Introduction
If you’ve ever heard of mewing, you may be wondering what it is and why it’s important. Mewing is a technique that involves properly positioning your tongue in your mouth to help enhance your facial structure and improve your breathing. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll explore what mewing is, the benefits of mewing, and provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
What is Mewing?
Mewing is the practice of resting your tongue against the roof of your mouth with your lips closed. It is based on the idea that proper tongue posture can help improve the appearance of your face and jawline, while also improving your overall health. Essentially, mewing aims to correct tongue positioning that may have become a habit of bad posture.
The science behind mewing involves the fact that the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body and can affect the development of the upper jaw and face in growing children. By positioning the tongue in the correct way, it helps to distribute force and pressure evenly to promote proper growth and align one’s facial structure.
Mewing also has numerous benefits that include improved breathing, better swallowing, and aiding in correcting sleep apnea.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mewing
Positioning your tongue may sound easy, but for many people, it can be challenging. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you properly mew:
- Start by sitting up straight and relaxing your face and mouth.
- Place the tip of your tongue on the bony ridge behind your top front teeth (i.e. the incisive papilla). Your tongue should be resting against the roof of your mouth.
- Touch the back of your tongue to the back of your mouth, following the arch where the roof of your mouth meets your throat.
- Keep your lips closed and breathe through your nose.
- Relax your jaw to allow for maximum tongue contact and keep your tongue in this position as often as possible.
It may be difficult to maintain this position for extended periods initially, but over time, you’ll start to make it part of your daily habit gradually.
Tips and Tricks for Effective Mewing
Now that you know the basics, here are a few additional tips to help you perfect your mewing technique:
- Try to keep your tongue in position for as long as possible during the day.
- Practice during daily activities such as while working or reading.
- Avoid pressing your tongue too hard. It should be a light touch.
- Experiment with gently pressurizing different parts of your mouth to see what feels most comfortable for you.
- Use your cheek muscles to gently push your back molars together. This should maintain the proper width of your arch, activating the muscles and tying them to proper tongue posture.
Personal Experiences with Mewing
Many people around the globe have had personal experiences with mewing, and it may be encouraging to hear some success stories. In some studies, patients experienced increased cheekbone projections, and mandible growths after adopting a consistent mewing routine, while others reported improvement in their sleep quality.
Common Misconceptions About Mewing
Like any health practice, mewing has its misconceptions. There are cases where some people misunderstand and think mewing means exerting excessive force on the tongue, attempting to ‘push’ against teeth. This is incorrect and can result in discomfort and jaw tightness. The solution lies instead in properly maintaining gentle tongue pressure against the roof of the mouth to achieve the expected results.
Additional Resources for Learning More About Mewing
For those who are interested in learning more about mewing, there no shortage of resources out there. Seek a qualified professional such as an orthodontist, who can further aid you in person, online or to watch video tutorials. In any case, always be skeptical while practicing the exercise, and be on the lookout to avoid false claims.
Conclusion
Mewing is a simple and effective technique that can help improve your facial structure, breathing, and sleep quality. By following the step-by-step guide and the accompanying tips and tricks, you can begin to incorporate mewing into your daily routine and start seeing the benefits over time. Keep in mind that progress may be gradual, and proper form is necessary for best results. Also, If you have any doubts, be certain to consult your doctor or dentist before adopting this technique.
