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Mewing Technique Benefits, Risks, and Its Alternative

by Dr Vikram Chauhan Doctor

Abstract

It is a technique in which the tongue is pressed above the mouth (palate) to get a more defined, bigger and square jawline. Mewing technique is usually done for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes and to correct facial structure issues. As naturally our tongue rests on the bottom of the mouth but those who practice this mewing technique form a habit of keeping the tongue pressed over a soft palate. As some believe that change in tongue positioning can help in many conditions like jaw issue, teeth related or breathing, etc. This practice has gained more attention in the era of the internet today otherwise no scientific research is done about this technique. This technique improves facial aesthetics and corrects orthodontic concerns by habitual positioning the tongue upwards (resting tongue at palate). In this article we will discuss the mewing technique, its benefits, risk factors and its correlation with ancient classical Ayurveda texts.

Mewing technique is a process in which the tongue is placed to the roof of the mouth (palate) rather than in resting position in the bottom of the mouth. Simply, it is a practice of repositioning the tongue inside the mouth. This technique aims to create a well-defined jawline, straighten misaligned teeth, and improve overall facial appearance. It is believed that due to our environmental and lifestyle changes our jawline is getting smaller. So as a solution some believe it is better to use mewing technique. There is no clinical evidence that proves that mewing can treat health issues such as sinusitis, breathing problems, joint dysfunction, etc.

Origin

This mewing technique is controversial on the basis of its origin. Some believe it to be named after a British orthodontist John Mew and some borrow from the functional matrix hypothesis of Malvin Moss. Although people believe and follow it for tongue/ jawline posturing maintenance.

Benefits

Some of benefits of mewing technique are given as following

Well defined attractive jawline

Transform face shape

Enhance mid facial area

Improves speech problem

Difficulty in swallowing

Straighten teeth

Sleep apnea

Sinusitis

Optimal oral posture

Steps

The basic steps to be followed while performing mewing technique are as following

Relax all facial muscles

Close your lips, teeth (upper-lower) in contact (not tightly clenched).

Lift your tongue inside your mouth and place it against the roof of your mouth.

Repeat these steps multiple times by standing up straight.

Maintain this posture for time as possible/ on your will.

Gradually your tongue will get used to rest against your palate.

Although some believe to get results within some weeks and some within some months.

How It Works

This technique encourages proper tongue alignment to correct jawline without medication or any surgery. Technically this is not a medical term only named after a British orthodontist. Doctors advise oral and facial exercise to change jawline and face shape. According to studies genetics determine jaw size and shape. These days the human jaw is becoming smaller and more recessed. As a result due to inadequate space in the mouth teeth are frequently crooked and the face becomes misaligned. As facial bone structure is not inherited they develop according to age and environment. Various advantages are described by physicians such as maintaining oral posture, free jaw movement, corrects jaw pain and headache.

Risks of Mewing Technique

Most of time mewing will corrects jawline, but when it is done without any supervision it may cause some risks such as

Damage facial muscles

Disturb jaw alignment

Mouth aches

Complex facial structure

Dental pain

Biting issues

Loose chipped teeth

Misaligned teeth

Pain in temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Alternative to Mewing Technique

Some of the alternatives methods for mewing technique are as following

Jaw repair

Tooth repair

Tooth braces

Tooth removal

Jawline contour treatment

Facial contouring

Radiofrequency therapy

Mewing Effective or Not?

Basically it is not clear that this mewing technique works or not. Still there is no scientific proof of mewing technique to be beneficial or not. Researchers believe that a minimum six hours pressure on teeth per day changes its alignment.

Ayurvedic Point of View Regarding Mewing Technique

According to classical Ayurveda texts, this mewing technique can be correlated to "khechari mudra". It is basically a yogic gesture explained by gheranda samhita and hatha yoga pradipika. It is a practice in which "the tongue is rolled upwards to touch the soft palate". After a long practice a person will be able to insert tongue even behind the palate (nasal cavity). If practiced regularly it is believed that it overcomes thirst, hunger and death.

There are two ways to perform this khechari mudra according to classical texts

In the first technique frenulum is cutted beneath the tongue bit by bit, it enables extension of tongue backwards. It can only be performed by experts/ yogis.

In the second technique the tongue is not being cutted, due to daily practice of this technique the tongue is able to reach behind the soft palate.

Steps to Be Followed

Firstly, relax your full body and sit in any comfortable yoga asana.

Close your eyes as well as mouth

Roll the tongue backward so it can touch soft palate (as far as possible)

Keep the tongue in this position as much time you are comfortable

Practice this procedure until you can hold your tongue for a longer duration.

With more practice, the tongue will be able to reach the nasal cavity.

Maintain normal breathing

With this practice the tongue will be able to stimulate brain centers.

Benefits

There are various benefits of khechari mudra, some of them are as following

Overcome thirst, hunger

Anti-ageing property

Improves immune response

Removes fatigue, laziness

Rejuvenating property

Precautions

Do not move or jump during the procedure

Perform this process under any expert supervision.

Conclusion

It is a facial reconstruction technique which involves keeping your tongue pressed against the palate to change the shape of the jawline. This technique is a little bit controversial according to orthodontic surgeons. While some claim that it improves a person's appearance and health without any surgical procedure. Some believe that it may be beneficial for children due to their growing age and jaws. If you are concerned with your severe jaw related issues you must consult a health specialist for proper guidance.