When I'm stressed, I keep binge eating. What should I do?
First, identify your constitution. In Korean medicine, stress blocks Liver qi, which suppresses the Spleen, triggering binge eating. For Spleen Deficiency types, eat small, regular meals and drink warm ginger tea instead of cold drinks. Manage stress according to your constitution: light aerobic exercise for cold types, meditation for heat types. Visit a Korean medicine clinic for personalized herbal medicine and lifestyle advice.
I used to stand in front of the fridge when stressed, but I later learned I have a Spleen Deficiency (biheo) constitution. In Korean medicine, stress obstructs the Liver (gan) qi, which in turn suppresses Spleen (bijang) function, leading to binge eating urges. The cause varies by constitution: for example, Tae-eum types tend to accumulate Phlegm-Dampness (seutam) and binge, while So-eum types experience cycles of hunger and bingeing due to Spleen Deficiency. A simple constitution diagnosis at a Korean medicine clinic can help find the right approach. When the urge hits, people often seek sweet foods, but that further exhausts the Spleen. I recommend starting with warm tea or easily digestible foods like porridge. Combining Spleen-nourishing herbal formulas such as Bojungikgi-tang or Soyosan with stress-relieving herbs can greatly help. Lifestyle adjustments should also match your constitution: cold types benefit from walking or light stretching to soothe the Liver, while heat-prone types do better with deep breathing or meditation. Acupuncture and herbal treatment can regulate Liver and Spleen function, making you less reactive to stress. A consultation will help you find a personalized solution.
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