Your ultimate guide to using the kansa wand

We belong to a country where skincare and the gamut of tools, techniques, and ingredients that it brings with it has for long been tried, tested, and revered. Ayurveda has held a significant place in our lives (and on our shelves) for eons and more now, and is quickly becoming a heavily relied on go-to ritual by many across the world for healthy and glowing skin. From copper eye cups, turmeric based everything and other tools—there’s a lot that the world of Ayurveda has to offer. In a previous story, we gave you a brief low down on the Kansa wand—an ancient tool, akin to modern day jade rollers and the traditional Chinese sua shas—only better. Here, we delve deeper into its benefits, expert-backed do’s and don’ts and a carefully curated list on where to find the best ones.
 
Benefits of using the kansa wand 

Touted to be one of the most innovative alloys in history and pronounced as khan-sa, kansa is a metal alloy made of copper and tin, created some five thousand years ago. Known as the healing metal, the wooden-handled, dome-shaped kansa wand, with a tip made of the alloy, has several therapeutic benefits. 

We spoke to Astha Katpitia, head of Shankara India (an Ayurvedic beauty and wellness brand) who lets us in on the many benefits that a kansa wand has to offer. “The amalgamation of the two elements gives the skin the much needed blood circulation and boost of collagen production. The wand balances your pH naturally and the gentle massage reduces puffiness and brings out that glow from the renewed oxygenated blood. It also helps improve circulation and free movement of nutrients into cells and ensures the skin is healthy and glowing, supports the release of excess heat and acidity, tones facial muscles, and removes toxins from the lymph nodes and calms down inflammations, caused by dryness and dosha (fundamental regulatory principles of the body) imbalance.” "The alkaline alloy combination of copper and aluminum in this face tool helps balance out the skin’s acidic pH tendency as our skin usually carries an acidic pH value range between 4.7-5.9," adds Sharmilee Kapur, co-founder and director of Atmantan Wellness Centre. Besides the known benefits, wellness expert Ruchita Acharya- Founder Glow & Green, the kansa wand is the perfect balance between the mind and body. 

If you’re wondering why you should choose the kansa wand over its many counterparts, read on. 

“One benefit of using a kansa wand over other tools is that the wand is less likely to cause skin irritation or redness, as it is designed to be used with gentle, circular motions rather than scraping. Additionally, the copper in the wand may have additional health benefits beyond those provided by the massage itself,” says Katpitia. “The pressure applied during a gua sha massage is usually more intense than that of a kansa Wand massage, which can be lead to bruising, or broken capillaries,” says founder of Indulgeo Essentials, Supriya Malik. 

How to use the Kansa Wand 

There are several techniques and movements of using the kansa wand, across the different parts o the face. A thumb rule is to always pair it with a serum for maximum benefits. There are various serums you can choose to pair with the kansa wand treatment, each with varying benefits. Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics, Mumbai, says, “Vitamin C serums can help to brighten and even out skin tone, and may boost the wand's collagen-boosting effects. Hyaluronic acid serums can help to hydrate the skin and plump up fine lines and wrinkles. Peptide serums can help to boost collagen production and improve skin texture and firmness.” According to beauty expert and makeup artist, Meera Bhandari what could also work, is Jojoba oil, coconut oil or tea tree oil.  “It’s always good to use oil-based serums, depending on which ones work for your skin. You can even blend them with essential oils to get therapeutic benefits out of it too,” says Acharya. 

First, thoroughly cleanse your face and massage the serum onto your skin. Now, move the wand in circular motions around your eyes to reduce puffiness and strain. "You can also use light tapping or patting motions. Move the Kansa wand in one direction only and avoid going back and forth over the same area too many times," says Kiran Bhatt, Cosmetologist and Vice President of Junoesque Clinic. For the forehead, you can make the figure eight. “Always start from the middle of your forehead in a rotating manner and then pushing it outwards with the gentle pressure. Take the strokes to the temple of the head to release the tensions and toxins away,” says Bhandari. Upward strokes are recommended for the jawlines and cheekbones. Keep in mind to use firm and deep strokes, with the same number of strokes on the right and left side for optimum benefits. “Use light pressure and use the wand for five to 10 minutes, two to three times per week,” says Dr Sonavane.

We’d also recommend using different orb sizes of the kansa wand for different parts of the body. “The larger orb is suitable for larger areas of the face along with the neck, head and body. The smaller orb stimulates the marma points (according to ayurveda, marma points are locations across the body where a concentration of life energy exists) and targets the smaller areas like the ones around the eye and mouth,” says Katpitia. 

Don’t worry if you see grey patches appearing on your skin after the message—it’s the kansa wand working its magic and is a result of the metal reaction with acid contents on the skin. It’s an indication of release of blockages and impurities from the skin. "It's important to note that the Kansa wand should be used gently and never forcefully, as too much pressure can cause discomfort or even bruising. It's also important to clean the wand after each use to keep it hygienic and prevent the buildup of bacteria," says Bhatt. 

Where to buy the kansa wand 
If you’re wondering where to start, here’s a list of Ayurvedic and other wellness brands that you can get the kansa wand from. 

Shankara 

Shankara’s kansa massage wand is an amalgamation of tin, copper and zinc, which helps in strengthening the skin, maintaining skin collagen and helps in rejuvenation respectively. This can be paired with the brands’ anti-ageing serum or kumkumadi oil which boosts blood circulation. Price: Rs 2,450. Find it here. 

Soul Tree

This traditionally made, wooden and metal kansa wand, works its magic across various body parts including the face, feet and head. Price: Rs 2,995. Find it here. 

Amala Earth 

Amala Earth’s kansa wand is crafted to roll smoothly over the skin without causing any discomfort and relieve stress and tension. Price: Rs 1,999. Find it here. 

House of Beauty

 If you’re looking for glowing, plump and healthy skin—look no further. This kansa wand is here to look to all your needs. Price: Rs 1,530. Find it here. 

The Tribe Concepts

The Tribe Concepts kansa wand is best paired with day/night facial oils made using hempseed argan, tamanu, and rosehip and is perfect for some me-time. Price: Rs 1,200. Find it here.