Thanatology is a discipline that works with the effects that death has on the body.
Thanatology is the name given to a discipline linked to the effects that death has on the body. It is a series of knowledge from medicine and other sciences that analyze various aspects of death.
In order to really know the meaning of the term, it is important to start by discovering its etymological origin. In this sense, it must be emphasized that it is a word of Greek origin, since it is the result of the sum of two components of said language such as the noun thanatos , which can be translated as "death" , and logos , which is synonymous. of “study” or “speech” .
Function of thanatology
Thanatology is generally associated with forensic medicine , the purpose of which is to scientifically demonstrate why a death occurred. For this, the forensic doctor develops various studies on the corpse that allow him to determine the causes of death.
Thanatology experts work with deaths due to different causes: sudden deaths, deaths as a result of a long illness or violent deaths, whether due to an accident, homicide or suicide.
Thanatology is also linked to thanatopraxy : the practices carried out on a lifeless body to restore and preserve it . In this case, the specialist applies his knowledge to fulfill the wishes of the deceased or the requests of his loved ones.
Thanatology is responsible for preparing the corpse for funeral rites.
The training
People who want to work as thanatologists when they go to an educational center to train and obtain the qualification that allows them to practice must know that there they will not only receive an education at a regulated level but also a personal education and values . It will be necessary that, to carry out this work in the most professional and humane way, they have empathy , patience, honesty, the ability to not judge others, confidentiality and the ability to listen.
And they are going to deal with people who will have to face the difficult experience of having lost their loved ones, so it will be essential to treat them humanely, explain the facts to them as gently as possible, put yourself in their place and understand their reactions .
Thanatology and the rites linked to corpses
Rites related to corpses have changed throughout history . Currently, thanatology is present in Western societies for the sanitation and aesthetics of mortal remains with a view to a funeral. Many times the dead person is exposed for hours or days so that their family and friends can say goodbye. Thanatology involves putting makeup on the body to minimize the visual effects of death.
The process commonly known as embalming is also part of the orbit of thanatology. The procedure requires the use of chemicals to prevent putrefaction of the body. Mao Tse-Tung (who died in 1976 ) and Lenin (who died in 1924 ) are just two of the personalities whose remains have been embalmed.