Can mewing improve airway health? Evidence and theories
Mewing, a technique that involves proper tongue posture, can potentially improve airway health according to some theories. By positioning the tongue against the roof of the mouth and maintaining good oral posture, it may help widen the airways, making breathing easier. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in improving respiratory function.
How Does Mewing Affect the Structure of the Jaw and Face?
Mewing is a technique that some people believe can change how your jaw and face look. It’s about how you position your tongue in your mouth. The idea is to push your tongue against the roof of your mouth. People think this can help shape the bones in your face as you grow.
This method gets its name from Dr. John Mew, who came up with it. He thought that if you keep your tongue in this special position, over time, it could make your jawline sharper and your face look better. But remember, changing bone structure takes a lot of time and might not work for everyone.
What Are the Theories Behind Mewing Improving Airway Health?
The theories behind mewing improving airway health are pretty interesting. Some people believe that when you mew correctly, it opens up space in your throat. This extra space could make breathing easier for some folks.
Also, by training your tongue to stay at the top of your mouth, mewing might help keep your airway open while you sleep. This is super important because it could reduce snoring and even help with sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep.
Can Mewing Change the Position of the Tongue at Rest?
Yes, mewing can change where your tongue rests when you’re not thinking about it. Normally, our tongues might just sit at the bottom of our mouths without much thought. But with mewing practice, you teach your tongue to chill out on the roof of your mouth instead.
This new resting spot for the tongue can feel weird at first but can become more natural over time. By keeping it up there, it’s like giving your tongue a new home that could benefit how you breathe and even how you look.
How Does Tongue Position Influence Breathing and Airway Health?
The position of our tongues can really affect our breathing and airway health. When our tongues rest at the bottom of our mouths, they might block some air from getting through easily. This isn’t great for getting all the oxygen we need or for sleeping well at night.
On the other hand, when we keep our tongues up against the roof of our mouths (like with mewing), it helps keep our airways open wider. This means more air can flow through without trouble, making breathing easier and possibly improving overall health related to getting enough oxygen.
| Aspect | Scientific Rationale |
|---|---|
| Nasal Airway Passage | Mewing can help in aligning the jaw and expanding the palate, potentially increasing the nasal airway space, allowing for better airflow. |
| Tongue Position | Proper tongue posture on the roof of the mouth, as promoted by mewing, may open up the airway by preventing the tongue from falling back and obstructing breathing during sleep. |
| Facial Structure Support | Improved alignment of facial bones through mewing can support more open airways, contributing to easier breathing. |
| Orofacial Muscle Tone | Mewing practices encourage stronger orofacial muscles, which can help in maintaining an open airway and improving respiratory function. |
| Sleep Apnea Reduction | By enhancing airway stability and reducing obstructions during sleep, mewing might contribute to a decrease in sleep apnea symptoms, leading to better overall respiratory health. |
What Evidence Supports the Claim That Mewing Can Improve Airway Health?
Many people who practice mewing report feeling like they can breathe better. They say their nasal passages feel more open. This is thought to be because mewing might help make the airway larger.
However, it’s important to note that most of this evidence comes from personal stories. There hasn’t been a lot of scientific research done yet. So, while these stories are interesting, we need more evidence to be sure.
Are There Any Scientific Studies on Mewing and Its Impact on Respiratory Function?
There are very few scientific studies specifically looking at mewing and breathing. One study did find that proper tongue posture can have a positive effect on the airway. But this study wasn’t just about mewing.
Because of this, scientists say we need more research. They want to do more studies to really understand how mewing affects breathing and if it can help with problems like sleep apnea.
How Long Does It Take to See Improvements in Airway Health Through Mewing?
The time it takes to see changes from mewing varies for each person. Some people say they notice a difference in a few months. Others say it takes much longer, even years.
This is because everyone’s body reacts differently. Also, doing mewing correctly and consistently is important for seeing results. If you’re thinking about trying mewing, remember it might take a while to see any changes.
What Are Alternative Methods to Improve Airway Health Besides Mewing?
Besides mewing, there are other ways to help improve airway health. For example, using nasal strips at night can help keep your nasal passages open while you sleep. This can make breathing easier.
Another method is doing exercises that strengthen the muscles around your throat and mouth. These exercises can help keep your airway open too. Doctors sometimes recommend these exercises for people with sleep apnea or other breathing issues.
Final Thoughts
Mewing has become popular online with many people saying it helps them breathe better. But we still need more scientific research to know for sure how it affects airway health.
If you’re interested in trying mewing or looking for ways to improve your breathing, talk to a doctor first. They can give you advice based on what’s best for your health.
