Q. I tend to binge eat whenever I'm stressed. How can I control this?
It is essential to distinguish between emotional hunger and physical hunger. From a TKM perspective, we regulate appetite by resolving Liver Qi Stagnation (Gan-gi-ul-gyeol).
📝 Detailed Answer
Sudden surges in appetite during stressful periods are often biological signals rather than a lack of willpower. Many people experience an intense craving for sugars when overwhelmed by work.
In Traditional Korean Medicine, this state is identified as Liver Qi Stagnation (肝氣鬱結). When stress blocks the flow of Qi in the Liver, it leads to emotional instability, which triggers "false hunger" as a mechanism to cope with the stress.
💡 Treatment Goals
The focus is on unblocking stagnant Qi to restore emotional stability, which naturally reduces excessive cravings.
Rather than simply fasting, we recommend a stepwise approach:
- Qi Circulation: Using herbal prescriptions to smooth the flow of Qi and alleviate sudden urges to binge eat.
- Improving Digestive Function: Clearing Dam-jeok (phlegm accumulation)—waste products that build up on the stomach walls after binge eating—to support overall metabolism.
- Mind-Body Stabilization: Nourishing deficient Blood to create a resilient state where you are less affected by stress.
Since the degree of Qi stagnation varies by individual, it is important to first determine if you are also experiencing Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo), a state where the digestive system is fundamentally weakened.
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director