Q. I keep binge eating whenever I'm stressed. How can I solve this?
This can be resolved through TKM treatments that manage 'psychological hunger.' We need to improve the state where stagnant Liver Qi impairs your ability to regulate appetite.
📝 Detailed Answer
The 'fake hunger' that hits during stressful times is not a matter of willpower. Many people find themselves instinctively reaching for stimulating foods when under pressure, sometimes to an overwhelming degree.
In Traditional Korean Medicine, this condition is viewed as Liver Qi Stagnation (Gan-gi-ul-gyeol). When the energy of the Liver fails to flow smoothly and becomes congested, it leads to emotional instability, which in turn affects digestive functions and triggers abnormal cravings.
💡 Treatment Goals
The goal is to resolve the stagnant Qi and supplement Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo)—the weakness of the digestive system—to reduce psychological hunger.
- Qi Circulation: Resolving stagnant Liver Qi to restore emotional stability.
- Gastrointestinal Regulation: Removing phlegm accumulation (Dam-jeok) that triggers food cravings, allowing you to feel fullness more quickly.
- Metabolic Normalization: Restoring hormone balance disrupted by stress to break the binge eating cycle.
Rather than simply using suppressants, it is necessary to read the body's signals to understand why these cravings occur. If you visit our clinic, we will analyze your current energy flow to provide a personalized prescription.
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director