Today we’d like to introduce you to Garth McLean
Garth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Within days of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1996, I embarked on a practice of Iyengar Yoga.
As an active person, when I got the news I asked my neurologist what I should do to maintain my physical health.
Aside from prescribing the available medication, he compassionately suggested that I try yoga to help me navigate the challenges associated with this incurable, potentially neurodegenerative condition.
Luckily, friends visiting me in the hospital recommended Iyengar Yoga.
Once I began to practice asanas, that were adapted to my ability at the time, the effects were profound. I was able to get my symptoms into remission and I committed to a daily yoga practice.
Soon after, I sought out yoga master, BKS Iyengar, in Pune, India.
After several trips to India for continued study, I committed myself to pay it forward and began to teach.
After I became a senior certified Iyengar Yoga teacher, and certified yoga therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists, I began working with many people who have these types of challenges.
Health is simply a by-product of proper yoga practice. Through iconic alignment of asana (physical postures) and pranayama (breathing) we can fortify stability, keep mobile and endure with relative ease that which we may not be able to cure.
With my direct personal experience of overcoming some of the most frightening symptoms associated with MS, a broader vision and a deepened yoga practice, I can wholeheartedly attest that the practice of Iyengar Yoga offers the practitioner a pathway to navigate the challenges of life, whatever we may be facing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Inhabiting a body that I could not feel or control, especially when diagnosed as a younger man, and the available meds offer no cure for the condition, I was scared, unsure, and filled with trepidation about an uncertain future.
Thankfully BKS Iyengar opened up a doorway to possibility through the practice of yoga and gave me the tools, along with a good dose of realistic hope, to take the necessary action to move beyond any limitations with courage and caution.
Through a daily practice I’ve been able to get and keep my course of MS in remission without becoming dependent upon ongoing medication.
The symptoms I’ve managed to ease and work through include: gait abnormality and imbalance issues (ataxia); drop foot; muscle weakness; inability to judge distance or scale with arms (dysmetria); burning neural pain in my arms, hips and feet; numbness and tingling in my limbs (parasthesia); optic neuritis; double vision (diplopia); spasticity (paraparesis) of the legs, torso spasticity (commonly referred to as the MS hug); bladder and bowel dysfunction; crushing fatigue; LHermitte’s symptom (an uncomfortable electrical charge in the spine triggered by neck flexion); Uhthoff’s phenomenon (heat intolerance which can temporarily worsen symptoms); and depression.
As I choose to opt for a daily yoga practice instead of becoming dependent upon medication prescribed for people with relapsing-remitting MS, my agreement with my neurologist was and remains to do annual MRI studies of my brain and spine to monitor any hidden MS activity.
Comparative annual analysis of the imaging reports have shown a reduction in the size and number of the MS lesions on my brain. Otherwise, there has been no activity to suggest any neurological degeneration. Definitely a testimony to the positive impact of the healing power of the practice.
Gratefully, I remain relatively symptom free.
The result is a more balanced and happy life — physically, emotionally and psychologically.
We all deal with something. In addition to dealing with any physical adversity we may have to face, we may also have to navigate a landscape of uncertainty, fear, grief, isolation, anger and depression.
Reflecting on the transformative personal results I’ve experienced, I remember sitting alone in my apartment one night in Hollywood thinking that if I could help anyone else deal with a similar situation of uncertainty, it was my duty to do so.
Committed to helping others through yoga, I became a teacher of the subject to share what has helped me so profoundly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Since teaching yoga, it has been a great honor and privilege to work with so many people across the globe with all ranges of ability who are in the various stages of MS, Parkinson’s, post-stroke rehabilitation, as well as many other neurological and movement challenges. Though the practice yoga is not a cure, it is rewarding to see how the yoga practice has helped so many.
Recognized internationally for working with persons with neurological and movement challenges, I aim to emphasize accessibility, inclusion and an adaptive practice, when required.
Steeped in the tradition of Iyengar Yoga I blend my years of experience (Introductory to Advanced) with compassionate exploration and creative adaptation to empower students of all levels of ability to move beyond perceived limitations.
In 2020, I wrote a book based on my experience. Published in London, the book, Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis, A Practical Guide for People with MS and Yoga Teachers, (Singing Dragon Books, London 2020). Available worldwide
A co-founding and current board member of the Iyengar Yoga Therapeutics group, a non-profit organization (based in Los Angeles) dedicated to helping people manage diseases and conditions through the therapeutic applications of yoga.
I also serve on the advisory board and am a faculty member of AnuYoga, a non-profit organization based in Tel Aviv.
In addition to regular intensives, I currently offer workshops in Europe, the United Kingdom and South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile). Previously, I have offered seminars and classes in Australia, Canada, Israel, Russia, Tunisia.
Other offerings of note:
2024
European Congress of Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia:
Co-presenter on the efficacy of Iyengar Yoga as an intervention for MS and Parkinson’s.
2019
World Yoga Festival:
Headline Iyengar Yoga teacher
International Association of Yoga Therapists – Symposium of Yoga Therapy and Research (SYTAR):
Presenter and Plenary Speaker
2011
Spain Iyengar Yoga Teachers’ Convention:
Guest Teacher
2009
France Iyengar Yoga Teachers’ Convention:
Guest teacher
When my life was interrupted, I had pursuing an acting career. Not ready to give that up, I have since written and performed a one-person show entitled, Looking For Lightning, about my journey which I performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2018).
Credentials:
Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher
(CIYT – Level 3 (Int. Senior III)
Certified Yoga Therapist- International Association of Yoga Therapists
Yoga Alliance RYT-500)
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Based in Los Angeles, I offer public classes and specialty courses, locally and internationally, in-person and online. I work with people individually and in classes.
Based in Los Angeles, I offer public classes and specialty courses, locally and internationally, in-person and online. I work with people individually and in classes.
I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other health and wellness professionals to offer Iyengar Yoga as part of a multidisciplinary approach to healing and rehabilitation. I am open to work with hospitals, medical clinics.
For inquiries, visit my website
https://yogarth.com
Or inquire by email:
yogarthman@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: Https://yogarth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogarthman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15LuJwZZMt/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/yogarth
Image Credits
Xu Zhang (yoga photo)
Pete Konerko (head shot)
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