How the Modality Framework Is Organized

ICONIC Board organizes recognized modalities into six broad practice domains. Each domain has its own competency framework and pathway requirements. Practitioners credential within a primary domain, and those with multi-disciplinary practices may hold credentials across more than one.

Domain 1
Nutrition & Dietary Therapy
Domain 2
Herbal & Botanical Medicine
Domain 3
Somatic & Bodywork Therapies
Domain 4
Energy & Biofield Therapies
Domain 5
Mind-Body & Contemplative Practices
Domain 6
Integrative Wellness Coaching

Recognized Modalities by Domain

Nutrition & Dietary Therapy includes: holistic nutrition, functional nutrition, clinical nutrition coaching, nutritional therapy, Ayurvedic nutrition, Traditional Chinese dietary therapy, and whole-food wellness consulting.

Herbal & Botanical Medicine includes: Western herbalism, Traditional Chinese herbalism, Ayurvedic herbalism, clinical aromatherapy, flower essence therapy, and ethnobotanical practice.

Somatic & Bodywork Therapies includes: massage therapy (holistic applications), reflexology, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, Rolfing/structural integration, lymphatic drainage, Thai bodywork, and Ayurvedic bodywork (Abhyanga).

Energy & Biofield Therapies includes: Reiki (all lineages), Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Polarity Therapy, Quantum Touch, sound healing, biofield tuning, and acupressure (non-licensed).

Mind-Body & Contemplative Practices includes: yoga therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), breathwork facilitation, meditation instruction, somatic movement therapy, dance/movement therapy, and hypnotherapy (holistic applications).

Integrative Wellness Coaching includes: health and wellness coaching, lifestyle medicine coaching, functional medicine health coaching, integrative health coaching, and holistic life coaching.

Scope clarification: ICONIC Board credentials cover holistic and integrative health practices, not licensed medical professions. Practitioners who are also licensed (e.g., licensed massage therapists, registered dietitians, naturopathic doctors) may hold ICONIC Board credentials alongside their licenses — the credential addresses their holistic practice identity specifically.

What If Your Modality Isn't Listed?

The framework is regularly reviewed and expanded. If your modality doesn't appear above, it may still qualify — many emerging and traditional practices are evaluated case by case. See What if my modality isn't listed? for how to request a review.

Choosing the Right Domain

If your practice touches multiple domains, credential in the one that best represents your primary professional identity. You can add additional domain credentials through a streamlined pathway review after your first credential is active. See Can I credential in multiple modalities? for more detail.