Mewing, a technique popularized online, is a focused practice of maintaining proper resting tongue posture against the roof of the mouth. The goal of this method is to encourage potential aesthetic improvements or structural changes to the jawline and face over time. For many beginners, the initial attempt to adopt this posture results in a concerning inability to breathe comfortably through the nose. This immediate respiratory blockage is a common problem that signals an incorrect execution of the technique, and understanding the physiology of the obstruction is necessary for correcting the practice.
What Proper Tongue Posture Looks Like
Correct mewing involves resting the entire body of the tongue against the hard palate, which is the bony roof of the mouth. This posture is achieved through a gentle, consistent suction, not a forceful pressing upward. The tip of the tongue should rest just behind the front teeth, specifically on the incisive papilla, without actually touching the teeth themselves. The middle and the posterior third of the tongue must also be engaged and held flush against the palate. When executed correctly, the tongue’s upward placement should feel light and sustainable, allowing for effortless nasal breathing. The proper engagement of all tongue sections creates a seal that supports the correct oral rest position while keeping the airway completely open.
The Anatomy of Airway Obstruction During Mewing
The primary reason for the feeling of suffocation during mewing is the incorrect positioning of the posterior third of the tongue. This area, known as the tongue root, sits directly above the pharyngeal space, which is the shared passageway for air and food. When a beginner attempts to lift the back of the tongue without the necessary muscle control, they often push the tongue backward instead of up. This backward movement forces the tongue root against the soft palate and the posterior wall of the pharynx, physically narrowing or closing the airway. This reflexive motion is similar to the action of swallowing, during which the airway is intentionally closed off for a moment to prevent food from entering the windpipe. Because the tongue is a large, muscular organ, even a slight misplacement of the root can cause a significant obstruction of the oropharynx. Achieving the correct posture requires strengthening the suprahyoid muscles beneath the chin, which are responsible for lifting the tongue up and forward against the palate.
Safety Concerns and Seeking Professional Guidance
Experiencing difficulty breathing while practicing mewing is an immediate safety concern that must be addressed by instantly relaxing the tongue and restoring normal breathing. Persistent obstruction can trigger panic, dizziness, or hyperventilation due to the sudden lack of air. Additionally, if this incorrect, obstructive tongue posture were to be maintained during sleep, it could pose a risk similar to obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where the airway repeatedly collapses during the night.
If you find that you consistently cannot maintain the proper tongue posture without blocking your airway, you should cease the practice and seek professional evaluation. Underlying anatomical issues, such as a severely deviated septum, chronically inflamed adenoids, or a naturally small maxilla, can make nasal breathing difficult regardless of tongue position. Consulting a specialist, such as a myofunctional therapist, an orthodontist, or an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor, can help identify any structural barriers or muscle weaknesses that are contributing to the breathing difficulty. These professionals can offer targeted exercises or treatments to ensure a safe and effective approach to proper oral posture.