Wu Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Sickness (bìng) Lou (瘻) Kangxi strokes: 16 Page 779, Entry 35 Pronounced lou (falling tone) Shuowen Jiezi (Dictionary of Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters) states it means swelling. Another source states it refers to a chronic sore. Yupian (Jade Chapters) states it is a sore. Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing) states: On the mountain of Banshi, the He river flows from its northern side; it contains many teng fish, which, if eaten, prevent carbuncles and can be used to treat lou. Commentary: Lou belongs to the carbuncle category. Inside, there are often insects. Liu Zongyuan, Account of the Snake-catcher (Bushezhe shuo): It can cure leprosy, muscle contractions, sores, and malignant ulcers. Also pronounced liu (falling tone) according to Jiyun (Rhyme Compilation). Also pronounced lu (rising tone) according to Longyuqie. The meaning is the same. Also pronounced lou (level tone) according to Guangyun (Broad Rhymes). Ju-lou means a curved spine. Zihui (Collection of Characters) notes it is also written in a variant form (lou). Textual Research: Classic of Mountains and Seas, the original text reads can be used to treat lou. We have corrected the text to read as lou. Liu Zongyuan, Account of the Snake-catcher, the original text reads can be used to cure leprosy, muscle contractions, sores, and malignant ulcers. We have corrected the text to read as muscle contractions and sores.