How is the embalming process done?

Simply put, modern embalming uses the body's circulatory system to saturate most of the soft tissues of the body with a preservative solution which is injected into one or more arteries, with most of the blood in the system being drained from one or more veins at the same time. Areas not reached by the injected solution are treated separately. Hanging the body up for gravity draining is not done.

Just adding to Drinking Danos great answer, I covered this in a question on AB that was asked here also:

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view.php/6259

The website that is provided in the AB answer is very thorough too, in case you wanted more information.

I presume you are asking about Modern Embalming techniques and not Egyptian or any of ancient ways.

First, all the clothing and affects are removed from the body. It is cleaned with various agents, shaved if needed and generally made to look a little better. The eyes will be closed (Most people die with their eyes open believe it or not!) using various techniques and the mouth may be sewn shut. Then using more various techniques the body is given an appropriate facial expression. (This can include anything from staples, needle and thread to a “mask” that stays over the face and allows rigor mortis to do the rest)

At this point, the body needs to become as airtight as possible since it decomposition can take place very quickly. Stops such as cotton/gauss/autopsy gel are put in to cavities in the body. The anus and vagina may also have a type of plastic screw put in them to avoid further leakage.

To remove the blood from a body, there are two common methods. One is called Arterial embalming. This is where the embalming fluids are pumped in to the body via the right carotid vein and the blood is taken out via the left carotid vein. The chemicals being pumped in to the body creates a change in blood pressure which forces the blood out. Another common technique is to allow gravity to do the work. A body is placed on the table which contains a groove all the way around itself. At the foot of the table is a hole that the grooves mate to. The table is elevated to an angle of not more than 45 degrees and two large (and I mean LARGE) incisions are cut in to both feet. Gravity then drains most of the blood out to the grooves and down to the hole.. The remaining blood is flushed out by the change in blood pressure created by pumping in the embalming chemicals.

Once this has taken place, the body is then given cosmetics to create a more life like appearance and then clothed, or vice versa. It is then placed in the coffin for the funeral itself.

Are you asking about embalming? If you are then this will tell you what you need to know. http://www.embalming.net/

Same way you do to a turkey at Thanksgiving

heres another link with a bit of info..not a whole lot tho..

http://www.funeralsohio.org/embalming.htm

Wait... Your not planing on embalming me are you? o.o

Not for the sensitive: http://www.embalmingpictures.com/category/embalmingpictures

Check this out: http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/16627