Influencers Are Raving About The Mewing Technique—Does It Really Work?

Beauty trends are always changing and with the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, some of the craziest and most creative trends have gone viral. One of the latest trends centers around enhancing the shape of your face and jawline through a technique called mewing. This non-surgical method is believed to have positive beauty effects when it comes to carving out your cheekbones while also giving you a more defined jawline. And various social media influencers have been raving about their stunning mewing transformations. Want to get in on the trend? Keep reading to learn more about this facial exercise technique to see if it’s right for you.

What Is The Mewing? 

It turns out, there may or may not be some truth behind the phrase “keep making that face, and it’ll get stuck like that.” in this case, your face may end up looking better. According to a study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (JOMS), the term “mewing” comes from Dr. John Mew, a professor at the London School of Facial Orthotropics.  His theory states that a specific jaw and tongue posture can enhance facial muscle tone, which in turn encourages “natural alignment of the teeth” and “positively affects facial structures.” When it comes to mewing, it’s all about retraining your normal tongue position and teaching it to get used to a new posture. When practicing mewing, patients are instructed to close their lips and press their tongue up against the roof of the mouth as opposed to the bottom where the tongue usually sits. 

Does the Mewing Technique Work?

Several social media influencers who have documented their mewing journeys, sharing their positive results. Amanda Bicket claims that she developed increased cheekbone definition, a smaller chin, and more prominent facial features after two years of mewing. Matt Phelps also expressed positive results after practicing mewing for over a year and shows drastic pictures of how he was able to slim down his “chubby cheeks.” 

But it is important to keep in mind that not everything on social media is as it appears. And there is currently no scientific evidence proving that mewing can reshape and transform your facial features. Since there is not enough information provided on what else these influencers might be doing to enhance their face shapes, (such as face yoga or surgical procedures), there is no simple yes or no answer to the question does mewing work. JOMS also notes that no scientific research suggests mewing as an alternative treatment to orthognathic (jaw) surgery. So if you’re looking for ways to enhance your facial features, be sure to seek out professional guidance from a medical expert to determine if the mewing technique is right (or even safe) for you. The good news is that this facial technique will cost you nothing, so there’s no harm in giving it a try if your doctor says that it’s okay.

Since mewing does require time and consistent practice, you can always rely on makeup to quickly chisel and sculpt your face for a more defined appearance. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Foundation Shaping Sticks, and use them to contour your forehead, cheeks, and jawline. Be sure to use a color that’s two shades darker than your skin tone to get natural-looking results.

How Do You Mew? 

If you’ve got clearance and you want to give mewing a try, we’re here to help. Mewing involves raising your tongue and pressing it flat against the roof of your mouth and keeping it in that same position while the mouth is closed. Below, find a few key pointers to help you learn how to mew. 

Step 1: Get Your Tongue In The Right Position  

Sit up straight, making sure your neck is straight and in a comfortable position. Then close your mouth and lift your tongue up and press it against the roof of your mouth, making sure it is fully engaged and flat. Keep your mouth closed the entire time. 

Step 2: Push As Hard As You Can 

Push your tongue as hard as you can against the roof of your mouth. Your teeth should be in their normal biting position but lightly touching. Do not clench down hard to the point where your teeth touch. 

Step 3: Hold That Position 

Hold this position for a couple of minutes and then relax the force of your tongue for a few minutes and repeat this process several times. 

Editor’s Note: Dr. Mew notes in his Youtube video that this exercise is not for people who experience jaw joint symptoms.

Photo Credit: iStock

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