How to Influence Face Structure - Mewing and other strategies for Improving an asymmetrical face
While we focus on skin a lot here, there are many other factors that influence your appearance. Here are three (possibly) surprising) things you can do to impact your overall health and improve your facial structure and appearance. How your face looks is massively influenced by your posture.
1. Body Posture
It is essential to be attuned to your posture all day long. I personally work on the computer most of the day. It is awful for posture, breathing, and facial structure. Be sure you have your screen at eye level, your shoulders are straight and down, and you are not looking up or down or leaning forward. A standing desk is ideal, but that can be challenging to build up stamina for. You will need to take more breaks.
If you sit, get an ergonomic chair or sit at the edge of the chair so your feet are on the ground and your spine and neck are aligned.
The tendency is to slump or crane your neck forward. You want to stay aligned in proper posture at all times. You can get a posture corrector to help train yourself to be aligned or set a reminder to check on your posture every 15 minutes. There are also devices that detect your posture, but I do not recommend any devices on the body due to EMFs.
Being on phones all the time has also created "tech neck" and facial structure issues. Be sure to hold your phone at eye level at all times, and of course, limit it to essential use. Never look down at your phone.
2. Tongue Posture
The tongue is meant to rest on your upper palate at all times. The entire tongue, especially the back. Create a light suction, rather than a forceful pressure. This is called ”mewing.” If you have not been doing this, you may need to strengthen your tongue with exercises or using gum.
This is the healthiest gum in the world that I use daily.
You form the gum into a ball with your tongue and then flatten it with your tongue. Over and over for as long as you can each day. Eventually your tongue will be strong enough to form that light suction.
Having your tongue on the upper palate has a dramatic effect on your facial structure and appearance. The younger you are, the more dramatic the positive effects will be. The older you are, the less dramatic the effects will be and the longer it will take to achieve a visibly noticeable effect. But, it is still possible to improve at any age. Even if you are young, it will take years to see changes. But, regardless, this is the natural resting place for your tongue and its proper posture, so aligning this tongue posture is important for overall health, your breathing and airway, etc.
The Science Behind Mewing: How It Works
Facial Anatomy and Structure
To understand mewing, you need to know a bit about your facial anatomy. Your jaw, cheekbones, and teeth are all interconnected, and the position of your tongue can influence how these structures develop over time. The idea is that a correctly positioned tongue can help create a more defined jawline and better facial symmetry. Think of it as a natural contouring method—no makeup artist required!
The Role of Tongue Positioning
Your tongue is a powerful little muscle, and where you place it matters. When you press the tongue against the roof of your mouth, it applies gentle pressure that can guide the growth of your maxilla (the upper jaw). Over time, this pressure can help create a more pronounced jawline, wider palate, and even improve your bite. It's like a secret weapon in your quest for a more attractive smile!
Benefits of Mewing: Aesthetic and Health Improvements
Enhancements in Facial Aesthetics
One of the most popular reasons people are drawn to mewing is its potential to enhance facial aesthetics. Advocates claim that consistent practice can lead to a chiseled jawline, higher cheekbones, and an overall more youthful appearance. While it might not turn you into a supermodel overnight, every little bit helps when it comes to looking like your best self—especially when trying to snag that perfect selfie angle!
Potential Health Benefits
Mewing isn’t just about looks; it may also offer some surprising health benefits. Proper tongue positioning can help improve airflow, potentially reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. Additionally, it might alleviate jaw pain and improve alignment, making your chewing experience a whole lot easier (goodbye, jaw cramps!). So, while you’re working on your jawline, you might just discover that your overall health is getting a little boost too.
The Correct Technique: How to Mew Properly
Step-by-Step Guide to Mewing
Ready to give mewing a try? Here’s how to do it like a pro:
1. **Relax your jaw**: Start with your mouth closed and teeth lightly touching.
2. **Find the sweet spot**: Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Aim for the area just behind your front teeth without straining.
3. **Breathe through your nose**: This helps maintain the tongue position and promotes better airflow.
4. **Keep at it**: Make it a habit during your daily activities. The more you practice, the easier it becomes!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best mewers can make a misstep. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- **Pressing too hard**: Don’t overdo it! Excessive pressure can lead to discomfort and strain.
- **Forgetting to breathe**: Remember, this isn’t a breath-holding contest. Breathe naturally through your nose.
- **Neglecting posture**: Good posture can enhance the effectiveness of mewing. Keep your head upright and your chin tucked slightly in.
- **Expecting instant results**: Like any good workout, consistency is key. Results take time—so practice patience.
3. Mouth Posture
Mouth breathing will have huge effects on your health and your appearance. Not only the quality of your skin, but your facial structure as well.
Never inhale through your mouth, unless your nose is completely blocked and it is impossible to breathe through your nose due to congestion. Exhaling through your mouth will shift your nervous system to parasympathetic (calm, peaceful, rest and digest). So, mouth exhaling is essential for breathwork. The rest of the day, your lips should be softly closed at all times and you should only be breathing through your nose.
Before you go to sleep, tape your mouth so your lips stay closed while you sleep. Mouth taping will also help keep your tongue on your upper palate as you sleep.
I have tested just about every mouth tape in existence.
