Actually, it's this same principle that consistitutes part of the testing for epilepsy (the portion that uses strobe lighting). We have used a colored light therapy for our son's autism (had a calming effect, actually) using a similar approach, and finally used a passive non-cognitive computer-modulated EEG-based neurobiofeedback therapy that marvelously helped his neutrotransmitter levels to the point where he was much less "triggerable" for the temporal lobe seizure-based tantrums he (and we) suffered, based on the same mechanism. You can learn more about this type of therapy in connection with Dr. Len Ochs on the internet. This therapy also induces vasodilation to the brain, which I suspect is where the actual benefit derives. It turns out that this approach, because it's gentle (if done correctly), is also homeopathic in its effect. It turned out, incidentally, from testing at Lawrence Livermore Lab, that the therapeutic power wasn't even the (very low) lights (LEDs) in the goggles; it was the electromagnetic radiation (good kind) coming off the (grounding?) lead.
One important principle we learned, though: less is better, and the brain is highly sensitive to input, preferring quieter stimulation and resisting "loud" stimulation. That is why sensory integration works better than sensorimotor integration in overcoming disabilities; it's quite powerful because it's more gentle.
I think I understand some of what you said... not being the scientific type.
I have some knowledge of various "alternative" disciplines; many work with emotions and brain function in a subtle way. For instance, color therapy, aromatherapy and sound therapy can deeply affect mood, thought processes, and so on.
Of course, there's a lot of bogus junk out there; I study very, very carefully.