Shoola: A conceptual review with contemporary correlation

Background

Shoola is an important clinical concept described in Ayurvedic classics and is predominantly characterized by severe pain. Although the term is frequently associated with abdominal pain, classical literature describes Shoola at different anatomical sites and in association with different Doshas and pathological processes. Materials and Methods: A conceptual review was conducted based on the classical Ayurvedic references and contemporary correlations. The information was systematically analyzed under the domains of definition, classification, etiological factors, Dosha involvement, Samprapti, Lakshana, Upashaya and Sadhyasadhyata.