Mewing refers to a technique that involves proper tongue posture, where the tongue rests against the roof of the mouth, which some believe may help with facial development and alignment over time. While mewing itself focuses mostly on tongue posture, there are some complementary exercises that people believe may support overall jaw health, alignment, and facial aesthetics. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of mewing and these exercises is debated in the scientific community.
Here are some additional exercises or techniques that some people practice alongside mewing:
1. Tongue Massage
- How to do it: Start with your tongue resting against the roof of your mouth. Press your tongue upward, then release, and repeat. Perform 10-15 repetitions.
- Why it helps: This helps strengthen the muscles around the jaw and promotes the proper positioning of the tongue.
2. Jaw Clenching (with Relaxation)
- How to do it: Gently clench your jaw and hold for about 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat this several times (5-10 reps).
- Why it helps: It can help strengthen the muscles around your jaw, improving its overall structure and posture.
3. Chewing Exercises (Chewing Gum)
- How to do it: Chew gum or food with consistent, controlled chewing motions. This can help exercise the jaw muscles.
- Why it helps: It strengthens the muscles of the jaw and may encourage proper muscle tone, promoting healthy facial structure.
4. Neck and Chin Exercises (For Jaw and Neck Muscles)
- How to do it: Tilt your head back, looking up, and then extend your lower jaw forward, holding it for a few seconds. Repeat 10-15 times.
- Why it helps: This targets the muscles around the jaw, chin, and neck, helping promote better alignment.
5. Orofacial Myofunctional Exercises
- How to do it: These exercises are specifically aimed at training the muscles of the mouth and face. They can include things like sucking on a straw, blowing air out, or gently moving the jaw in various directions to build muscle strength.
- Why it helps: It focuses on both the tongue and jaw muscles to help with overall function and posture.
6. Chewing with Both Sides
- How to do it: Focus on chewing evenly on both sides of your mouth, even when eating soft foods or gum.
- Why it helps: It encourages symmetrical muscle development and might help in aligning the jaw.
7. The “Fish Face” Exercise
- How to do it: Suck your cheeks in, making a “fish face.” Hold it for a few seconds and repeat the motion 10-15 times.
- Why it helps: This strengthens the muscles around your cheekbones and jawline.
8. Mouth Opening and Closing
- How to do it: Open your mouth wide, hold for a second, and then close it. Repeat 10-15 times.
- Why it helps: This works the jaw muscles and encourages proper movement and alignment.
9. Posture Check
- How to do it: Stand or sit straight, ensuring your head is in an upright position. Maintain a neutral jaw, and keep your tongue gently pressed against the roof of your mouth.
- Why it helps: Good posture, especially with the neck and jaw, can influence facial development.
While these exercises can be beneficial for strengthening the muscles around the jaw and improving posture, their ability to dramatically change facial structure is unproven. Always consult with a professional if you have concerns about your facial or jaw alignment.
