4 Branches Chinese Medicine Center was founded by Michele Collins Vergara and her late husband, Andrés Vergara — both long-time practitioners of Chinese medicine and ordained Daoist priests in the 82nd generation of the Highest Purity sect and the 66th generation of the Celestial Masters sect, as well as disciples of the Dragon Heart Temple.. Together, they created a space where herbal medicine, medical qi gong, and the deep wisdom of the body could be met with skill, respect, and care.
Michele continues to carry this work forward in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, offering the same thoughtful, whole-person approach that she and Andrés cultivated together. Her practice integrates Chinese herbal medicine, medical qi gong, and Daoist cultivation, along with western and Ayurvedic herbal traditions, nutritional therapy, and 20 years of clinical experience.
Michele is a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild (RH), holds a Master of Public Health (MPH), is a Master of Medical Qi Gong (MMQ), and is a qi gong instructor. She has spent over two decades studying and practicing Chinese medicine, including more than a decade of teaching and offering medical qi gong. To read more about Michele and her experience and training, see her bio by clicking here.
Andrés was a gifted acupuncturist, herbalist, and Master of Medical Qi Gong whose work touched many lives. His dedication to the art and discipline of Chinese medicine remains a living part of the clinic’s foundation.