We can trace embalming or various types of preservation as far back as the Egyptians. In those early days, it was generally only the wealthy that were embalmed or mummified. History has shown that the Egyptian mummies were well preserved for thousands of years. Since then, the procedure has changed many times to what we now know as modern day embalming.

Embalming is a means to temporarily disinfect and preserve the deceased. Disinfection is important, especially for the public safety of our communities. Deaths due to contagious diseases, put embalmers and others who may come into contact with the deceased at a very high risk of contracting the same disease. It has also been a tradition to have a period of visitation for a decedent. This was once known as the wake or calling hours, but today is simply called a visitation period. This allows friends and family to gather and view the remains and pay tribute to a family member or friend that has died. Friends gather to offer condolences to the family on their loss, and to express sympathy to them. Without embalming, most remains become un-viewable within a short period of time. Decomposition, without embalming, continues to alter the body of the deceased. While embalming does not eliminate decomposition, it acts to delay the process. 

First, the embalmer places the deceased on an embalming table. All of the jewelry and clothing is removed. Next, the facial features are set to provide a pleasing appearance. Rigor Mortis is relieved by bending and flexing the arms and legs. Rigor Mortis is caused by chemical changes in the body following death. The arms are then positioned to provide a peaceful appearance. The mouth is usually closed with sutures or wire and lips are then glued. Cotton and other filling material might be necessary. The embalmer cleans the remains surface with a disinfectant spray or solution. 

To begin the embalming process, which is the removal of blood, and replacing it with a formaldehyde based fluid, a small incision is usually made on the remains right side of the lower neck. It is at this position that two of the largest circulatory vessels are located. These are the right common carotid artery and the jugular vein. Incisions are made in both vessels, and a tube connected to the embalming machine is placed into the carotid artery, and forceps are placed into the jugular vein. The basic theory is to pump embalming fluid into the artery, and this will cause the blood to return through the veins and flow outside the remains for disposal. The precise amount of fluid and water mixture varies, depending on many circumstances. In most cases, there will be only one point of injection of the embalming fluid. There are times when others are necessary. Many fluids have a slight dye added to them, which gives the remains a life-like color or glow.

The next step, called cavity embalming, is the introduction of non-diluted fluid to the internal organs of the remains. A small incision is made near the navel, and a long pointed tube called a trocar is placed inside the abdominal and thoracic cavities of the remains. The embalmer aspirates both the abdominal and thoracic cavities. Aspiration is the removal of blood and other bodily fluids, through suction. A suction pump, either water or electric powered is used to remove these fluids. The trocar is then attached to a gravity fed system, which assists in the introduction of full strength fluid to be put into each organ, causing a more thorough disinfection and preservation of the remains All incisions are then sutured closed. The deceased is then bathed with an antiseptic soap, dried and then dressed.