Mewing has become a widely discussed technique centered around tongue posture, purported to reshape your jawline and refine your facial aesthetics. Advocates also suggest it can alleviate conditions like sleep apnea and sinusitis.
This method is attributed to Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist who introduced it in the 1970s as an alternative to conventional orthodontics. He and his son, Dr. Michael Mew, also an orthodontist, champion “orthotropics,” emphasizing correct “jaw posture,” primarily through retraining tongue positioning. It’s important to note that John Mew’s dental license was revoked in Britain in 2019, and Michael Mew faced a misconduct hearing, leading to his expulsion from the British Orthodontic Society in 2022. Despite these controversies, as of June 2024, Michael Mew continues to practice orthodontics.
The term “mewing” itself originated from online communities who adopted orthotropics principles to enhance their jawline appearance, initially intended for children with developing jaws.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Mew Correctly
While instructions can vary slightly, the fundamental steps for mewing are generally consistent:
- Begin by closing your mouth and consciously relaxing your jaw muscles.
- Gently shift your lower jaw such that your bottom front teeth are positioned just behind your upper front teeth. Avoid forcing this position.
- The crucial step is to flatten your entire tongue against the roof of your mouth. Ensure the whole tongue surface is in contact, from the back to the front.
- Position the tip of your tongue on the hard palate, just behind your upper front teeth, without actually touching the teeth. Your teeth should be lightly touching, but avoid clenching your jaw muscles.
- Maintain this tongue posture for an initial duration of 10 to 20 seconds, or for as long as you can comfortably manage. Repeat this exercise several times throughout your day.
- Gradually increase the holding time in increments of 30 seconds as you become more comfortable. The ultimate goal is to maintain correct mewing posture naturally and consistently throughout the day.
A helpful tip to find the correct tongue position is to pronounce the “ng” sound, as in words like “sing” or “hang.” Another recommended practice is to consciously focus on nasal breathing, ensuring you are breathing through your nose rather than your mouth, which naturally encourages proper tongue posture.
It’s important to have realistic expectations; noticeable changes in jawline definition or facial structure from mewing typically require consistent practice over a period of years.
