To embalm a body means to preserve the deceased person's body by sanitizing and delaying the natural process of decomposition. This is achieved by removing blood and bodily fluids and replacing them with chemical solutions, often formaldehyde-based, that preserve internal tissues and give the body a more lifelike and presentable appearance for viewings or funerals. Embalming also includes cleaning, disinfecting, and sometimes cosmetic enhancement of the body to ensure it looks peaceful and natural. The process allows the body to be preserved for an extended period, which is useful if there will be a delay before burial or if the body needs to be transported over long distances. Embalming is a regulated sanitary practice and typically takes a few hours to complete.