Shunamitism

Shunamitism (also referred to as gerocomy[1]) is the practice of an old man sleeping with, but not necessarily having sex with, a young virgin to preserve his youth. It is considered an esoteric youth-enhancing method.[2] The rationale was that the heat and moisture of the young woman would transfer to the old man and revitalize him.[3]

Abishag the Shunamite tends to aging David, c. 1435

The term is based on the biblical story of King David and Abishag. The young woman, who was from Shunem, was also referred to as a Shunamite.[4] 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.[5]

Among scientific physicians, Thomas Sydenham (17th century) prescribed shunamitism for his patients. The Dutch Herman Boerhaave (18th century) also recommended this method to an old Burgomaster, citing it can restore strength and spirits.[6]

See also

Rejuvenation (aging)

References
  1. Schulz, James H.; Binstock, Robert H. (2008). Aging Nation: The Economics and Politics of Growing Older in America. Baltimore, MD: JHU Press. p. 181. ISBN 978-0-8018-8864-9.
  2. Friedrichs, Robert (March 1989). "American Sociological Hegemony: Transnational Explorations". Social Forces. 67: 821–822.
  3. Steven Shapin and Christopher Martyn, “How to live forever: lessons of history”, British Medical Journal, BMJ 2000;321;1580-1582]
  4. Jamieson, Robert; Brown, David; Fausset, Andrew Robert (1871). A Commentary, Critical, Experimental, and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments: Joshua-Esther, Volume II. London and Glasgow: William Collins. p. 291.
  5. 1 Kings 1
  6. Hayflick, Leonard (1994). How and why We Age. New York: Ballantine Books. p. 282. ISBN 978-0-345-33918-8.
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