Abstract: Drillhole destressing is a local measure in the prevention and control of rock burst. However, existing research has problems such as unclear understanding of the engineering background and drillhole destressing itself, resulting in low credibility of some studies. This article adopts the research method of literature survey and rational reflection, focusing on the definition, the early research history in the prevention and control of rock burst in China, typical engineering background, classification, typical cases of drillhole destressing. Drillhole is an engineering technology that achieves pressure relief through drilling, and destressing drillhole is a borehole constructed for the purpose of pressure relief. Drillhole destressing did not appear in the early research stage of the prevention and control of rock burst in China. After entering the 21st century, research on this issue gradually increased in China. Typical engineering background for drillhole destressing includes roadway excavation, mining, roadway restoration, etc. According to different classification basis, drillhole destressing can be divided into different types. The design of drillhole destressing mainly involves the design of geometric parameters of destressing drillhole, the design of destressing drillhole combinations and the construction design of drillhole destressing. Current research has problems such as incomplete correspondence between drillhole destressing engineering and theory, excessive focus on material properties, unclear distinction about engineering background, and weak research on drillhole destressing on the side of coal pillars. In the future, methods and means that conform to the scientific research paradigm should be selected to conduct targeted, convincing, and refined research.