Unlocking The Mystery: What Is Mewing And Does It Work?

In the age of viral beauty trends and self-improvement hacks, one particular practice has taken the internet by storm, promising a sculpted jawline, improved breathing, and even better sleep. This phenomenon is known as mewing. But what exactly is mewing, and is it truly the miracle fix many online proponents claim to be?

From social media feeds filled with before-and-after transformations to dedicated online communities, mewing has captured the attention of teenagers and adults alike. It's often presented as a simple, strategic move of the tongue—a beauty trend that’s supposed to change the appearance of your jawline. However, as with many viral sensations, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction and understand the origins, purported benefits, and scientific backing (or lack thereof) behind this intriguing practice.

Table of Contents:

What is Mewing?

At its core, mewing is a technique that involves placing the tongue against the roof of the mouth to shape the jawline and face. It's often described as simply the natural proper tongue position that provides a healthy structure to the face, jaw, and teeth. Proponents believe this can improve the aesthetic of the face, leading to a more defined jawline and enhanced facial structure. It’s a practice of placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth when at rest, with reported benefits of improving breathing, orthodontic issues, and facial structure.

While often discussed as a beauty trend for adults seeking a more chiseled look, it's important to note that mewing is an exercise that helps to build jawline muscles by positioning the tongue on the roof of the mouth. Some people do it to reshape their face or jawline, while others view it as a foundational element of good oral posture. The idea is that maintaining this specific tongue position consistently can influence bone structure over time, particularly during developmental years. It's a technique in which the tongue is placed on the roof of the mouth to make the jaw more square, enhance facial structure, improve sleep, and reduce mouth breathing.

The Origins of Mewing: John Mew and Orthotropics

The concept behind mewing isn't new; it was developed by a British orthodontist, Dr. John Mew, in the 1980s. Dr. Mew, along with his son Dr. Mike Mew, defined the concepts behind what they termed "orthotropic treatment." Orthotropics is a branch of orthodontics that focuses on guiding facial growth, particularly in children, to achieve proper jaw and facial development. Mewing and orthotropics go hand in hand, with mewing being a more popular term for the orthotropic technique.

Initially, this oral exercise was targeted towards teenage boys, says Dr. Marcus Mehta, chief marketing officer at Harley Academy and aesthetic physician at Story. The aim was to promote proper facial development and prevent issues like crowded teeth or recessed jaws. The Mews' philosophy centers on the belief that modern diets and lifestyles contribute to poor facial development, and that correct tongue posture can counteract these negative effects, encouraging forward growth of the maxilla (upper jaw). The inventor defined the concepts behind mewing as orthotropic treatment, and while the trend has become widespread in recent years, the underlying concept has been around for much longer.

How to Mew Correctly: The Core Technique

For those interested in understanding what is mewing in practice, effective mewing practice involves several key steps, each critical for achieving the desired results. The core of mewing is the correct placement of the tongue against the palate. To do mewing correctly, the entire tongue must be pressing up against the roof of your mouth until it becomes an unconscious resting position.

The Right Tongue Position

  • Entire Tongue on the Roof: This is perhaps the most crucial aspect. This involves covering the entire palate with the tongue, not just the tip. Imagine suctioning your tongue upwards so that the back third of your tongue is also firmly pressed against the soft palate. Many beginners struggle with engaging the back of the tongue, which is essential for applying pressure where it's believed to have the most impact on facial structure.
  • Swallowing Motion: A common tip for finding the correct position is to swallow. As you swallow, your tongue naturally presses against the roof of your mouth. Try to maintain this position after swallowing.
  • Unconscious Resting Position: The goal is for this tongue position to become an unconscious resting position. You should mew all the time, so it's hard to call it an exercise in the traditional sense, but rather a constant posture.

Lips and Teeth

  • Lips Closed: Your lips should be gently closed, without straining. This encourages nasal breathing, another key component of the orthotropic philosophy.
  • Teeth Gently Touching: Your teeth should be gently touching or slightly apart, but not clenched. The jaw should be relaxed.

Mastering this technique takes time and conscious effort, especially if you're accustomed to a different resting tongue position. Consistency is often emphasized by proponents as the key to seeing any potential changes. The proper tongue posture technique requires diligence to make it a natural, unconscious habit.

Is Mewing an Exercise or a Lifestyle?

While often referred to as an "oral exercise," the true essence of mewing, as defined by its proponents, leans more towards a lifestyle or a constant posture. The idea is that proper tongue posture should be maintained throughout the day and night, making it an unconscious habit rather than a specific set of repetitions. This is why proponents state, "You should mew all the time, so it's hard to call it an exercise."

However, for those looking to speed up potential results or strengthen the muscles involved, there are exercises that can help you get results from mewing faster. These exercises are typically designed to build awareness and strength in the tongue and surrounding muscles, facilitating the correct resting position.

Can ‘mewing’ really improve your jawline and sleep? The experts explain

Can ‘mewing’ really improve your jawline and sleep? The experts explain

MewingHub | Learn Mewing Now – Mewinghub

MewingHub | Learn Mewing Now – Mewinghub

Mewing: Get A More Defined Chin That You Always Wanted!

Mewing: Get A More Defined Chin That You Always Wanted!

Detail Author:

  • Name : Seth Macejkovic Sr.
  • Username : jett46
  • Email : ykihn@pfeffer.net
  • Birthdate : 2000-02-02
  • Address : 7528 Sedrick Valley Suite 629 Dedricfurt, ID 62332-7035
  • Phone : +1-910-525-6184
  • Company : Padberg, Gottlieb and Bergnaum
  • Job : Medical Secretary
  • Bio : Quidem ab numquam quaerat. Voluptatem placeat rerum ea atque consequatur error nesciunt consequuntur. Voluptatem quasi sit mollitia reprehenderit sit voluptas.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/cayla.abshire
  • username : cayla.abshire
  • bio : Ut eligendi ratione modi nostrum aut qui nisi. Maxime aut quis debitis.
  • followers : 805
  • following : 1991

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@cayla.abshire
  • username : cayla.abshire
  • bio : Dolorem exercitationem deserunt nobis fugiat aut quaerat molestiae.
  • followers : 4652
  • following : 455

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/cayla8920
  • username : cayla8920
  • bio : Rem velit nulla sunt harum. Quia accusamus natus labore laboriosam provident ducimus. Aut et molestiae omnis minima. Et nulla quis ex consectetur.
  • followers : 6315
  • following : 2055