Abstract：This article analyzes relevant literature on prescriptions-syndromes correspondence，primarily focusing on the Shang Han Lun （Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Disease），to objectively assess the value and limitations of this approach and explore the crucial role of pathogenesis within it. The article points out certain shortcomings in the "prescriptions-syndromes correspondence" study method， arguing that "prescriptions-pathogenesis-syndromes correspondence" represents a more preferable principle for learning and analytical thinking in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. The relationship between prescriptions and syndromes is not a simple linear correspondence. The descriptive style of prescriptions-syndromes correspondence found in ancient texts reflects an initial，insufficient level of understanding and should not serve as the basis for this concept. We should advocate for prescriptions-pathogenesissyndromes correspondence. Only in this way can we benefit the research and application of TCM's syndrome differentiation and treatment theory and effectively enhance clinical efficacy.