Q. I tend to binge eat whenever I'm stressed. How can a Korean medicine clinic help me with this?

Sudden bursts of appetite are not simply a matter of lacking willpower. In Traditional Korean Medicine, when stress causes energy to stagnate and clump together, it is referred to as . When the flow of Qi is obstructed, it leads to emotional instability, which triggers a compensatory psychological drive to fill that void with food.

This becomes more problematic if you are in a state of , where digestive functions are weakened. A weakened Spleen allows metabolic waste to accumulate, forming . This can further affect the appetite control centers in the body, creating a vicious cycle of binge eating.

• We release stagnant Qi to alleviate emotional anxiety and cravings triggered by stress.
• We strengthen the Spleen and Stomach (脾胃) functions to ensure food is efficiently converted into energy.
• We clear accumulated phlegm and fluids (痰陰) to reduce feelings of heaviness and bloating.

I personally understand the struggle of craving sugar during stressful times. Since the areas of stagnation and deficiency vary by individual, I recommend visiting our clinic for a personalized assessment of your current constitution.