Shunamitism

Abishag the Shunamite tends to aging David, c. 1435

Shunamitism is the practice of an old man sleeping with, but not necessarily having sex with, a young virgin to preserve his youth. The rationale was that the heat and moisture of the young woman would transfer to the old man and revitalize him.[1]

The term is based on the Biblical story of King David and Abishag, a young woman from Shunem. When King David was old and could not stay warm, his servants found Abishag to sleep with him, though he had no intimate relations with her: therefore, she was still a virgin.[2]

Among scientific physicians, both Thomas Sydenham (17th century) and Herman Boerhaave (18th century) prescribed shunamitism for their patients.

See also

Rejuvenation (aging)

References

  1. ↑ Steven Shapin and Christopher Martyn, “How to live forever: lessons of history”, British Medical Journal, BMJ 2000;321;1580-1582]
  2. ↑ 1 Kings 1
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