The Mewing method was introduced by Professor Mike Mew as a non-surgical technique aimed at enhancing facial aesthetics. But does Mewing effectively help individuals alter their facial structure?
1. What is the Mewing Method?
The Mewing method refers to the concept of "proper tongue posture," which involves positioning the tongue correctly against the roof of the mouth. Developed by Professor Mike Mew as part of the Orthotropics approach, this method includes exercises designed to improve the posture of the face and mouth. The goal is to induce changes in bone structure, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing jawline without the need for surgery.
2. How to Practice the Mewing Method?
To practice Mewing, follow these steps:
- Gently close your lips.
- Retract your lower jaw so that it sits slightly behind the upper jaw, maintaining a moderate distance between the two.
- Raise your entire tongue and place it on the upper palate, ensuring it remains relaxed.
- Position the tip of your tongue against the gum line behind your front teeth, ensuring that the tongue does not touch your upper front teeth.
3. What Should be Noted When Mewing with a Crooked Face?
While the Mewing method offers significant benefits, particularly in orthodontics, practitioners should keep the following points in mind:
- It takes time to adjust to Mewing. Since placing the tongue in the correct position is likely to feel unfamiliar compared to how we've relaxed our tongues in the palate from childhood, initial practice may require patience. Over time, with perseverance, positioning the tongue correctly will become easier and quicker.
- To perform Mewing correctly, it's essential to relax the tongue beforehand. You can start by pronouncing the letter "N" and then maintaining that tongue position without it touching your teeth.
- Ensure you breathe evenly through your nose rather than your mouth while practicing Mewing.
- Initially, you may feel tension in the facial muscles and jawbone, but this discomfort should gradually decrease over time as you get used to the method.
- Maintain a straight line from your jawbone to your chest when sitting or standing, allowing this posture to become a habitual part of your body alignment, alongside the correct tongue position.
4. How Does the Mewing Method Change the Face?
According to Professor Mike Mew, regularly practicing the Mewing method can impact the muscle system and bone structure of the face, leading to aesthetic improvements for practitioners. However, this effect may not occur in every case. Most Mewing practitioners have observed several facial changes:
- Facial Advancement: The Mewing method can elevate the nose bridge and enhance the jawline. The result is sharper facial features when viewed from the side. Many individuals prefer Mewing because it can bring about positive changes without requiring surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty or jaw reduction. While surgical methods can provide more significant results tailored to individual preferences, Mewing remains a safer and more cost-effective option.
- Facial Lifting: The small space created by placing the tongue lightly against the palate acts as an anti-gravity chamber. This helps lift the facial muscles, reduce wrinkles, and minimize deep grooves. As a result, the contour of the lower jaw becomes clearer, creating a sharper facial appearance that better distinguishes the neck area.
- Mewing is a less invasive method compared to facial lifting procedures involving Botox, thread implants, or surgery… Instead of reducing facial fat, Mewing firms up the facial muscles and accelerates the process of burning excess fat.
- Mewing can lead to a flatter face and a more prominent chin. Experts often reference the "E aesthetic line," which connects the tip of the nose to the tip of the chin. A face is considered harmonious when the most protruding point of the lower lip is about 2mm behind this line, and the upper lip is slightly positioned behind the lower lip.
- The Mewing method encourages upward development of the upper jaw and a rotational tendency of the lower jaw, which results in a higher chin and nose and creates a more aesthetically pleasing profile. However, significant changes in facial structure can be challenging for adults using Mewing alone. For those with a receding chin, persistence is essential, as it may take 1-2 years of diligent practice, combined with other jaw exercises, to achieve noticeable changes.
- Shorter Face Appearance: Correct tongue placement during Mewing can slim the middle part of the face, contributing to the perception of a shorter face, and creating a balanced, V-line jaw shape.
- Less Steep Forehead: Poor head posture over time can tighten the occipital muscles, resulting in a steeper forehead. The Mewing method can help alleviate this issue, with some individuals noticing differences in just 3-6 weeks of practice.
5. Risks of Incorrect Mewing
The jaw muscle system is complex, and improperly performing the Mewing method can lead to various issues, including:
- Misaligned teeth
- Misaligned upper or lower jaw
- Temporomandibular joint pain or dysfunction
- Loose teeth
Mewing is a beneficial method for enhancing facial aesthetics and improving overall quality of life. However, individuals experiencing dental issues should consult a healthcare professional for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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