What Do I Need To Know About Embalming?

Embalming of the body is a complex of procedures over the body of a deceased person before placing him in a coffin and burial, in order to inhibit the processes of decomposition. Embalming the body is done by injecting embalming solutions.

How did embalming come about?

The method was first used by the Chinchorro people, an ancient culture that was in what is now Chile and Peru. They buried their ancestors by mummifying them. This can be considered the first case of embalming, which was recorded even before our era.

Embalming was also popular in ancient Egypt. Pharaohs and noble citizens were buried in luxurious sarcophagi and their bodies were mummified. At that time, special priests were responsible for the embalming process. The body was opened and all the organs were removed from it. The corpse would then be dried and coated with sodium carbonate. This allowed the body to be left in its original state, and even thousands of years later when the tombs were opened the corpses would not dry out.

In China, the first tombs with mummies date back to 200 BC. The bodies belonged to the rulers of the Han dynasty. Before that period corpses were buried in a more familiar way.

The tradition of embalming did not come to until the time of the Roman Empire.

Embalming today

Embalming services for the body today is a standard procedure. This method of preserving a corpse is used when relatives want to say goodbye to the deceased with dignity. It is necessary to embalm the bodies of the deceased when the burial takes place a few days or weeks after the demise. Embalming prevents odors and stains on the body of the deceased, reduces the risk of infection to others and thus ensures the health safety of those present during the funeral and mourning events. The procedure is also necessary when the body has to be transported to the place of burial, for example, if the deceased’s body is brought from abroad. Embalming is also a concern for the posthumous beauty of the deceased and preserving the appearance while alive.

Embalming and religion

There is no prohibition against embalming the body in religion. Most believers agree that there is nothing wrong with preserving the body of the deceased. It does not contradict God’s plan.

What are the methods of embalming the body?

There are four known methods of embalming today.

1. Stripe method
   This embalming method treats internal organs. They decompose the fastest and exude an unpleasant odor. With the puncture method of incision, a puncture is made into the abdominal and pleural cavity. In the resulting opening, the specialist injects an antibacterial solution with a volume of 1.5 to 2.5 liters.
   The incision method allows the solution to enter the cavity through the anterior abdominal wall. It is used if decomposition of the corpse has already begun and there is a long journey ahead.
2. Injection embalming
   This type of treatment involves impregnating the tissues of the face, neck, and hands with an antiseptic solution. A small amount of liquid is used in the procedure, and a gentle massage during embalming helps the substance to spread evenly.
3. Surface Treatment
   This embalming is used when the deceased has skin damage and deep wounds. The body is covered with a special liquid and gel. Its action is aimed at stopping the decomposition of body tissues.
4. Vascular (arterial) embalming
   During arterial embalming, a special substance is introduced into the blood arteries. This technique allows the body to be preserved for a long time. Due to the complexity of the procedure, not every specialist can perform it.

Peculiarities of embalming the body

Embalming is a process that hides many myths. Let’s reveal some facts of this secret procedure.

A relaxed person’s mouth opens spontaneously. The same thing happens to the deceased. To hide this problem, the specialist uses small needles and connects the upper and lower jaw with invisible threads. If this cannot be done because of the structure of the jaws, the specialist sews the muscles together.

During embalming, all blood is removed from the body. This slows down decomposition. The specialist injects a special solution into the vein, which displaces the blood.