frankly, we don’t have time for complex routines). We’ve created one innovative tool that can be used across the whole body, face and scalp. 

Your Gua Sha Face and Body Routine

1. Moisturise skin with your favourite NAYDAYA elixir.
2. Applying gentle pressure, massage The Gua Sha across skin in upwards motions.
3. Massage for 5 minutes daily for best results.
4. Stay hydrated post massage.

Gua Sha Glory Tip: 

store in the fridge for a cooling effect.

Your Gua Sha Scalp Routine

1. To support scalp health and hair growth, apply 1-2 pipette fulls directly to the scalp, focusing on the crown and hairline.
2. Using The Gua Sha, massage scalp in circular motions to relieve tension, exfoliate and distribute product.
3. Leave Scalp Glory in hair for 10 minutes or longer, before shampooing.
4. Repeat twice weekly.

Gua Sha for scar massage

We’re big advocates of supporting scar healing through massage, and The Gua Sha is the perfect tool for the job. Scar Massage Therapist, Hannah Johnson, explains more about Gua Sha scar massage: 

“When we have scars, water can't pass through scar tissue in the same way it can with regular tissue. Massage can help move this fluid along and reduce any puffiness that can occur above the scar.” - Hannah Johnson, Scar Massage Expert

Scar recovery tip: 

For surgical scars, you can begin massage when your scar is fully healed, with no stitches or scabbing remaining. Never use The Gua Sha tool on raised, hypertrophic or keloid scars as it may irritate them.

Health Studies on Lymphatic Drainage with Gua Sha

Not only can regular gua sha give you that snatched jawline and depuffed body, but the health benefits are nothing short of transformational. Clinical studies report everything from decreased lower back pain, to a reduction in perimenopause symptoms and significantly increasing weight lifting ability. All signs point to gua sha.

Gua Sha FAQs:

How is The Gua Sha made?

Gua shas come in many different materials, but The Gua Sha by NAYDAYA is crafted in stainless steel to offer you maximum cooling effects. Stainless steel is durable and chip-resistant, unlike other stone and crystal materials. It’s also non-porous and non-irritating for sensitive skin.

Will gua sha move filler?

If having botox treatments or fillers, wait 2 weeks before applying The Gua Sha to the face. 

How often can I perform lymphatic drainage with Gua Sha?

We recommend massaging the body for 5 minutes each day for best results.

Do I have to use oil with gua sha?

No one likes a dry massage. Show your skin some love. We recommend applying Body Blitz as your Gua Sha oil first for a smooth lymphatic massage, but you can also use it with your other NAYDAYA favourites, including Body Saviour or Scar Saviour for scar massage.

How often should I clean my gua sha?

Your gua sha will be up close and personal with every crevice of your body, so clean it after each use. For optimum cleansing, run it under hot water and add a dash of your face or body wash - that way, you know whatever you’re putting on your Gua Sha is good for your skin.

When should I use gua sha in my skincare routine?

Use your gua sha daily after applying your skincare. It's great to gua sha at night on clean, moisturised skin to activate lymphatic drainage while you sleep.

Are gua sha results permanent?

Gua sha is a non-invasive massage treatment that can deliver real, long-lasting results when used daily. Continue using to maintain the effects.