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체질 개념
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Q. When I'm stressed, I keep binge eating. How can I improve this?

A.

First, determine your Sasang constitution (Soeumin vs. Taeumin) since binge patterns differ. When the urge hits, practice 4-7-8 breathing (inhale 4s, hold 7s, exhale 8s) three times. Always eat breakfast and maintain three regular meals. Korean medicine treatments (acupuncture, herbal formulas) tailored to your constitution can address both stress and digestive imbalances.

📝 Detailed Answer

Stress-induced binge eating is not merely a willpower issue but a result of imbalances in your constitution and organ functions. Understanding your constitution makes the approach much easier. 1. **Constitution diagnosis first** – The cause of binge eating differs according to Sasang constitution (四象體質). Soeumin (Lesser Yin type) have weak digestion due to spleen deficiency (脾虛); stress may sometimes decrease appetite, but some binge on sweets to relieve tension. Taeumin (Greater Yin type) are prone to liver qi stagnation (肝氣鬱結) and tend to relieve accumulated stress through binge eating. 2. **Find stress relief methods** – The key is to relieve liver qi stagnation. Light aerobic exercise (walking, stretching), meditation, and acupuncture are helpful. Pressing the Neiguan (內關, PC6) acupoint can reduce nausea and binge urges. 3. **Eat warm and soft foods** – Considering spleen deficiency, focus on easily digestible warm foods (porridge, soup, steamed dishes). Cold foods, instant meals, and excessive sweets further weaken spleen function, perpetuating the binge cycle. 4. **After a binge** – Do not fast excessively; instead, have a light next meal (e.g., rice water, fruit). Since phlegm-fluid (痰飮) can form, consult a Korean medicine doctor for digestive-supporting herbal formulas (e.g., Ijin-tang 二陳湯 derivatives). 5. **Correct your daily rhythm** – Sleep deprivation disrupts appetite hormones (ghrelin, leptin) and triggers binge eating. Maintain regular sleep/wake times and avoid late-night meals. 6. **Professional consultation** – Constitution-specific prescriptions (e.g., Cheongpye-sagan-tang 清肺瀉肝湯 series for Taeumin, Bojungikgi-tang 補中益氣湯 series for Soeumin) can simultaneously regulate stress and digestive function. If you visit, we will perform a thorough diagnosis and find the right approach together.
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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

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