When a loved one passes on, mourning family members and associates often grapple with myriad decisions in regards to the funeral. One of the important decisions is whether the body of the deceased should be embalmed or not. Here's what embalming is and what its associated benefits are.
Defining embalming
This is a multi-step physically invasive procedure, in which particular devices are inserted and bodily fluids are eliminated and replaced with embalming fluids that serve to temporarily delay the body's decomposition. Note that the process of embalming is typically two-fold. The first phase involves the embalming itself, while the second phase is what is commonly known as other preparation of the corpse, which entails applying make up, styling the hair, restoring the facial features, clothing the corpse and laying the corpse in the casket. It is important to note that embalming doesn't preserve the corpse forever; it basically delays the unavoidable and natural effects of death. The speed of decomposition will differ, based on the strength of the embalming fluids and methods used.
Why choose embalming?
Often, embalming is employed when the corpse will be on display for a wake or viewing, if there will be a public display at the funeral service, or when the corpse will be shipped long distances or across national borders. The funeral industry encourages embalming as well as public viewing as a way to pay one's last respect to the departed and to ascertain a clear identity of the body so that the certainty of death cannot be disputed by those viewing the body. Viewing the body is actually an important part of the mourning process, regardless of whether or not the death was long-awaited. The main objective of embalming is to give the corpse a more life-like look, which most families prefer for an open viewing.
Green embalming
The green initiative has also had its impact in the funeral industry. The truth is that the traditional embalming fluids are very much toxic. This explains why embalmers often put on respirators as well as full-body coverings during the embalming process. Furthermore, embalming using toxic fluids also adds dangerous chemicals to the ground once the corpse is buried and decomposing. If you are conscious about the environment, you can consider the option of green embalming. With green embalming, the corpse is embalmed using non-noxious, non-carcinogenic embalming chemicals, which are actually made from eco-friendly essential oils. In effect, the earth is protected from toxic fluid chemicals.
If you have more questions, contact a funeral home like Lee Adam Funeral Services.
Share8 October 2015
Planning a funeral can be extremely hard. You want to send off your loved one in style, but at the same time, your grief may be so heavy that it feels impossible to figure out the best way forward. Hi, my name is Julie. If you have recently lost a loved one, I offer you my condolences. I lost my mother and husband within the span of a year and became skilled at planning funerals. I know how hard it can be so I wanted to help others with organisation, decoration and other issues. I hope this blog helps you. Enjoy reading and thank you.