Embalming is a practice focused on temporarily preserving a deceased human body, ensuring sanitation, and presenting a natural appearance. It involves treating remains with chemical solutions to delay decomposition. Evolving from ancient mummification, modern embalming allows for public viewing and dignified farewells. This article clarifies the steps involved in contemporary embalming and its role in funeral practices.
Understanding Embalming’s Purpose
Embalming serves several interconnected purposes, primarily preparing the deceased for funeral services. A main objective is temporary preservation, which delays natural decomposition. This allows families sufficient time to arrange services, viewings, or transport remains.
Embalming also promotes sanitation by disinfecting the body, reducing potential health risks. The process focuses on presentation, aiming to restore a natural and peaceful appearance. This is especially helpful if illness or trauma altered a person’s appearance. A lifelike presentation supports the grieving process for family and friends during viewings.
The Step-by-Step Embalming Process
The embalming process begins with initial preparations. The body is thoroughly washed and disinfected. Any existing rigor mortis, or stiffness, is relieved through gentle massage and manipulation of the limbs. Facial features are then carefully set, typically involving closing the eyes, often using plastic eye caps, and positioning the mouth. The mouth may be secured using sutures or a needle injector to ensure a natural expression.
Following initial preparation, arterial embalming commences, which is the primary method of preservation. This involves making a small incision, commonly near the carotid artery in the neck or the femoral artery in the thigh. Through this artery, a specially formulated embalming fluid is injected into the circulatory system. Simultaneously, blood is drained from a nearby vein, such as the jugular or femoral vein. Approximately two to three gallons of this fluid are circulated throughout the body, replacing the blood.
Embalming fluid is a complex chemical solution designed for preservation and disinfection. It typically contains formaldehyde, a powerful preservative and disinfectant, and glutaraldehyde. Other components may include methanol, phenol, humectants to maintain tissue moisture, wetting agents to aid fluid distribution, and dyes to restore a natural skin tone. The formaldehyde content in these fluids generally ranges from 5% to 37%.
After arterial embalming, cavity embalming treats the internal organs. A small incision is made near the navel, and a specialized instrument called a trocar is inserted into the thoracic and abdominal cavities. This allows for the aspiration, or removal, of gases and fluids from the hollow organs. Subsequently, a concentrated cavity fluid, often formaldehyde-based, is injected into these cavities to preserve the visceral organs.
In certain situations, supplemental embalming techniques may be necessary. Hypodermic embalming involves injecting embalming chemicals directly under the skin in localized areas where arterial fluid distribution might have been insufficient, such as in cases of trauma. Surface embalming, another supplemental method, involves applying embalming chemicals directly to the skin’s surface to address visible areas of damage or discoloration. Once chemical treatments are complete, all incisions are carefully closed.
After Embalming: Preparation for Viewing
Once chemical preservation is complete, the body undergoes further preparation for public viewing. The embalmer washes and dries the body, removing residual chemicals or fluids. This ensures the skin is clean for aesthetic refinement.
The deceased is then dressed in family-chosen clothing, and hair is styled. Cosmetics and restorative art techniques are applied to the face and hands to achieve a lifelike and peaceful appearance. This can include addressing discolorations, evening skin tone, and recreating natural contours. Finally, the body is carefully positioned within the casket, ensuring a dignified and comforting presentation for those attending the viewing.
Is Embalming Always Necessary?
Embalming is generally not a legal requirement in most U.S. jurisdictions. The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule mandates that funeral providers disclose embalming is not legally required, unless specific state or local laws apply. Exceptions might include transporting remains across state lines or internationally, or when there is a significant delay before burial or cremation.
For temporary preservation without embalming, refrigeration is a widely accepted alternative. Other options that bypass the need for embalming entirely include immediate burial or direct cremation, typically chosen when a public viewing is not planned. The decision to embalm often rests on personal preference, cultural or religious traditions, or the practical necessity of allowing time for funeral services and viewings. Some funeral homes may have policies requiring embalming if an open-casket public viewing is desired.