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 the heat and moisture of the young woman. [1]
The term is based on the Biblical story of David King and Abishag , a young woman from Shunem . When King David was old and could not stay warm, his servants found him, so he was still in virgin. [2]
Among scientific physicians, both, Thomas Sydenham (17th century) and Herman Boerhaave (18th century) prescribed for shunamitism Their patients.
See also
Rejuvenation (aging)
References
- Jump up^ Steven Shapin and Christopher Martyn, “How to live forever: the lessons of history,”British Medical Journal, BMJ 2000; 321; 1580-1582]
- Jump up^ 1 Kings 1