Reviewed by최연승대표원장
When I get stressed, I tend to binge eat. How can I improve this?
In Traditional Korean Medicine, stress-induced binge eating is seen as a combination of Liver Qi Stagnation (肝鬱) and Spleen Deficiency (脾虛). During the first 1–2 weeks, treatment focuses on soothing the Liver to stabilize anxiety and appetite. After about a month, strengthening the Spleen and Stomach reduces hunger and cravings. By 2–3 months, as metabolic waste like Phlegm-Fluid and Blood Stasis is cleared, the urge to binge naturally decreases.
Many people experience this. When stressed, the hand reaches for snacks, and afterward comes regret—I used to struggle with late-night snacking myself. In TKM, this is understood as Liver Qi Stagnation (肝鬱) combined with Spleen Deficiency (脾虛). Stress blocks the flow of Liver Qi, causing Stagnation, which then suppresses the Spleen, leading to Deficiency. A weak Spleen craves sweets or carbs to fill the deficiency, creating a binge cycle. Treatment follows a time-based approach. Initially (1–2 weeks), herbs and acupuncture that soothe the Liver and calm the Liver (疏肝平肝) calm anxiety and stabilize appetite. After about a month, the focus shifts to herbs that strengthen the Spleen and benefit the Stomach (健脾益胃), improving digestion and increasing satiety even with smaller meals. By 2–3 months, treatment moves to constitutional improvement, clearing metabolic byproducts like Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮) and Blood Stasis (瘀血). At this stage, the impulse to binge diminishes naturally, without conscious restraint. Progress varies per person, but simply suppressing the behavior often fails. When the body's balance is restored first, appetite and emotions tend to follow. For a thorough assessment, a pulse diagnosis is recommended, but if you have similar concerns, feel free to consult.