text: what kind of embalming practices are out there? i want to know more about different ways people do embalming or funerals or at least when a person dies. embalming is a way to prepare a dead human body for a viewing or funeral. essentially, embalming removes the blood and other fluids from the body and replaces it with chemicals which temporarily restore the appearance of the body, sanitize the surface of the body, and slow down the decomposition of the body.  arterial embalming is done by opening an artery, pumping embalming fluid into it (usually mechanically), and draining the blood through a vein. sometimes many arteries are used if the body condition warrants it. any incisions are sealed. arterial fluid usually contains a pink dye to restore an "capillary flush" look to a person. cavity embalming is done by removing all the contents of the hollow organs (stomach, lungs, intestines, etc.) with a   tube-like instrument hooked up to a suction machine. an entry point is usually near the navel and all the fluid and blood is removed from the pelvic, abdominal and thoracic cavities. a strong embalming fluid is then introduced to the cavities, and the entry point is sealed.  most people who are embalmed have both arterial and cavity embalming done. often these procedures are followed by cosmetizing the person to restore their coloration.