Mewing is a practice popularized online involving maintaining a specific resting posture of the tongue against the roof of the mouth, or the palate. This technique is often discussed in communities focused on improving facial structure and encouraging proper nasal breathing patterns. Many beginners, however, quickly encounter difficulty breathing or restricted airflow. This sensation indicates the tongue is not positioned correctly, as the goal of the technique is to open the airway. This article explains the anatomical reasons for this issue and provides corrective steps. Anyone with chronic breathing issues should consult a qualified healthcare professional, as this practice is not universally recognized or endorsed by mainstream medical or dental organizations.
The Anatomy of Airway Obstruction
The difficulty in breathing is a direct mechanical consequence of incorrect tongue placement within the oral cavity. The tongue is a large structure that occupies significant space, and when positioned incorrectly, it physically encroaches upon the delicate space reserved for airflow.
The posterior, or back, third of the tongue is the part most responsible for obstructing the passage of air. Instead of being lifted upward and forward against the hard and soft palate, an incorrect attempt causes this section to push downward or backward. This movement crowds the pharyngeal space, which is the shared region behind the nose and mouth that leads to the throat.
This backward displacement can partially collapse the soft palate, the movable tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth. When the tongue base forces it down, the passage narrows. Furthermore, incorrect muscular tension pulls the base of the tongue and the connected hyoid bone into a position that reduces the volume of the upper airway. This restriction directly impedes the flow of air, making natural nasal breathing feel strained or impossible.
Common Mistakes Causing Breathing Difficulty
The sensation of struggling to breathe while attempting the posture is almost always traceable to specific behavioral errors that create this anatomical blockage.
Failure to Engage the Posterior Tongue
A common failure is only engaging the front and middle sections of the tongue while leaving the crucial back third slack and unengaged. When the posterior tongue is not actively lifted, it naturally rests low in the mouth, allowing it to fall back and partially block the throat. This mistake directly causes the feeling of suffocation.
Incorrect Direction of Force
Another frequent error is the tendency to push the tongue forward, pressing against the back of the front teeth, rather than upward against the palate. This forward pressure is ineffective for the technique and fails to lift the tongue base away from the airway.
Excessive Tension and Force
Many beginners attempt to force the posture by clenching their jaw or throat muscles, which is counterproductive. Clenching creates unnecessary tension, restricting the subtle movements required to lift the tongue base and preventing the effortless, relaxed upward force needed for correct placement. Applying excessive or aggressive force also quickly leads to muscle fatigue and incorrect positioning. The posture should be maintained with gentle, consistent pressure, not a straining effort. If the tongue is pressed too aggressively toward the throat, it can touch the uvula, which is a clear sign the airway is being blocked.
Achieving Proper Tongue Posture for Clear Nasal Breathing
The correct tongue posture should facilitate clear, effortless nasal breathing, meaning the technique must be adjusted until the restriction disappears. The goal is to lift the entire tongue mass against the palate without compromising the airway space. The most effective way to engage the back third of the tongue is by utilizing the natural swallowing reflex, often referred to as the “swallow/suction hold” technique.
To perform this, gather saliva and initiate a swallow, paying attention to how the entire tongue rises and presses against the roof of the mouth. Immediately after swallowing, maintain that lifted position using a slight vacuum or suction. This gentle vacuum action keeps the tongue base secured to the soft palate and should feel like effortless adherence, not a strained push. The proper lift of the tongue base effectively elevates the soft palate, expanding the airway and ensuring an open passage for air.
Maintaining a relaxed jaw and closed lips is also necessary for success. The teeth should be slightly separated or in very light contact. The posture is achieved correctly when the entire tongue rests against the palate, the lips are sealed, and air can pass freely through the nose.