Chapter 5: Modern Restorative Arts and Embalming Techniques, 2nd Edition 3 CE Hours
By : Dr. Adrian Bachman Learning outcomes Describe three new trends that impact embalming and restorative arts today. Identify four objectives of green embalming. Describe two alternative chemicals for embalming. Describe the importance of restorative art in the funeral process for families. Identify four examples of restorative art techniques for minor and major cases.
Define the career of desairology and its function in mortuary practice. List the four areas of the desairology course of study for certification. Define the green funeral trend and explain how it impacts embalming and the restorative arts.
INTRODUCTION
best results. But, with the advancing technology and the improvement of new machines and practices, it causes one to stop and consider tradition over advancement. Stop just for a minute and consider what you’ve always done that your great grandfather or mother has taught you in this industry; could you make it better? We often don’t want to consider the changes that alter our daily routine, but what if it could improve the results of the bodies that we have been gifted to work on? What if we could change the environment that we live in and preserve the earth a little longer, helping to save the wildlife and nature to the fullest? These are all things that we need to use these advances and new technology and improve upon an old practice. There are dissenting opinions concerning the use of embalming and restorative arts that center on religious or environmental objections. Though no federal or state law requires embalming and restoration, there are health standards that must be met to ensure the general public is not exposed to infectious diseases or toxic chemicals. Environmental concerns drive the growing trend of green embalming for a “green burial.” The goal is to return the deceased back to the earth in a natural state without any nonbiodegradable materials or toxins found in traditional embalming fluids and metal caskets (Green Burial Council, 2011). In addition, there are minimal restorative measures taken because the physical state of the body is no longer the focus and is secondary to the celebration of the spirit. Proponents of embalming and restorative art emphasize the positive effects of seeing their loved ones, for the last time, looking peaceful and as life-like as possible. Throughout the industry, the objective for the last experience with the deceased is referred to as providing a “positive memory picture.” Embalming and restorative art are critical to achieving this objective in cases where disease or trauma have drastically altered the appearance of the deceased. A skilled embalmer, restorative artist, or funeral cosmetologist (i.e., desairologist) can restore the individual’s appearance and provide a positive, final experience for loved ones. This last visual memory experience can facilitate the grieving process for the family (Seiple, 2016). Regardless of preference for or against embalming and restorative art, there are many new options available for individuals and families faced with decisions concerning funeral services. Some new techniques and practices may be controversial, but funeral decisions should be made according to the last wishes of the deceased with
The first step is the removal of the body and what we can do to make this process more efficient and effect, leaving the family in amazement at the experience they just received and can hang onto for a long time. The embalming process is another step that has changes, and how we do it and what is environmentally beneficial to save the world and at the same time save ourselves for a longer life. The chemicals that we used in the past were strong and damaging to many parts of our body, but we needed them, so we continued to use them on a daily basis. How do you feel today, and if you continue to use the old chemicals that are damaging, what will it do to your longevity in this business? The art of restorative art has changed over time, and we as professionals must change our thinking on how this is done. The family will have requests that we need to understand and think through on how they want their loved one; do we write it off and do what we want, or focus on the details and try to accommodate as much as we can? It’s the little things that can bring the sparkle back into the eyes of a widow or widower, a mother/father, or a best friend. Are we concerned about the bottom dollar, or is it that we simply don’t know the current trends and we feel inadequate to be able to perform what they are looking for? Why not stand out and make that move forward, being ahead of the family and sharing with them the many options and creativity they don’t know you can do, simply by thinking about the restorative work and funeral process on their behalf? The closing steps seem very straightforward, with limited to no changes that need to be modified. You have a viewing and a funeral, and then meet at the graveside for final disposition. But really is it that simple, and can we adapt to an era that likes to take things out of tradition and make their own mark on how they want to remember their loved one? Are you truly prepared for this, and what can you do to better embrace them in this decision? That will be discussed as we go through this course; and as you walk through every detail, may you find inspiration to implement the content found within and truly make a change for the future for your families. The path from death in the home, hospital, or nursing home was straightforward 15 years ago: The funeral home was called and the removal was made. You went back to the funeral home and embalmed. That has evolved to where many firms will use a removal service or have a special team do the removal for them. This process has worked for many years along with embalming right away to ensure the
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