Q. When I'm stressed, I keep binge eating. How can I improve this?

I understand—when stressed, it's common to reach for snacks. However, repeating the cycle of stress → binge eating → feeling heavier and stuffier can train the body into a vicious loop. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this is seen as a combined pattern of Liver depression (Gan-yu, where Liver function is stuck) and Spleen deficiency (Pi-xu, weakened digestion and energy production). Stress first affects the Liver; when the Liver cannot properly support the Spleen, the Spleen weakens and produces Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, metabolic waste), which further disrupts appetite control. Craving sweets, in particular, may be the body’s signal that Phlegm demands more energy. Qi stagnation (Qi-zhi) can also cause facial or ankle swelling and make it hard to resist hunger before sleep. In clinic, the goal is to break this cycle: strengthen the Spleen (Jian-pi), soothe the Liver (Shu-gan), and resolve accumulated Phlegm (Hua-tan). Rather than harsh dieting, easing the stress response itself is more crucial. As a Korean medicine doctor, I’ve personally made mistakes with stress dieting and learned that once the body stabilizes, appetite naturally follows. I recommend coming in for a consultation to check your constitution and current condition together.