The very best information on the subject will be found with Mr. Redwood (aka Bob Shimon), but I will give you the small amount of information I have.
In the first stages of styling, branches should be left longer to promote branch thickening and woody growth. After your branches are thick and have a little secondary growth, it is time to cut back to smaller "leaves" and begin the pinching process. Older, longer needled secondary branches should be removed, and will promptly be replaced by smaller needled new buds. After these have grown out an inch or two, they can be pinched by simply pulling on the last 1/4", it will break in just the right spot. After this, there should be even more backbudding which will increase ramification. During this entire time, the tree will be putting out new growth all over the trunk, which should be removed as soon as it is noticed, to direct growth where you want it.
To answer the simple part of your question, yes. Branches that are still green can be cut back to the next living bud without much worry of dieback. If there is no bud to cut back to it ends up being a bit of a gamble, and you have a chance of the branch either weakening or backbudding profusely.
How is your tree doing? Pictures?