The History of the Hot Stones Therapy The European culture used hot rocks to heat their saunas and apply to their tired and sore muscles. On the other hand, the Native Americans also used hot stones in their traditional sweat lodge while smaller hot stones were passed around to place on the specific area of tension. According to Chinese history, 4,000 years ago, the Shang Dynasty used hot stones to relieve stress, tension, and pain. The oriental medicine hot stones are in conjunction with the meridian channels to promote a better flow of energy throughout the body.