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Q. I keep binge eating whenever I'm stressed. Would herbal medicine be more helpful than Western diet medications?
A.
Western medications are powerful at rapidly suppressing appetite, but many experience severe fatigue or a 'yo-yo' effect after stopping. In contrast, Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) focuses on regulating food cravings by restoring the body's balance disrupted by stress. The choice depends on whether your current condition requires 'strong suppression' or 'overall systemic coordination.'
📝 Detailed Answer
Binge eating is often a signal from the body and mind rather than a simple lack of willpower. In TKM, the feeling of 'fake hunger' triggered by stress is viewed as 'Gan-gi-ul-gyeol' (Liver Qi Stagnation), a state where energy is blocked and congested due to emotional stress. When this persists, there is a strong tendency to fill psychological voids with food.
This becomes more complex if combined with 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency), where digestive functions are impaired. Because the body lacks energy, you crave high-calorie foods, which then makes the body feel heavy and sluggish, creating a vicious cycle. To break this, it is essential to clear 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid/waste) and 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis) to lighten the body and naturally reduce cravings.
The advantage of TKM diet prescriptions is that they boost metabolism while replenishing the body's deficiencies. While the immediate appetite suppression may feel less intense than Western drugs, it helps reduce the risk of yo-yoing and promotes emotional stability in the long run. The key is finding the method that best suits your unique constitution.
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Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director