The Kansa wand in Ayurvedic Beauty

There is a secret to glowing, radiant skin that has been passed down from ancient times that not only works on giving a perfect external glow but helps energise and enliven the whole body. A Kansa wand massage (a key pillar of traditional Ayurvedic massage) is something that has been used for centuries in India to stimulate blood flow under the skin, as well as connect with vitality points to promote the flow of energy around the face and body.

The magic lies partially in the traditional Kansa wand, a beautifully crafted, traditional Ayurvedic massage tool. The wand is made up of a wooden handle and a dome-shaped metal, a combination of copper and tin (a composite often called bell metal or bronze) and in India is named Kansa. It is a sacred metal, imbued with healing properties, according to 5000-year-old Ayurvedic texts, with healing and spiritual powers so revered that Tibetan gongs are made of it.

A Kansa wand massage

But it is the use of the wand over the skin where it has real beauty benefits. The massage works by using the wand to deliver slow, firm sweeping strokes from the centre of the face outwards to stimulate, lift and tone skin. It works best in conjunction with a serum, to prevent pulling of the skin. On a physical level the benefits of using a Kansa wand are akin to a natural face lift. The action of rolling leads to increased circulation, meaning skin becomes plumper, it aids lymphatic drainage which can help drain areas of the face like puffy eyes, or toxins from the skin that can assist with clearing up acne The act of massaging can, in addition, help sculpt areas like cheekbones and define muscle tone.

Health benefits of a Kansa wand

According to Ayurvedic texts, the metal of the Kansa also imbues health benefits from reducing inflammation in the body to increasing immunity.

On a deeper, more spiritual level, because the Kansa wand is designed to be used to activate marma points (more commonly known as vitality points within the body), the act of a Kansa wand massage increases the flow of prana (life-force energy) throughout the whole body. Meaning it is a wonderfully relaxing and rejuvenating experience with deep, spiritual benefits layered within.