What is Embalming - The Process Explained
Embalming is a practice that preserves the body temporarily from decaying, and can be traced back in areas all over the world, though it is typically associated with ancient Egypt (www.verywellhealth.com). Early people used substances such as salt, honey, spices, wax and others to help preserve their dead. Embalming became modernized through the use of chemicals and technique and became widely accepted in the United States during the Civil War era as a way to get soldiers’ bodies back home to their families(www.britannica.com).
Here is a walk through of what today's modern embalming process (funerals.org) (https://funeralcourse.com):
- The body is washed and disinfected.
- Limbs and muscles are massaged to relieve rigor mortis.
- Cream is rubbed into the face and hands to keep the skin soft.
- Facial hair is shaved.
- Cotton may be placed in the nose and throat to absorb liquids and help set features.
- The lower jaw and mouth are wired into shape. A mouth shaper is used to position the mouth. The lips may be sewn or glued shut.
- Eye caps are placed under the eyelids to keep their shape and they are glued shut.
- All of the blood is drained from the veins and embalming fluid is injected into the arteries.
- A small incision is made in the lower abdomen to insert a surgical tool that punctures the organs and abdomen to remove the gas and fluids. After being injected with embalming fluid the cavity is sewn shut.
- The body is dressed.
- Hair is styled.
- Makeup, and sometimes wax, is applied.
- The body is positioned in the casket. The hands may be glued together to keep them in place.
Embalming can only slow down and delay the breaking down of body tissue. After this process is completed, the body will stay preserved for about a week before decomposition recommences (beyondthedash.com).
What Exactly is Embalming Fluid?
Embalming fluid is a mixture of chemicals used to slow down the decomposition of cells in the body (www.thefreedictionary.com). While there is a wide variety of formulas offered on the market, the most common mixtures include formaldehyde, methanol, isopropanol, and germicides . Other chemicals and mixtures continue to be developed but have yet to match the effectiveness of formaldehyde, which is why it remains one of the most popular ingredients for embalming fluids (www.sciencedirect.com).
Blood is what gives skin its color. Since it is drained out in the embalming process, it is necessary to add dyes to the embalming fluid in order to give the skin a natural appearance. Depending on the formula used for the embalming fluid, these dyes can be pink, brown, red, or orange. It all depends on the chemical properties of the formula used (https://funeralcourse.com).
Formaldehyde is a very strong smelling chemical and often masking agents will be included in the embalming mixture in an attempt to cover the strong chemical smell. Some common ingredients used as masking agents are spices, fruits, oils, and mints
(https://funeralcourse.com).
Why is Embalming Required?
In Michigan, it is required by state law for a body to be embalmed if the body will not reach its final resting place in 48 hours or if the cause of death was “diphtheria, meningococcal infections, plague, poliomyelitis, scarlet fever, or smallpox”(www.michigan.gov). Because of the enormity of the task of gathering people for a funeral it is hard to arrange a funeral within 48 hours.
Here are few reasons to embalm besides state regulation (www.verywellhealth.com):
- To give the deceased a more natural look for an open casket funeral.
- To give relatives and loved ones time to travel for the service.
- When the body must be transported over long distances.
- To preserve the body for medical study and anatomical research.
Who to Talk to About the Embalming Process
A funeral director at your local funeral home is the best person to speak to about the embalming process. In Ypsilanti, Michigan, Stark Funeral Professionals are ready to guide you through the process of planning a funeral and will use their experience and knowledge to make sure you understand each step and address any questions or concerns you may have
