Q. I tend to binge eat whenever I'm stressed. How can I resolve this?
This is a condition where psychological stress causes an imbalance in the appetite control mechanism. From a TKM perspective, it is necessary to resolve Qi stagnation (氣滯) to stabilize your appetite.
📝 Detailed Answer
Do you find yourself instinctively opening delivery apps when stressed? In reality, this is not a matter of willpower, but rather a sign that your body's signaling system is malfunctioning.
In Traditional Korean Medicine, the state where energy cannot flow smoothly due to stress and becomes clumped together is called Qi Stagnation (氣滯). Specifically, when the energy of the Liver (肝) stagnates, it affects the digestive system, creating 'false hunger' and leading to a vicious cycle of binge eating.
💡 Treatment Goal
The goal is not simply to suppress the appetite, but to resolve the stagnated energy and reduce psychological anxiety so that you can regain the ability to regulate your food intake naturally.
- Resolving Qi Stagnation (氣滯): By facilitating the flow of blocked energy, we reduce chest tightness and the urge to overeat.
- Addressing Heart and Gallbladder Deficiency (心膽虛怯): We calm an anxious and sensitive mind to increase your resilience against stress.
- Improving Spleen Deficiency (脾虛): Since a weakened Spleen function can lead to frequent hunger, we normalize digestive and absorptive capabilities.
By addressing the internal environment first, you can achieve healthy weight management without the 'yo-yo' effect. It is important to examine your current state together to find a customized prescription.
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director
Last reviewed 2026.04.24