BRD Clinic
Only people currently living in Korea with their own Korean 010 mobile number can apply. Overseas residents are not eligible.

I keep binge eating when I'm stressed. How can I solve this?

Stress-induced binge eating in Traditional Korean Medicine is seen as an imbalance between the Liver (gan) and Spleen (pi). Treatment involves herbal medicine to soothe the Liver and reduce cravings for 1–2 weeks, followed by around a month to restore appetite control. With 2–3 months of consistent care, the binge-eating pattern itself weakens.

Stress-induced binge eating is a common issue in modern life. In TKM, it is viewed as a combination of Liver Depression (gan yu) and Spleen Deficiency (pi xu). Accumulated stress causes Liver Qi stagnation (gan qi yu jie), which weakens Spleen function, leading to Phlegm-Fluid (tan yin) or Food Accumulation (shi ji) that triggers binge urges. Treatment begins with herbs that soothe the Liver and regulate Qi (shu gan li qi) to reduce anxiety and impulsive eating over 1–2 weeks. Simultaneously, tonifying the Spleen (jian pi) stabilizes digestion and energy metabolism. Based on clinical experience, medication alone is not enough—lifestyle habits must change. In the first month, patients typically notice fewer cravings and improved satiety after meals. By 2–3 months, a new pattern emerges where stress no longer triggers binge eating. Individual results vary, and it is best to approach this not as a weight-loss goal but as a way to transform how your body handles stress.

Meet the clinician

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung ChoeChief Director

View clinician profile

Clinician review

Page summary and review information

Page summary

I keep binge eating when I'm stressed. How can I…. Stress-induced binge eating in Traditional Korean Medicine is seen as an imbalance between the Liver (gan) an

A reviewed summary isn't ready yet, so the page description or a general note is shown instead.

The clinic is outside telephone hours

You can leave your inquiry now.

Leave an inquiry Call anyway