# Absorption and exhaustion: reading reversals on the heatmap

- Source: https://orderflowfutures.com/en/blog/absorption-epuisement-retournements
- Site: OrderFlowFutures (https://orderflowfutures.com)
- Author: Tom, Trader & founder of OrderFlowFutures (https://orderflowfutures.com/a-propos#auteur)
- Published: 2026-07-05
- Updated: 2026-07-05
- Reuse: free to quote and cite, with attribution to OrderFlowFutures and a link to the source URL.

> The two most reliable signals to anticipate a reversal — explained simply.
Anticipating a reversal isn't guessing: it's reading [absorption](/lexique/absorption) and [exhaustion](/lexique/exhaustion) on the [heatmap](/heatmap-trading).

## Absorption
When aggressive flow hits a level but large passive orders soak it all up without giving way, price stops moving despite the volume. Aggression burns out: a reversal is likely.

## Exhaustion
A volume climax that no longer moves price signals the last buyers (or sellers) entered at the worst moment. Paired with [delta](/lexique/delta) and CVD, it's a powerful signal.

## Combining them
- Spot absorption on the [heatmap](/heatmap-trading).
- Confirm exhaustion with the [footprint](/lexique/footprint) and a delta divergence.
- Frame it around the [POC](/lexique/poc).

For the full method, read our [order flow](/order-flow) and [heatmap trading](/heatmap-trading) guides.