Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I keep binge eating whenever I'm stressed. How can I fix this?
It is crucial to understand that you are trying to fill an 'emotional hunger' with food. This is not a lack of willpower, but a signal that your body's internal balance is disrupted. Depending on whether you are a high-energy type with strong digestion or a chronically fatigued type, the approach varies. The key is to find a TKM solution to regulate appetite based on your specific constitution.
Stress-induced binge eating is not simply about physical hunger, but a state where psychological pressure leads to physical imbalance. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we analyze this based on your body's patterns.
First, if you generally have a strong digestive system but experience frequent anger or frustration, you may be suffering from 'Liver Qi Stagnation' (Gan-gi-ul-gyeol). When the flow of Qi in the liver is blocked, stress often manifests as an uncontrollable craving for food. In this case, treatment focuses on smoothing the flow of Qi and clearing excess heat.
Conversely, those who feel chronically lethargic and have poor digestion may suffer from 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo). When the Spleen's function is weakened, energy metabolism becomes inefficient, leading to 'false hunger.' This creates a vicious cycle where binge eating is followed by even deeper exhaustion.
Furthermore, if metabolic waste known as 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum) or stagnant blood known as 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol) accumulates, metabolism slows down further, making weight management even more difficult. Rather than simply forcing yourself to stop eating, it is essential to diagnose why your body is sending these signals.
Since every individual's constitution and current state are different, I recommend visiting the clinic so we can identify exactly where the blockage in your body lies and find a tailored solution.