The Proximal Line
Definition: the near edge
Proximal means 'nearest'. For a demand zone the proximal line is the TOP of the base — the first line price touches when it returns from above. For a supply zone the proximal line is the BOTTOM of the base — the first line price touches when it approaches from below.
Body vs wick for proximal
In the body-to-wick marking method, the proximal line is drawn at the BODY edge (open or close) of the base candle nearest to current price. Using the body instead of the wick makes the zone tighter and gives a more precise entry reference.
Why the proximal line matters
The proximal is where a reaction can logically begin — buyers (in a demand zone) defend from this line upward. Keeping entry at or near the proximal line maximises the distance to the distal line, directly improving the reward-to-risk ratio.
Consistency above all
The exact price of the proximal is less important than applying the same rule to every zone. Mixing body and wick rules across charts makes your study results incomparable.
Practice checklist
- For demand: proximal = top of base (body edge of nearest base candle)
- For supply: proximal = bottom of base (body edge of nearest base candle)
- Apply body-to-wick OR wick-to-wick — choose one and stick to it
- The proximal is the 'zone starts here' line, not an entry trigger
Mistakes to avoid
- Swapping proximal and distal — this flips the zone's logic entirely
- Changing the marking rule from chart to chart, making results incomparable