Q. I keep binge eating whenever I feel stressed. How can I fix this?
This is a reward mechanism to satisfy emotional hunger. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this is treated by resolving Liver Qi Stagnation to restore your ability to regulate appetite.
📝 Detailed Answer
Whether it's pressure at work or family stress, there are times when you suddenly crave spicy or sweet foods intensely. Many people experience the feeling of continuing to eat even when they aren't physically hungry just to cope with stress.
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 then affects the digestive system and triggers 'fake hunger.'
💡 Treatment Goals
The goal is not simply to suppress appetite, but to resolve the stagnation of energy and restore emotional stability to break the cycle of binge eating.
- Smoothing Qi Flow: Relieving the congested Liver Qi to alleviate psychological pressure.
- Regulating Spleen and Stomach: Improving the state of Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo) to help you feel satiated with smaller portions.
- Stabilizing Mind and Body: Balancing the autonomic nervous system to prevent sudden outbursts of appetite.
However, the way people experience stress and how their bodies react varies. Therefore, the first step is to receive an accurate diagnosis to determine where the energy flow in your body is currently blocked.
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director