Reviewed by최연승대표원장
When I get stressed, I keep binge eating. What should I do?
Stress-induced binge eating often has two patterns. If it occurs suddenly when stress hits, focus on soothing Liver Qi Stagnation (肝氣鬱結). If it involves chronic fatigue, irritability, and bloating along with binge eating, address Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) and Phlegm-Fluids (痰飮). Identify your pattern and try the corresponding approach.
Stress and binge eating are a common combination. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this is mainly explained by an imbalance between the Liver (肝) and Spleen (脾). When stressed, Liver function becomes acutely disturbed, leading to Liver Qi Stagnation (肝氣鬱結). Since the Liver tends to overcontrol the Spleen, symptoms like bloating or a sudden surge in appetite occur. Personally, I experienced this during exam periods—it's quite distressing.
On the other hand, if binge eating does not occur immediately after stress but arises with feelings of depression or lethargy, a hidden Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) is often involved. A weakened Spleen fails to properly digest and absorb food, leading to cravings for sweets or carbohydrates. When combined with Phlegm-Fluids (痰飲), the condition worsens.
Therefore, it is crucial to first distinguish the binge-eating pattern:
- Pattern A: Binge eating immediately after stress, facial flushing, chest tightness → focus on Liver Depression (肝鬱).
- Pattern B: Binge eating not immediate but occurs when fatigued and bloated, pale or puffy face → Spleen Deficiency plus Phlegm-Fluids.
For Pattern A, herbs that soothe the Liver like Peony Root (芍藥) and Bupleurum (柴胡) are basic. For Pattern B, herbs that tonify the Spleen and resolve Phlegm like Atractylodes lancea (蒼朮), Atractylodes macrocephala (白朮), and Tangerine Peel (陳皮) are foundational. Of course, actual prescriptions are not simple and depend on pattern differentiation (辨證); upon visiting, we can examine in detail and provide a personalized approach.
Self-help strategies include maintaining regular meal times, taking 10 minutes of slow breathing when the urge to binge hits, and reducing caffeine and刺激性 foods. These can offer short-term relief. However, for fundamental improvement, I recommend receiving treatment at a Korean medicine clinic tailored to your constitution and condition.