While providing solace for the soul, Dharmasthala has not overlooked the importance of the body, for the Kshetra has been the fountainhead of a number of health initiatives that have proved a boon for the ill and suffering. Shri Veerendra Heggade's forays into the interiors of the Malnad Area opened his eyes to the suffering of the people in the region due to lack of medical facilities. A mobile hospital, fully equipped to treat patients and even deal with emergencies, was his answer to this problem.

Recognising the high incidence of tuberculosis around Dharmasthala, a modern TB Sanatorium was established at Laila under the aegis of the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Medical Trust. Now it has been turned into a general hospital since April 2003 as private institutions are not allowed to treat tuberculosis patients.

This was followed by the SDM Eye Hospital at Mangalore. His uncompromising belief in providing nothing but the best saw Shri Heggade make this unit an ultra-modern allopathic eyecare facility with state-of-the-art operation theatres and laser equipment.

Using that time tested age old system of Naturopathy, this hospital treats a wide range of problems from minor ones like fever and coughs to rheumatism, diabetes and paralysis. Using steam baths, saunas, whirlpool baths and more, the hydrotherapy section offers relief to patients. This is complimented by mud baths and massages. A diet center provides patients with the right diet, while meditation and therapeutic yoga exercises provide the right discipline for a healthy living. Magneto therapy, acupuncture and physiotherapy are other treatments that add to the belief that better health is possible without medication by just abiding laws of nature.

For a person who believes strongly in the ancient culture and practices, Shri Heggade's faith in Ayurveda was no coincidence. At a time when allopathic treatments were the accepted norms of the day, Shri. Heggade gave the much-needed impetus by taking over Ayurveda Hospital at Udupi. This hospital is a beautiful example of how ancient system can be easily blended with modern medical facilities like operation theatres, X-Ray Units, etc. This 300 bed hospital together with the 200 bed hospital at Hasan treat more than 300 to 400 out-patients on an average day, specially in the departments of Panchakarma, Shalya and Prasuti.

These hospitals generally offer the traditional Panchakarma therapy to treat bodily disorders caused by 'vaata', ' pitta' and 'kapha'. Shalakhya and Kshara deal with eye related problems and surgical removal of external growth respectively. Even nervous disorders such as paraplegia, paralysis and Parkinson's find treatment here as also skin problems such as psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema.

Regular treatments apart, both these hospitals specialize in therapeutic yoga and rasayana chikitsa (rejuvenation therapy). The success of these hospitals, promoted the Kshetra to open an OPD in Mangalore where over 100 patients are treated daily. Now it is converted into a 50 bed hospital with the necessary infrastructure. Supporting all these hospitals is a well equipped pharmacy at Udupi with facilities for formulating and manufacturing important ayurvedic medicines including tablets, powders and liquids.

Blending with the natural foliage on the banks of river Nethravathy at Dharmasthala is an excellent example of how architecture can be inspiring without being overpowering. This is the SDM Hospital for Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences. Based on the five elements of Air, Water, Ether, Earth and Light, Naturopathy has roots that have been lost in the mists of time. But the modern revival of this system is based on a solid scientific platform utilising the latest equipment for research and treatment.