I binge eat when I'm stressed. What should I do?

Binge eating impulses are not simply a lack of willpower. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this state is explained as Liver Qi stagnation leading to Spleen-Stomach disharmony. Simply put, stress blocks the liver’s qi, so the liver can no longer properly control the spleen, causing digestive instability. This creates an abnormal hunger pattern where eating provides emotional relief rather than true satiety. The treatment approach has three stages: **Week 1–2: Acute control and nervous system stabilization** Herbs such as Lithospermum (紫草) and Moutan bark (丹皮) are used to clear heat and calm the spirit, reducing binge frequency. Acupuncture suppresses sympathetic activity and activates the parasympathetic system, using points like LI4 (Hegu), ST36 (Zusanli), and SP9 (Yinlingquan). The goal at this stage is not dietary restriction but restoring judgment when urges arise. **Week 3–4: Improving Spleen-Stomach function and changing hunger patterns** Decoctions like Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang (半夏白朮天麻湯) or Buzhong Yiqi Tang (補中益氣湯) are prescribed, modified for individual symptoms. If anxiety accompanies bingeing, blood-moving herbs are added, as blood stasis (瘀血) can disrupt body patterns again. **Month 1–3: Lifestyle correction and root treatment** Along with medication, we address eating environment and stress sources. Binge eating often has prodromal signs (e.g., cravings for certain foods), so patients learn to recognize and respond early. Expected changes: - 1–2 weeks: noticeable decrease in binge frequency - 1 month: improved post-meal satiety, stabilized eating patterns - 3 months: ability to control eating even under stress Individual progress may vary. It’s best to have your specific binge pattern assessed at our clinic to tailor the approach.