A non-profit charity called The Himalayan Healers has opened a spa training school in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The healing school, community clinic and eco-friendly cultural retreat has been established to sponsor and train students from the ‘Untouchable' castes of Nepal, who are deemed too ‘unpure’ to touch or be touched by other castes.

Free training is provided in Ayurvedic, Tibetan and Nepali massage techniques, as well as yoga, meditation and reiki.

The centre aims to secure employment for between 10 and 40 successful students per year at resorts around the world.

In addition, rooms at the centre will be rented out to local healers for sustainability and Fair Trade products will be sold to generate income. Details: www.himalayanhealers.org