Shakuchū
積虫

Translation: shaku worm

This Lowly Worm looking fellow is called shakuchū, an infectious yokai which causes various muscle issues. They are believed to make their nest somewhere in the abdomen. The have a red umbrella-like growth on their head, and two white stripes on their necks. Their bodies are half red and half yellow.

Shakuchū bother their hosts by sinking their teeth into muscles and tendons. This causes tremors and paralysis–especially hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body).

Shakuchū infections are treated by ingesting herbal medicines. Harikikigaki lists chinpi (the dried peels of citrus fruits such as ponkan), rhubarb, and ginseng as being effective.