Q. Whenever I get stressed, I binge eat. How does Traditional Korean Medicine address this?

Stress-induced binge eating can be very challenging. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), it is viewed through two main patterns. First, Liver Qi Stagnation (Gan Yu): the Liver is the organ most directly affected by stress. When stress accumulates, Liver qi becomes blocked, impairing impulse control. This often leads to cravings for salty, spicy foods or meat, accompanied by chest tightness and irritability. Treatment involves herbs that soothe the Liver (e.g., Bupleurum, White Peony) and acupuncture. Second, Spleen Deficiency (Pi Xu): prolonged stress or irregular eating weakens the Spleen, the central organ for transforming food into energy. This destabilizes blood sugar, causing intense cravings for sweets, bread, or rice cakes. Symptoms include poor digestion, loose stools, or constipation. Treatment focuses on strengthening the Spleen with herbs like Astragalus, Atractylodes, and Ginseng, along with dietary adjustments. A common mixed type is Liver-Spleen Disharmony (Gan Pi Bu He), where Liver qi stagnation impairs Spleen function. In such cases, harmonizing both is needed. Importantly, stress-induced binge eating is not a willpower issue but a temporary imbalance in metabolic circuits. Diagnosis involves pulse, tongue, and abdominal examination to determine if the pattern is stagnation or deficiency. With the right approach, many people see improvement quickly.