Q. I tend to binge eat whenever I'm stressed. How can I fix this?
This is often caused by emotional hunger or disruptions in the circulation of Qi and Blood. From a TKM perspective, it is necessary to resolve 'Liver Qi Stagnation' to stabilize your appetite.
📝 Detailed Answer
Binge eating during stressful times is not a matter of lacking willpower. Many people experience a compulsive need to chew or eat to soothe a sense of dizziness or emotional oppression. It is an instinctive reaction to suppress psychological distress with food.
In Traditional Korean Medicine, this state is referred to as Liver Qi Stagnation (肝氣鬱結). When stress causes the energy of the Liver to become blocked and stagnant instead of flowing smoothly, it leads to difficulties in emotional regulation and triggers 'false hunger.'
💡 Treatment Goals
The goal is to resolve stagnant energy and lower psychological anxiety, creating a physical state where you can manage stress without relying on food.
- Regulating Qi Flow: Using medicinal herbs that disperse stagnation to alleviate chest tightness and food cravings.
- Balancing the Spleen and Stomach: Addressing Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) to strengthen digestive function and prevent abrupt blood sugar fluctuations.
- Stabilizing Mind and Spirit: Calming the autonomic nervous system to reduce the guilt and depression that often follow a binge episode.
Simply using appetite suppressants can lead to more severe binge eating later. Therefore, it is essential to accurately identify where the flow of energy is blocked in your body through a professional consultation.
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director