Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Whenever I get stressed, I binge eat. How can I improve this?
Many people struggle with this. In Korean Medicine, stress-related binge eating is mainly viewed as two types: liver qi stagnation (gan gi ul gyeol) — stress congests liver function, causing explosive appetite; and spleen deficiency (bi heo) — stress weakens the spleen, impairing hunger control. Treatment differs, so a proper diagnosis is recommended.
Stress-related binge eating is not simply a matter of willpower but a signal of bodily imbalance. In Traditional Korean Medicine, emotions and organs are closely linked. The first type, liver qi stagnation (肝氣鬱結), occurs when stress blocks liver qi, leading to poor emotional regulation, reduced patience, and cravings for sweets or carbs (e.g., reaching for chocolate when stressed). Treatment involves herbal formulas that soothe the liver and promote qi flow (so gan pyeong gan, 疏肝平肝), along with counseling or breathing techniques. The second type, spleen deficiency (脾虛), arises when prolonged stress weakens the spleen, which converts food into energy. The body mistakenly senses energy deficiency, prompting continuous eating despite poor digestion and bloating. Here, spleen-tonifying herbs (bo bi ik gi, 補脾益氣) and regular meals are key. For lasting results, herbal medicine must pair with lifestyle adjustments: liver qi stagnation benefits from walking or exercise to move qi; spleen deficiency responds to warm porridge or soft foods. Medication alone often leads to relapse. A practical tip: when binge urges strike, drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes, and ask yourself if you are truly hungry or stressed. If lifestyle changes prove insufficient, consulting a Korean Medicine clinic is strongly advised.