The advance of medicine develops as one encounters Egyption, Minoan, Greek and Hippocratic medicine. The Egyptian civilization advanced medicine in the fact that they were the first to understand the position of the bodies internal organs. Due to religious beliefs, through the process of mummification, Egyptian doctors learnt more about human anatomy. The other important part of the Egyptians was that they were the first to have specialized professions, such as doctors. The Greeks failed to advance very far medically, due to their religious beliefs, meaning that during their time, religion had a detrimental effect on the advance of medicine. However, they did introduce “Asclepions”, which, in essence, were the first hospitals. The Hippocrates were a major factor in the advance of medicine, producing such things as the Hippocratic Oath. However, they also produced other nonsense such as the four humours. An important philosiphor of the time, Hippocrates, did not want doctors to rely on a theory of the cause of disease that could be applied to every case, nor to depend on religious practices. He firmly rejected magical causes and cures. The Hippocratic books focus mainly on observation, which meant that during this time, religion did not have detrimental effects on the advance of medicine. The Romans were also a large contributer toward the advance of medicine, for they had a sophisticated sewerage system, which prevented disease.
Religion and medicine are both concerned with making people whole, complete and content. Many health-care and research institutions have sprung from religious roots. The first hospitals were created by Christian and Islamic founders. Inspired by religious leaders teachings to their followers to "heal the sick" and "cleanse the lepers." Christian hospitals began appearing in Rome after Christianity was made the religion. This trend continued through the ‘Medieval’ and ‘Renaissance’ centuries, and was resurrected during the 19th century, when thousands of hospitals, lunatic asylums and nursing homes were established. Similar traditions of religious involvement in medical caregiving can be found in the histories of China and Hindu nations. In this way, religion has had a beneficial factor on the advance of medicine.
On the other hand, some traditions and religions have rather controversial beliefs that limit the medical interventions that they are willing to accept. Christian Scientists, for example, reject the use of medicine, trusting instead in prayer to invoke healing on the patient. Jehovah's Witnesses will not accept blood transfusions. Physicians sometimes seek court orders allowing treatment in such cases, especially if the life of a child is at risk because of the beliefs of the parents. Court orders are an unnecessary effort, and it’s things like these that have had a detrimental effect on the advance of religion.
In conclusion, no particular religion has had an overall positive or negative effect on human health, but all religions have played their part in being both beneficial and detrimental to the advance of medicine.