My report about embalming

Page one of  Embalming 1

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The Meaning of Embalming:
1:To treat (a corpse) with preservatives in order to prevent decay
2:To protect from a change or oblivion; preserve or fix: “ A Precedent embalms a principle”.
3: To impart Fragrance to; perfume: “ Spicy aromas embalmed the air.”3


Words in this Report you might not know.
Natron Salt: a mineral of hydrous sodium carbonate, Na2 Co 2 -10H2O often found crystallized with other salts.
Canopic Jars: a jar used in ancient Egypt to contain entrails of an embalmed body 4

History Of Embalming
Since the days of ancient Egypt, if not before, embalming has been apart of the funeral process. The embalmed of religious reasons, Believing it necessary for it to enter the body. During the American Civil War, embalming was done to preserve the bodies of the troops so that they could be shipped back to their family for burial. Today we embalm our dead for preservation and restoration to a more pleasing appearance. 5

The Egyptian embalming process took about 70 days. It began with the body being washed and an incision cut into the side. Through this incision the internal viscera were removed and placed in canopic jars. The brain, accessed via the nose, was minced and pulled from the skull with hooks. Next to the body cavity was stuffed and natron salt,
The skull was later filled with resin, and then allowed to “cure” for a period of about 40 days. After these 40 days, the body was anointed with perfume and then packed with herb’s, Linen, and/or sawdust., Then body was wrapped in linens and placed in a coffin for entombment.6

Embalming began in America during the Civil war. Embalming his first body in 1861, Dr. Thomas Holmes, is credited as being the Father of modern Embalming. His way was much less complicated and time consuming then the Egyptian method and the basis for modern embalming, arsenic mixed with water was injected through the arterial system. Arsenic effectively killed off microorganisms that contributed to decomposition but was banned in the early 20th century to its significant health risks.7

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Page Two about Embalming 11


Facts about Embalming
1 Embalming provides no public health benefit, according to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Canadian Health authorities. Hawaii and Ontario forbid embalming if the person died of cetin contagious diseases. Many morticians have been taught, however, that embalming protects the public health, and they continue to perpetrate this myth 12

2 Embalming does not preserve the human body forever; it merely delays the inevitable and natural consequences on the strength of the chemicals and methods used, and the humidity and temperature of the final resting place.13

3Ambient temperature has more affect on the decomposition process then the time elapsed after the death, whether or not a body has been embalmed. In a sealed casket in above- ground entombment in a warm climate, a body will decompose very rapid.14

4Embalming is a physical invasion of process in which special devices are implanted, and chemicals and techniques are used to give an appearance of restful repose. The normal waxy-white color of a dead body is replaced with a more life-like tone the use of dyes in embalming fluid.15

5 Embalming chemicals are highly toxic. Embalmers are required by OSHA to wear a respirator and a full-body covering while embalming. Funeral home effluent, however is not regulated, and a waste is flushed into the common sewer system or septic tank.16

6 Embalming has no roots in Christian religion but it is still very spiritual it is common only in the U.S and Canada. Embalming is considered a desecration of the body by orthodox Jewish and Muslim Religions. Hindus and Buddhists choosing cremation have no need for embalming.17

9 Embalming gives a funeral homes sales opportunity increase consumer spending(by as much as $3,000 or more) for additional body preparation, a more expensive outer burial container, and a more elaborate series of ceremonies.18

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Page Three Of Embalming25

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The Embalming Process 28

The body is placed on a stainless steel or porcelain table, then washed with a germicide-insecticide-olfactant. The insides of the nose and mouth are swabbed with a solution 29

Rigor mortis(Stiffness) is relieved by the massage( Rarely but sometimes, tendons and muscles are cut in order to place the body in a more natural pose if limbs are distorted by disease , arthritis.)30

The massage cream is worked on the face and the hands to keep the skin soft and pliable.
Facial features are set by putting cotton in the nose, eye caps below the eyelids a mouth former in the mouth (cotton or gauze in the throat to absorb purging fluids). The mouth is then tied shut with wire or sutures. *Glue may be used on the eyelids and lips to keep them closed in a appropriate pose.) Facial hair is shaved if necessary.31

Arterial embalming is begun by injecting embalming fluid into an artery while the blood is drained from a near by vein or from there heart. The two gallons or so needed is usally a mixture of formaldehyde or other chemical and water. In the case of certin death (Where body deterioration has already begun),a stronger or waterless solution is likely to be used for a better body preservation. Chemicals are also injected by syringe into other areas of the body. 32

The Second part of the embalming process is called cavity embalming. A trocar(a long pointed metal tube attached to a suction hose) is inserted close to the navel. The embalmer uses. Gas and fluids are withdrawn before ”Cavity Fluid”(A stronger mix of Formaldehyde) is injected into the torso.33

Incisions and holes made in the body are sewn closed or filled with a trocar
“Buttons.” The body is washed again and dried.
Nails are manicured any missing facial features are molded from wax, The hair is styled and make up is used on the face and hands. The body is dressed and placed in the casket the fingers are glued together if needed.34


The End of Report of Embalming 35

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Thursday 27th 2009 by Marsella Sanchez