Q. I have a habit of binge eating whenever I'm stressed. Can herbal medicine help, or should I seek psychological counseling?

Many people mistake binge eating for a simple 'lack of willpower,' but it is often a physiological signal from your body. I understand this struggle well, having experienced similar challenges during high-stress periods in my own practice. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we analyze this from two primary perspectives: First, there is the case of strong emotional instability. When energy becomes stagnant and fails to circulate—a state known as 'Gi-che' (Qi stagnation)—the brain seeks strong external stimuli, such as food, as a reward mechanism. In this case, we use 'An-sin' (spirit-calming) herbs to soothe the mind and alleviate this psychological hunger. Second, there is the case of diminished physical function. In a state of 'Bi-heo' (Spleen deficiency), where digestive functions are weakened, blood sugar levels can become unstable, leading to frequent hunger. If this is accompanied by the accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid) or 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis), your metabolism slows down, making you more prone to weight gain. While counseling helps you recognize the habit, if your physiological balance is already disrupted, it is far more efficient to perform 'foundational work' on your body through herbal medicine first. When you visit the clinic, I will accurately diagnose your current state. Please don't be too hard on yourself and feel free to stop by.