Abstract：Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is similar to some formula syndromes in Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases)， showing the pathogenesis of "counterflow， heat and depression". The syndromes of "counterflow" as the pathogenesis include qi deficiency and phlegm counterflow， yin deficiency and qi counterflow， spleen damage and rheum counterflow， and liver cold and turbidity counterflow， which are treated by Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction， Maimendong Decoction，Linggui Zhugan Decoction and Wuzhuyu Decoction respectively. The syndromes of "heat" as the pathogenesis include heat obstructing the chest and diaphragm，and upper cold and lower heat， which are respectively treated by Zhizichi Decoction and Huanglian Decoction. The syndromes of "depression" as the pathogenesis include pathogenic factors obstructing shaoyang， mutual obstruction of phlegm (water) and qi，binding of phlegm and heat，and weak pulse at yang and wiry pulse at yin，which are respectively treated by Xiaochaihu Decoction，Banxia Houpo Decoction (Shegan Mahuang Decoction)， Xiaoxianxiong Decoction and Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Decoction. The application of ZHANG Zhongjing's theory can guide the treatment of GERD.