Q. When I get stressed, I keep binge eating. How can traditional Korean medicine help with this?

Stress-induced binge eating is not simply a matter of willpower but a signal that the body's balance is disturbed. In traditional Korean medicine, the liver (gan) governs stress, and the spleen (bi) handles digestion and energy production. Prolonged stress can block liver qi, leading to liver qi stagnation (gan gi ul gyeol). This causes emotional irritability, impulsive eating, and often a feeling of fullness or sourness after bingeing. Conversely, stress can weaken the spleen, resulting in spleen deficiency (bi heo), with poor digestion, heaviness, fatigue, and cravings for carbs or sweets—an instinct to fill a deficient energy state. In clinical practice, pulse and abdominal diagnosis determine whether the liver or spleen is primarily involved. For liver qi stagnation, formulas like Soyosan (Xiao Yao San) are used to gently soothe the liver qi. For spleen deficiency, Bojungikgitang (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang) or Sagunjatang (Si Jun Zi Tang) strengthen the spleen. Acupuncture may also target ear points (ear acupuncture) or abdominal points to stabilize appetite centers. The key is not to suppress the binge eating itself but to read the body's signals about why the pattern repeats. Treatment duration varies, but consistent care over 4–8 weeks often leads to a noticeable reduction in physical cravings. Importantly, when binge eating stems from body imbalances rather than habit, a traditional Korean medicine approach can offer a more fundamental solution. Instead of harsh dieting, it's recommended to first restore the body's natural balance.