For the second year in a row, Lha students had the opportunity to learn basic massage therapy as a professional skill. Many Tibetans living in exile need vocational training to cultivate a future life and gain employment. As part of our mission, we focus on improving the lives of Tibetan refugees.

Lha teamed up with Tibet Action Group’s founder, Maria August, to expand and improve this year’s professional training course. (www.tibetactiongroup.com) Maria is a graduate of the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Colorado, USA. As a supporter of Tibetans, she started the training program in affiliation with Lha as a way to give back to the Tibetan community.

Earlier this year, with the help of Astralite Massage Tables (www.astra-lite.com) and many good friends, TAG was able to purchase five new massage beds for the program. Thanks to volunteers from Tulane University, the tables made it to Dharamsala and were put to good use.

During October and November, four Tibetan women and four Tibetan men took part in one month intensive training courses. The students went to class six days a week and practiced outside class time. Their diligence and hard work paid off as we are happy to announce the graduation of eight new massage therapists. Whether they stay in India or move to different countries, these graduates have the chance to find work and start their own businesses.

As a bonus to the massage program, Jenny LePage, also a graduate of BCMT, arrived in Dharamsala to teach a continuing education class. Four massage therapists from Lha participated in a one-week class focusing on neuromuscular and trigger point massage for neck, shoulders, and back. This added knowledge greatly increases our ability to help people and also improves the skill-base of our Tibetan friends. Thank you Jenny!

It was a successful year in the world of massage at Lha. We send a big thank you to everyone who made this possible. We hope to continue offering training programs for professional massage and look forward to opening an expanded Massage Center. Stay tuned for future updates!

Lha offers wonderful full-body massages in a heated room on comfortable, professional massage tables. We blend western and eastern techniques to offer the best healing and relaxation. All our therapists are eager to work, so look us up when you need a massage in Dharamsala!

Read {hits}154{/hits} times