"Syndrome"

as a unique cognitive form for disease phenomena in Chinese medicine

is the most concrete embodiment of Chinese medicine theory in diagnosis and treatment. Its core content is the integration of syndrome elements of "image-element-sign-syndrome"under the background of Chinese medicine original thinking of"image thinking". Starting from image thinking

taking the view of complex giant system and combining the holistic system theory

this article explores the philosophical basis and cultural attribute of syndrome. The ontological characteristics deduced from "image thinking"transcend the limitation of the binary cognitive process in philosophy

and also reflect the consciousness and the returning of humanistic medicine. As the soul and core connotation of Chinese medicine

it has profound significance in inheritance and innovation.