Every time we pick up our phones these days and start scrolling through our feeds, we come across viral videos from influencers and creators claiming to know the secret to a sharp jawline. And, the only thing that goes through our mind at that time is – “Is this real or just a trick?”
And, when not one or two but hundreds if not thousands swear by a technique or product, we tend to be intrigued. Mewing is this new beauty craze that has awakened our inner Sherlock. It has taken over TikTok and YouTube. And, it has been endorsed by several bloggers, celebrities and skin experts as the best jawline strengthening and shaping technique of the 21st century.
But, since we can’t believe everything we see online, it’s best to do our own research and get to know the real tea. To make your life easier, we’ve done all the legwork. Here’s a quick beauty guide that will tell you all about Mewing and whether or not it really works.
What is Mewing?
Even though the #mewing hashtag has over 2.5 billion views on TikTok alone, many people don’t know what it actually means and how it’s done. Simply put, the latest fad of interest, Mewing, also known as orthotropic, is the practice of placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth in an attempt to make your jawline sharper and reshape your facial features. . According to some claims, the technique doesn’t just give them tighter, more defined jawlines, but the practice also helps them resolve issues like sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and even crooked teeth. And, that goes far beyond aesthetics.
Although it’s going viral on social media in the 21st century, it’s a decades-old tongue technique created by British orthodontist Dr John Mew in the 1970s. He believed that children could achieve straighter teeth and better breathing habits by meowing regularly. He also claimed that the technique has many other benefits that are yet to be proven. However, unfortunately, there have been several controversies surrounding its practices. Therefore, it is better to see how people have benefited from the technique in the past rather than trust its many claims.
Also read: Four secrets of longevity from the centenarians of Okinawa, the land of the immortals
Does Mewing Really Work?
First of all, mewing as it is currently viewed on the internet is not exactly what John Mew intended. 21st century Mew-ers use the technique to achieve an immediate double chin removal, a more pronounced jawline and achieve a certain aesthetic. They don’t worry about straighter teeth or better breath. So, if you are just trying to click a good selfie (without filters) and show a sharper line in the photos, this technique works quite well.
However, like potions, the effects of mewing are fleeting. The moment you relax your muscles, the appearance will disappear. In terms of long-term effects, it can help people achieve better oral posture and help jaw growth, but so can chewing gum and eating harder products.
So ultimately the choice is yours, what you are looking for, what results you desire and if you have the patience to see the long term results.
How Mew right?
Mewing is quite popular among internet users because it is so simple but promises great results. If you want to try meowing yourself, follow the steps mentioned below.
1. Relax your mouth and make sure your lips and teeth are touching
2. Now, keep your lips and teeth together as you lift your tongue. Press it lightly against the roof of your mouth and hold it in place
3. You will feel some pressure throughout your jaw and this is normal. Just make sure you don’t block your airway as you breathe
Alternatives to Mewing
Read the whole guide but still not convinced enough to give Mewing a try? Here are some alternatives that prove effective when done right. If you want to tighten the area around your jawline, you can consult your dermatologist and have skin tightening treatments done in the office. You can also try facial yoga or chew gum regularly.
Facial massage techniques can also help people achieve a sharper jawline. There are also tools like gua sha and rollers available in the market that help redefine the contour of the face. My favorite jaw shaper is an at-home jawline bra that has worked wonders for me.
