Q. When I'm stressed, I tend to binge eat. How can Traditional Korean Medicine help improve this?

Stress-induced binge eating in Traditional Korean Medicine often involves a combination of Liver Qi Stagnation (肝氣鬱結) and Spleen Deficiency (脾虛). The Liver is responsible for smoothing the flow of Qi; when stress blocks this flow, pent-up frustration disrupts appetite regulation. Meanwhile, a weakened Spleen (脾臟) fails to properly digest and absorb food, leading to Phlegm-Fluid (痰飲) accumulation that triggers constant cravings. A step-by-step approach includes: 1) Constitution diagnosis—Soeumin types often have predominant Spleen Deficiency, while Soyangin types may have concurrent Liver Heat; improper use of diet pills can backfire. 2) Diet correction—when a binge urge strikes, drink water first and wait five minutes, then eat a small fruit or tofu to prevent blood sugar swings. 3) Herbal medicine—formulations like Xiao Chai Hu Tang (小柴胡湯) or Gui Pi Tang (歸脾湯) are prescribed based on pattern differentiation, combining herbs that soothe the Liver (e.g., Bupleurum, White Peony) and tonify the Spleen (e.g., Ginseng, Atractylodes) to reduce the stress response itself. 4) Acupuncture—auricular acupuncture or abdominal acupuncture can stabilize the appetite center; patients often report reduced oral fixation. 5) Lifestyle management—consistent sleep, especially before 11 PM, supports Liver recovery and breaks the binge cycle. Aim for 'one less binge per day' rather than perfection; each body responds at its own pace, and rushing only adds stress.