Mewing is a technique that involves positioning your tongue against the roof of your mouth to improve facial structure. This technique has gained popularity in recent years, with many people claiming that it can help achieve a more defined jawline, prominent cheekbones, and even hollow cheeks.
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between mewing and hollow cheeks, and whether or not it’s a viable option for achieving this desired facial feature.
What are hollow cheeks?
Hollow cheeks are a sought-after facial feature that many people desire. They are characterized by a concave depression beneath the cheekbones, which can create a more defined and chiseled facial appearance.
The term hollow cheeks stem from the appearance of a hollowness within the mouth from slim cheeks. Actors Cillian Murphy & Johnny Depp are great examples of how hollow cheeks can make up a large majority of attractiveness.
Some people are born with naturally hollow cheeks, while others may develop them over time due to aging or changes in body weight.
While hollow cheeks may be seen as an attractive feature, note that they are not necessarily a sign of good health.
In fact, extreme weight loss or an unhealthy diet can also cause hollow cheeks, and may not be desirable for overall well-being.
But not to be mistaken, hollow cheeks can be achieved through a healthy diet and daily activity, but it can be quite difficult to uphold the hollow cheek appearance and a low body fat depending on the facial structure.
How Does Mewing Affect Hollow Cheeks?
So, does mewing really give you hollow cheeks? The answer is a bit complex. It’s possible that mewing can help you achieve more defined cheekbones, which may make your cheeks appear more hollow.
When you position your tongue against the roof of your mouth, it helps to engage your facial muscles along with pushing against your upper palate; this, in turn, leads to more pronounced features in the face, which can include cheekbones.
However, it’s important to be realistic in your expectations of mewing, and that mewing by itself is not enough to get hollow cheeks.
Many factors come into play, which include: genetics and body fat percentage.
How Mewing Gives You Hollow Cheeks
To understand how mewing can help you achieve hollow cheeks, it’s important to understand how your facial muscles and facial features work together to create your appearance. Or, in this case, hollow cheeks.
Contrary to popular belief, your facial muscles can make a significant difference in your overall facial structure.
They are affected by a variety of factors, including age, diet, and exercise. It is possible to grow certain muscles through chewing, and other facial exercises that can further accentuate and sharpen certain features.
Mewing can give you hollow cheeks by improving the facial structure, pronouncing facial features, and exercising facial muscles. All three of these factors are key to getting hollow cheeks.
Research studies on the effects of Mewing on facial structure
While there is limited research on the effects of Mewing specifically, there is evidence to suggest that tongue posture can have an impact on facial structure.
One study published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that tongue posture can affect the growth and development of the craniofacial complex, which includes the bones and muscles of the face.
This study suggests that proper tongue posture can have a positive impact on facial structure throughout its development.
By the same logic, we believe that mewing can have an effect on fully-developed adults through the expansion of the palate and opening of the midpalatal suture.
Another study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found that tongue posture can affect the shape and position of the hyoid bone, which is located in the neck and plays a role in facial structure.
This study further suggests that mewing can have a positive impact on facial structure. But interestingly enough, also breathing!
A popular Youtuber Brae, who has gone through an immense transformation, has extremely pronounced hollow cheeks.
He attributes this to mewing, but also admits his genetics had a big role in creating his look.
Here is his very inspiring transformation, and his noticeable hollow cheek development:
Risks and Limitations of Mewing For Hollow Cheeks
While mewing is generally safe, there are some risks and limitations to consider. Mewing, when done incorrectly, can have severe side effects.
To add on, mewing can be quite dangerous for any unprecedented cases. It’s important to do your research and be cautious of any bodily cues that may indicate any negative side effects.
Mewing is not effective for everyone. While some people may see improvements in their facial structure with regular mewing, others may not experience any significant changes.
The progress you make is determined by the effort you put in, but also the severity of your malocclusions. If you were to have a narrow palate, mewing would probably have a more significant effect than a wider palate.
This is because mewing primarily works from the forces being applied upwards and sidewards; if your palate is already wide, you have reached your genetic potential, and there is very little force to be applied into the palate and upwards.
It’s also important to note that mewing alone may not be enough to achieve the desired look of hollow cheeks. A variety of factors contribute to this facial feature, and Mewing may only be one piece of the puzzle.
Summary
Overall, mewing can be an effective technique for improving your facial structure and creating the appearance of more defined cheekbones and hollow cheeks.
However, it’s important to understand that mewing alone may not be enough to achieve this desired look and that other factors, such as genetics, body weight, and muscle tone, also play a role.